A small town on the Grand Canal, which links Suzhou and Shanghai, Zhouzhuang was once a flourishing port, specializing in silk, pottery, and grain. It attracted scholars and officials who built fine bridges and houses between the Yuan and Qing eras. After an hour's drive from Shanghai, we start exploring the charming old town on foot or via a boat tour on the canals. Among the attractions are the Ming-era Hall of Zhang Residence with 70 rooms, and the Hall of Shen's Residence, with 100 rooms connected to the main hall. The Chengxu Temple, located near the Zhouzhuang museum, is a Song-dynasty Daoist Shrine. More importantly, Zhouzhuang is a place that will transport you back to the leisure and carefree lifestyle long lost, with just a sip of warm green tea and a plate of street snack, mingling with smiling locals in their merry melodies of a good day.