The canal network is the reason Zhouzhuang exists as a town, and seeing it from the water changes your understanding of the place entirely. Wooden gondola-style boats seat up to six passengers and are poled by oarswomen in traditional dress along the main canals, passing under stone bridges and beside the rear walls of the old mansions, many of which have stone steps descending directly to the water.
The standard circuit takes about twenty minutes and covers the main artery of the canal system. Longer routes are available by arrangement, and an evening ride — when paper lanterns illuminate the bridges and most day-trippers have left — is the most atmospheric option. Tickets are sold at several points near the main entrance, and sharing a boat with strangers is the norm.