|
 Known
as a collection of
beauty of China’s water
town, Zhouzhuang, like a
lotus on the water, is
surrounded by rivers as
Nanbeichi, Houxiang,
Youcheyang and Zhongshi.
There are many bridges
as well, the most famous
being Yong’an and Shide,
alias Double Bridge,
from which many artists
have drawn inspiration,
including the eminent
painter Chen Yifei.
Sitting on a boat, you
may be carried away by
the quiet and beautiful
scene. At night when all
streets are empty, you
catch a glimpse of dim
lights down the narrow
lanes. Occasionally, the
sweet peace is
punctuated by the
distant sound of
laughter, and a
harmonious environment
is created.
Zhouzhuang is also well
known for its simple but
unique architecture,
which stands well up
through 900 years. More
than 60 percent of the
current residences were
constructed during the
Ming and Qing dynasties.
Hence, it’s "a treasure
of China" described by
Luo Zhewen, a notable
architect.
Moreover, Zhouzhuang
boasts rich cultural
resources like
Grandmother Tea, and
such simple local
customs as fast boating.
Grandmother Tea
People of Zhouzhuang
have a way of drinking
tea. They use ancient
tea sets, boil water in
pottery or earthen jars,
and have bamboo slices
or branches as fuel.
Several minutes after
washing the tea, they
pour on it boiled water.
By such means, the tea,
beautiful in color, is
both fragrant and
tasteful. But why is it
called Grandmother Tea?
People used to see
groups of old women
sitting together and
drinking tea leisurely.
Hence, the name.
Fast Boating
Fast boating goes far
back to the Qing
dynasty, originally
started to raise the
morale of soldiers.
Later on, people held
races on holidays, in
weddings, and during the
time of harvests. At
present, travel boats
are provided for
tourists to do
sightseeing around.
Bambooware
Bambooware and bronze
braziers have also won
enormous acclaim for
Zhouzhuang. The durable
bambooware is known far
and wide for its fine
workmanship, while the
exquisite bronze
braziers of many shapes
once won a prize in the
South Pacific Industrial
Expo and the reputation
of "Zhouzhuang
Braziers". |
