There are many ways to explore Zhouzhuang. You can slowly wander in Zhouzhuang's folk shops and talk with the shopkeepers or learn about the city through its food.
Zhouzhuang’s food is richly endowed by its history and culture. Its famous wansanti (pig's hoof) dish is the most notable. Lots of sugar is added in the making process of wansanti, which results in its great taste and appearance. Hundreds of years of tradition have helped make wansanti the main course at the dining table of Zhouzhuang residents. It represents reunion and is a favored dish to treat guests. So, if you're tired of having New Year's Eve dinner in the city, you may wish to come to Zhouzhuang and have a wansan dinner with friends and family to welcome the New Year.
Zhouzhuang is more than just a tourist attraction nowadays; it is also a communication and exchange place for art and culture. You can learn the culture and history of heptachord, a kind of ancient Chinese musical instrument, and enjoy its pleasant sound in a club. You can also appreciate the local folk art of embroidery. Zhouzhuang's Kunqu opera is quite authentic, so why not go to the old stage and enjoy some opera. There are also some fashionable leisure places for young people.
Drinking Apo tea is a must when visiting Zhouzhuang. Nothing is better than a moment of distraction in the natural landscape with a cup of tea in hand. The beautiful scenery and the refreshing tea can make all worries and troubles disappear.
Zhouzhuang is changing, but its ancient culture and history will remain forever. New things and old traditions mutually complement each other and together contribute to a better Zhouzhuang.
Theme Performances
1. Kunqu Opera is a human oral intangible cultural heritage. The Jiangsu Kunqu Opera Theatre and Zhejiang Kunqu Opera Theatre perform at the Zhouzhuang ancient stage every day from 10:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 pm, except Thursday.
2. Pingtan, a Suzhou intangible cultural heritage, will be performed by the Suzhou Pingtan School in Jubinlou Teahouse everyday from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
3. Erhu performances will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Ma Xiaohui Culture Salon.
4. Heptachord activities take place from 10:30 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 pm in the South Lake Heptachord Club.
Celebrating Spring Festival in Zhouzhuang
1. A fete to the Stove King (Feb 4)
2. Making rice cake (Feb 8)
3. Staying up late on New Year's Eve (Feb 9)
4. Celebration on the first day of the lunar year (Feb 10)
5. Day of the god of wealth (Feb 14)
6. Lantern Festival (Feb 24)