A trip to Zhouzhuang is about more than just small bridges and flowing water.

The authentic local food hidden in the streets and alleys

offers flavors that no other ancient town can replicate.

Every dish is born from

Zhouzhuang's local land, water, and century-old culinary traditions,

and you can only taste the most authentic versions right here in Zhouzhuang.

Wansan Pork Knuckle, inspired by the legend of Shen Wansan, originated in Zhouzhuang.

It's a one-of-a-kind signature dish of the ancient town,

and once you leave Zhouzhuang, you simply can't find the original flavor anywhere else.

A whole pork knuckle is slowly simmered for hours

until the skin turns glossy and reddish-brown,

while the meat becomes tender and deeply flavorful.

The fat and lean blend perfectly—

just press it with your lips and the meat falls off the bone.

Soft, savory, and never greasy,

it's a historic flavor unique to Zhouzhuang.

Stir-fried preserved vegetables with edamame

is a home-style recipe passed down through generations of Zhouzhuang locals.

Made with locally pickled vegetables

and fresh edamame from the ancient town,

it's quickly stir-fried over high heat for a light, savory taste that goes perfectly with rice—

a true water town flavor that's hard to recreate elsewhere.

The steamed whitefish, nourished by Zhouzhuang's rivers and lakes,

is a native freshwater delicacy unique to this water town.

Caught fresh and cooked immediately,

the meat is tender yet firm, without any muddy taste.

Steaming preserves the natural sweetness of the river water,

letting you enjoy the pure flavor of the fish.

River snails stuffed with pork, a dish full of Jiangnan ingenuity,

was first created by Zhouzhuang locals as a unique way to eat.

It's an original water town delicacy:

seasoned minced pork is stuffed into river snails

and braised until flavorful.

The sweetness of the snail meat blends with the rich aroma of the pork filling

for a delicious bite—

you'll hardly find this dish in any other ancient town.

Aozao Noodles, rooted in the streets and alleys of Zhouzhuang,

are an authentic intangible cultural heritage dish from Kunshan

and a daily staple that Zhouzhuang locals have grown up eating.

Old shops use a secret broth recipe passed down for years,

paired with chewy thin noodles

and two classic toppings: braised pork belly and fish.

Branches outside the town can never replicate

the rich, slow-simmered flavor of the local original.

Sock-Bottom Pastries, found everywhere here,

are a century-old traditional snack in Zhouzhuang.

A special recipe creates layers of flaky pastry

with a unique sweet-and-savory scallion flavor.

They're so crispy they crumble as you eat them,

and enjoying one while strolling around

is an experience you can only get in Zhouzhuang.

All the food here comes from Zhouzhuang's own land and water.

Every bite captures the unique everyday charm of Jiangnan.

Scenery may look similar elsewhere,

but these authentic flavors

can only be truly experienced by coming to Zhouzhuang yourself.