We were using Suzhou as a stopping place on our way to Huangshan. So, we hadn't made any plans. Fortunately, the other guests had made plans to visit Zhouzhuang the following day and invited us to join them. We loved that they knew what it was, where it was, and most importantly how to get there. So, we gratefully and happily accepted their invitation.
Zhouzhuang is China's No. 1 Water Town. I love this translation! It seemed like we were on our way to an amusement park. Zhouzhuang is actually China'a first water town (although it may be No.1 as well, we didn't go to any others to compare). It was built along a river and has canals running through the town. The streets are narrow and lined shops and houses.
We loved wandering through. The shops were mostly souvenir and tea shops, but it was still fun to meander and look. There were a few museums as well. One of them was full of beautiful pottery. If only pottery could easily fit in a backpack...
There was also a Buddhist temple surrounded by gardens. There were red ribbons tied around fences and trees and red candles lit nearby. Inside the temple, monks were giving blessings.
After Beijing, this was the perfect town. It's what I pictured when I thought of ancient China.
I have to admit that one of my favorite spots was a small cafe where I had my first milktea. I think it's just black tea and milk (sometimes soy, sometimes cow). I had seen signs for it and wanted to try. That iced milktea on a hot day was amazing. Side note: there was a Starbucks in the ancient city, but it just seemed wrong to go there.
I love milktea. I try to find it everyday.
