Don't go to Zhouzhuang! This free ancient town of Suzhou is the true Jiangnan

Who understands! In Suzhou, I found the true 'Beforehand Slow.' 🌿

Compared to the bustle of Zhouzhuang and Tongli, I love this lesser-known ancient town hidden at the end of Wu and Yue — Zhenze. The name carries the gentle meaning of Taihu's ancient name, and the key is that it doesn't require an entrance ticket and is very few people—it's truly a paradise for introverts to unwind and relax! 😭

Let's start by explaining how to explore. The first stop is Yuji Bridge, which is pictured alongside Ciyun Temple Pagoda. Be sure to capture the perfect photo of the "arch bridge and pagoda shadow," especially at sunset, when it's the "Ciyun Sunset," the top of the Eight Scenic Spots of Zhenze—so beautiful it's beyond words. Then you stroll to Baota Street, a bluestone road over 300 meters long. There are no Yiwu small goods on either side, only locals sunbathing and drinking tea under the corridors, and the pace suddenly slows ☕️ down. Then you visit Shijian Hall, where inside this Jiangnan "grand mansion gate" hides a small and exquisite scripture garden, well worth a visit.

The food is even more of a must-try! First, go to Siwan Teahouse to experience the highest hospitality of Wujiang people: smoked bean tea with water and steamed eggs, from sweet to salty and then mild, like tasting ✨ all the flavors of life. Don't forget Ren Changshun's intangible cultural heritage Dingsheng Cake, which appeared on "A Bite of the Tongue 3"—it's soft and glutinous right out of the pot, especially fragrant. There's also Zheng Dingfeng's century-old black dried tofu, which gets more flavorful the more you chew—perfect as a snack while watching dramas.

Transportation is actually quite simple. If you drive, navigate directly to the "Zhenze Ancient Town Visitor Center," and parking is free 🆓. If taking the metro, take Line 4 to Songling Avenue Station and transfer to the "Wujiang Zhenze Special Line" bus, which goes straight there 🚌.

A hidden tip: Be sure to get up early! The mist over the river in the morning mixed with cooking smoke is the true soul of Jiangnan. The ancient town combo ticket is 42 yuan (including a few small snacks). If you just want to experience the local atmosphere, you can enjoy your visit without buying a ticket.

While other ancient towns sell trendy milk tea, here there are still barber shops and tailor shops, with veteran workers calmly busy with their work ✂️. Whenever I want to hit pause, I come to Zhenze to zone out. You should try it too~ 🍂