Zhouzhuang

Situated within Kunshan County-level city, and 30 kilometers southeast of Suzhou .Zhouzhuang is a town in Jiangsu Province.During the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), Zhouzhuang was one part of the fief Yaocheng and called Zhenfengli. Afterwards. In 1086 during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) ,Zhouzhuang got its present name as a memorial of the donor after being donated to Full Fortune Temple by Zhou Digong, a very devout Buddhist. In an area of half a square kilometer (124 acres), 60 percent of the Zhouzhuang's structures were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, which is from 1368 to 1911.Zhouzhuang is a popular touristic destination. It is one of the most famous water townships in China, noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. It has been called the "Venice of the East".