In addition to visiting the traditional scenic spots in Zhouzhuang, you can also discover some of the water town's hidden charms for yourself. It is possible to see the best of the area in just 24 hours.

6:00-8:00

Early risers can enjoy the morning sunrise over the historic town

Changqiao Bridge [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

There are no modern apartment blocks or factories in Zhouzhuang. Visitors can breathe clean, fresh air all year round.

Recommended: Fugui Garden (on the one side of Fugui Garden Road, Zhouzhuang) Nanhu Qiuyue Garden (Nanshi Street No16) Price: free of charge

8:00-9:00

A Zhouzhuang breakfast

Shenfu Snack Bar [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

There's no better way to start the day than with a traditional Zhouzhuang breakfast. Local specialties include seasonal A Po Cai (pickled rape stem), tasty Ao Zao Noodle, Choudoufu (fermented bean curd), luobosibing (turnip cake) and Haitanggao (Chinese flowering crabapple rice cake).

Recommended: Shenfu Snack Bar (Nanshi Street No103) Lao Zao Tou (Zhenfeng Cultural Street)

9:00-11:00

Tour the water town

Twin Bridges [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

You can either pay a visit to the buildings erected during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) or take a trip aboard a traditional boat to tour the whole town. Chinese-speakers can enjoy listening to Pingtan (the storytelling and ballad singing in Suzhou dialect) at Jubin Building or read the stories about San Mao, a renowned Chinese novelist. Visiting Sanmao Teahouse would also be an excellent choice for taking a break and enjoying some respite from sightseeing.

Sanmao Teahouse [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Recommended: Shen House, Zhang House (Nanshi Street)Zhouzhuang Museum (Houxiang Street No 38) Jubin Building （Culture Street No 107） Sanmao Teahouse （Zhongshi Street No 111）

11:00-12:00

 Enjoy a lunch of local cuisine

Wansan’s Family Feast [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

You could either enjoy "Wansan's Family Feast" at the century- old tavern or have a bite of some creative delicacies at one of the many fashionable eateries.

Recommended: Shen's Tavern (Nanshi Street No 55-56) Zhixiangwang Theme Creative Restaurant (Quanfu Road No19) Price: Shen's Tavern: 80 yuan/per person; Zhixiangwang: 60 yuan/per person

12:00-14:00

Experience Zhouzhuang’s craft culture

The liquor workshop [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

There is a great variety of handicraft workshops in Zhouzhuang. You can enjoy a variety of different arts and crafts. Recommended: Zhenfeng Twelve Workshops (Zhenfeng Culture Street No 107)

An elderly craftsman weaves a bamboo basket. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

14:00-14:30

Listen to Kunqu Opera

Zhouzhuang is a wonderful choice for opera lovers, with talented opera performers singing Kunqu Opera.

Two performers sing a Kunqu Opera. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Recommended: Nanhu Guqin Society (Houxiang Street No 42) Ancient Kunqu Opera Stage (Beishi Street No 89)

14:30-17:00

Get lost in the charming streets of the old town

Mao Mi Café [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wander along the streets and scattered lanes of the old town, or have a cup of tea or coffee at one of the town's cafes, whilst enjoying a tranquil and romantic afternoon in the water town. Recommended: Mao Mi Café (Xianyuan Lane No 6) Nanshe Century Bookstore (Xiwan Street No 19) Kopi Luwak Café (Next to the Twin Bridges)

17:00-18:00

 Enjoy a short trip to the countryside

Visitors enjoy fishing on a boat at Qibang Village. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

It’s time to escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. Go to the countryside to experience the beauty and tranquility of the fields. You can also take part in activities such as fishing, crab-catching or even pearl diving.

Recommended: Qibang Village

18:00-19:00

Enjoy a local dinner

Chuncailuyu soup [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

You can enjoy Chuncailuyu soup (Watershield and bass soup) as your supper. The soup's name originates from a story which dates back to the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316).

Recommended: Cafeteria of Chunluzhisi Resort Hotel (Chenjialong No 7)

19:00-20:00

Zhouzhuang in Four Seasons

A live performance of Zhouzhuang in Four Seasons. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Catch a performance of Zhouzhuang in Four Seasons, and get to know Zhouzhuang and Jiangnan in one night.

Recommended : Nanhu Qiushi Garden (Nanshi Street No16) Price: 150 yuan ($23) per person, 280 yuan for VIP seats

20:00-23:00

Sample the town’s nightlife

Slow Life District [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Enjoy a few drinks at the pubs located to the west of Beishi River, where you can enjoy a drink in relaxing surroundings.

Recommended: Tangguo, Hongting, Qingguo, Chunquchunlai and other pubs in the1086 Slow Life District.

Places to stay

The hotel at Qibang Village [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhouzhuang has a choice of excellent hotels catering to travelers on any budget. The most important thing is finding somewhere comfortable and pleasant to spend the night and recharge your batteries for the following day! Recommended: Chunluzhisi Resort Hotel (Chenjialong No 7), 600yuan per night Zhenfengxuan ( Xianyuanlong No 8), 580 per night Xiangcun•Qi Zhuang（Qibang Village, 2888 yuan per night