South China Water Town

Being reputed as the Venus in the orient, the south china water towns are famous for their long history buildings, rivers and the unique and distinctive folk cultures and customs.

Without hustle and bustle of China's cities, the heavy traffic and the busy pedestrians, the south china water towns are reputed as the Venus in the orient. Most of the water town maintained the peace and comfort decades of years ago. When you step into the ancient town, you will get a feeling of backing to the dream home. The south China refers to the south area of the Yangtze River, in ancient times, the South China represents not only the water town with prosperous cultural education and beautiful scenery but the infinite yearning and hope for the better life of the Chinese people. The long history buildings, rivers and the unique and distinctive folk cultures and customs enable the south china water town a charming place. When enjoying the beautiful water-town landscapes there, you would have the feeling of appreciating famous Chinese ink paintings.

The travel of the water town is a good leisure for the city people. At present, there are six famous and well preserved water towns remaining in Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces including the Zhouzhuang, Luzhi and Tongli in Suzhou and the Xitang, Wuzhen and Nanxun in Zhejiang Province. Long in history and rich in culture, the water town can give you a landscape of Chinese architectures dated more than 1000 years ago and countless number of unique bridges on rivers and small Chinese boats going through them. The unique and distinctive folk cultures and customs are very attractive too.

Ancient Town of Zhouzhuang

Located in the southwest of Kunshan City, about 55 kilometers to the southeast of Suzhou City, Ancient Town of Zhouzhuang is one of the most famous water towns in China. Once called Zhenfengli in ancient times, the place was changed the name into Zhuouzhuang in the region of the Emperor Kangxi in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). There are lakes on all four sides of Zhouzhang, which makes it a simple, unsophisticated and peaceful city. With typical bridge, running river and traditional families, Zhouzhuang is a picturesque village. The famous spot in Zhouzhuang include the Fuan Bridge, Double Bridge and the folk house Shenting.

Luzhi

With a history of more than 2,500 years, the Luzhi town is full of the places of interests, ancient bridge, old buildings and the ancient folk house. There ginkgo tree with a history of more than 1,300 years is very attractive. With more water and more bridge is the other characteristic of Luzhi. Being reputed as the city of bridge, the one kilometers long Luzhi possesses 72 bridges from the Song (60-1127), Yuan (1127-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties. Now, only 41 of them are extant.

Tongli Town

As a famous historical and cultural town in Suzhou, Tongli Town is the best preserved water town in Jiangsu province. Located 18 kilometers from Suzhou City, Tongli has a history of more than 1,000 years. Surrounded by water in four sides, Tongli town is set among the five lakes of Tongli, Jiuli, Yeze, Nanxing, and Pangshan. It is dived into seven islands by 15 rivers and combined into a whole by 49 ancient bridges. Almost all of the architectures in this town were built facing the water. Being reputed as the “Venice in the East", Tongli was added into the preparation list of the world cultural heritage.

Ancient Town of Wuzhen

Located south of the Yangtze River, 17 kilometers north of Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province, Ancient Town of Wuzhen is a cultural heritage. Since the houses and archways are usually black, the town was called as Wuzhen. The ancient docks, waterside pavilions, and corridors stretch out for miles and make a romantic atmosphere that is typical to Jiang Nan water towns. Wuzhen is divided into two districts: Dongzha and Xizha. Taking a night cruise in Xizha District, where decorated with beautiful lights is fascinating. Wandering on Wuzhen, one can feel the serenity, peacefulness and subtle beauty of the Jiang Nan water town.

Old Town of Xitang

Located in the north of Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, Old Town of Xitang is an ancient town with peaceful and beautiful environment. Featured for flat terrain, crisscrossed rivers, numerous bridges, lanes and corridors, Xitang is the best place to take photos, especially in rainy days. As early as the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods (770-221BC), Xitang was a place of strategic importance on the boundary between Wu and Yue States. Most of the bridges here were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Nanxun

Located about 30 kilometers east of Huzhou City in north Zhejiang, Province, Nanxun is a famous historical and cultural town with a history of 1400 years. There are many historical sites here, such as the Xiaolianzhuang Garden, Yingyuan Garden and a library. The library is actually a small garden in the architecture style of the south water town.

>>Take a tour to the water towns in south China!
8 Days 5 Cities of East China & Water Town of Zhouzhuang
6 Days Shanghai, Gardens of Suzhou, Hangzhou & Water Town of Zhouzhuang
5 Days Shanghai Classic Tour with Hangzhou & Water Town of Wuzhen
More choices, please visit Hangzhou Tours
 

Shanghai Culture