Zhōuzhuāng, Jiāngsū

Zhōuzhuāng, established over 900 years ago, set in the country side between Sūzhōu and Shànghăi, is believed to the first of the water-towns in this part of China with its lakes and rivers. The cobbled lanes with their traditional buildings, and the stone bridges crossing the canals make for a picturesque setting of old China. Protected by the Government over 60% of the buildings date back to the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.