A cultural journey to China, the captivating water towns known as Venice of China with exquisite waterways located in Jiangnan area (south of the Yangtze River’s lower reaches) are must-see destinations. Peaceful and relaxing hours at an ancient house or in a small boat gently dropping down the town river can be enjoyed while at the same time providing the authentic water town life of China centuries ago…
What is a Water Town in China?
A Chinese water town (pinyin: shuǐ xiāng) refers to an area with numerous rivers, lakes and well-developed water systems, creating a unique geographical landscape. It often specifically refers to the regions in southern China, such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Shaoxing.
The traditional houses in this region are characterized by high walls, narrow alleys, and courtyard layouts. Traditional clothing for women includes patchwork shirts and headscarves. The folk activities in the water town area are rich, such as dragon boat races and the "silk flower water fair".
Historically, water towns were usually fertile lands for fish and rice, as water transportation promoted economic prosperity. The best ancient water towns in China such as Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, and Luzhi still preserve ancient bridges and architectural complexes.
Apart from the water towns in the south China, there are also some ancient water towns in northern China. Due to their architectural styles and local customs, they usually appear more solemn. For instance, the ancient Gubei Water Town in Beijing and the Nanyang Ancient Town in Jining City.
A Quick Overview of China’s Top Water Towns
| Ancient Town | Approximate Founding History (Years) | Approximate Distance (km) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhouzhuang | ~900 | 60k to Shanghai ; Suzhou 30; Hangzhou 100+ | First-time visitors, those seeking iconic scenery. |
| Wuzhen | ~1300 | Shanghai 140; Suzhou 80; Hangzhou 80 | Culture and art enthusiasts, visitors who prioritize a well-rounded tourist experience and comprehensive amenities. |
| Xitang | ~1300 | Shanghai 90; Suzhou 80; Hangzhou 110 | Visitors who enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and nightlife, particularly younger travelers. |
| Tongli | ~1000 | Shanghai 80; Suzhou 20; Hangzhou 120 | Those who appreciate classical gardens and seek a serene water town experience. |
| Nanxun | ~700+ | Shanghai 120; Suzhou 50; Hangzhou 90 | Visitors interested in modern history, Sino-Western architectural fusion, and merchant culture. |
| Luzhi | ~1500 | Shanghai 58; Suzhou 18; Hangzhou 150 | In-depth travelers who prefer an authentic, uncommercialized atmosphere and tranquility. |
| Zhujiajiao | ~1700 | Shanghai 50; Suzhou 80; Hangzhou 150 | Time-limited travelers looking for a convenient day trip from Shanghai. |
| Mudu | ~2500 | Shanghai 100; Suzhou 10; Hangzhou 150 | Those fond of Suzhou's garden culture, wanting to experience both classical gardens and a water town in one visit. |
1. Wuzhen Water Town (乌镇)
80 km away from Hangzhou city, the 1200-year-old Wuzhen town locates at the north of Tongxiang City of Zhejiang Province, with the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal running across. Ranking the first among the most famous water towns in China, Wuzhen is well-known for its imposing ancient building complex and elegant old town layout of ancient docks, waterside pavilions and corridors, stone bridges of all sizes cross the streams winding through the town.
The bridge is an indispensable part of the ancient water towns in China. Currently, there are over 30 ancient bridges in Wuzhen. Among them, there are Tongji Bridge and Renji Bridge in Xizha; Yingjia Bridge, Taiping Bridge, Renshou Bridge, Yong'an Bridge, and Fengyuan Twin Bridges in Dongzha; Fuxing Bridge and Fulan Bridge in Nanzha; and Tiyun Bridge and Liji Bridge in Beizha. Some of the bridges were first built in the Southern Song Dynasty, but most of them were originally built or rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
- Highlights: Dongzha (realistic atmosphere) and Xizha (night views and vacation)
- Top activities: Stroll through the water lanes of Xizha, enjoy the night views and the reflections of lanterns; Visit Mao Dun's former residence and Mu Xiny's art gallery; Take a punt boat to experience the slow life of the water town
- Best time to visit: March - May, September - November
- How to get there: By taxi/private car from Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou for a round trip within the day; Take the high-speed rail to Tongxian Station, then transfer to bus or taxi for about 30 minutes
- Recommended 3 Days Essential Hangzhou with Wuzhen & Grand Canal Tour
2. Zhouzhuang Water Town (周庄)
The ancient town of Zhouzhuang is located 38 kilometers southeast of Suzhou City. The renowned ancient painter Wu Guanzhong wrote, "Huangshan embodies the beauty of all Chinese mountains, while Zhouzhuang showcases the beauty of China's water towns."
Initially built in 1086 during the North Song Dynasty, today’s Zhouzhuang has been a very popular tourist destination in China. With its profound cultural background, the well-preserved ancient dwellings from Ming and Qing dynasties, and the refreshing watery views, the small town has attracted numerous artists and litterateurs to paint or make here their new home.
Widely known as the best water town in China, Zhouzhuang is still worth an in-depth visit, regardless of the chaos of the tourist crowd. But try to find out the tranquil and authentic Zhouzhuang yourself in the low season and by visiting the old batik's workshop, and the old wine workshop.
- Highlights: Zhang Hall, Shen Hall, Ye Churen's Former Residence, Misty Tower, Nanhu Garden Quanfu Temple, Twin Bridges
- Top activities: Take a pedal boat to tour the waterways of the ancient town; Walk around the town at night
- Best time to visit: March to May, September to October
- How to get there: Take a taxi or private car from Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou for 1 - 1.5 hours' journey
- Recommended 3 Days Suzhou Tour with Zhouzhuang Water Town
3. Xitang Water Town (西塘)
Xitang is conveniently located within 100 kilometers from Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, and offers a peaceful world to flee away from the noisy metropolitan life. Nine rivers converge in this thousand-year-old Chinese town, dividing it into eight sections. And numerous bridges connect the water towns together.
Similar to the other water towns in China, Xitang also has cobbled streets, old buildings, arching bridges, crisscrossed rivers, and rowing boats. Furthermore, it boasts a beautiful waterside street and corridor as long as 1000 meters. In spring, Xitang becomes a stunning Chinese ink wash painting when being veiled with mist and rain.
- Highlights: One of the best-preserved ancient towns in the Jiangnan region
- Top activities: Stroll along the misty corridor; Hit the bar street; taste the local food of Xitang
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn seasons
- How to get there: Take a taxi or private car from Shanghai / Hangzhou and it will take about 1.5 hours to arrive.
- Explore the best water towns near Shanghai
4. Tongli Water Town (同里)
18 km away from downtown Suzhou, and 80 kilometers away from Shanghai, Tongli is one of the top 6 water towns in Jiangnan region and surrounded by 5 lakes. The ancient town (with a history of over 1000 years) has been divided into 7 islets by 15 crisscrossed rivers, and linked by 49 century-old stone bridges. Therefore in Tongli, the small boat is the daily means of transport for every family. There are also old temples and typical Suzhou private gardens that are worth a visit.
- Highlights: Known as the "Little Venice of the East"
- Top things to do: Visit Tuisi Garden (a World Cultural Heritage site); take a boat ride through the waterways; visit ancient residences such as the Pearl Tower and Chongbentang.
- Best time to visit: March–May, September–November
- How to get to: Take Suzhou Metro Line 4 to Tongli Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi.
- Recommended 3 Days Suzhou Tongli Water Town Tour
5. Nanxun Water Town (南浔)
Nanxun is one of the most well-preserved old towns in China's Jiangnan Region. It is simple, humble, and much lesser known than the other water towns, but famous for its cultural heritage and 5 historical private gardens. A visit to Nanxun, you should not miss the ancient Huizhou architecture, the sophisticated Xiao Lian (little lotus) Garden, the waterfront Bai Jian Lou (100 houses), and the mouth-watering local snacks.
- Highlights: One of the most culturally rich water towns in China; a perfect blend of modern wealthy merchant residences and Jiangnan gardens.
- Top things to do: Visit Xiaolianzhuang and Jiayetang Library; learn about the culture of modern silk merchants; take a boat ride through the ancient town's waterways.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
- How to get to: Suitable for a day trip to Suzhou/Hangzhou
- Recommended 3 Days Hangzhou Weekend Getaway with Nanxun
6. Luzhi Water Town (甪直)
18 km east of Suzhou city, the 2500-year-old Luzhi town is hailed as one of the top ten famous Chinese historical townships and was awarded a Township Preservation Award by UNESCO in 2014. Visitors are most likely to be impressed its ancient dwellings and streets, a 1300-year-old gingko tree, and 41 time-honored bridges of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties in various sizes and shapes. So Luzhi is also called Bridge Town or Ancient Chinese Bridge Museum.
- Highlights: One of the oldest water towns in China (with over 2500 years of history);
- Top things to do: Visit historical buildings such as Baosheng Temple and Shen Residence; take a small hand-rowing boat tour along the waterways; sample Suzhou snacks.
- Best time to visit: All year round
- How to get to: Approximately 30–40 minutes from Suzhou city center
7. Others
Zhuajiajiao Water Town (朱家角) – it is the closest water town to Shanghai (50 kilometers apart), and a laid-back base featuring historical buildings, cultural sites, beautiful scenery, and well-appointed modern resorts.
Mudu Water Town - Located in the west of Suzhou City, by the shore of Taihu Lake, it is a water town that is 2,500 years old. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Mudu was the most prosperous commercial port in the west of Suzhou City. As the only ancient garden town in China, Mudu had over thirty private gardens during the Ming and Qing periods. Currently, more than ten such gardens still remain, such as the Yan Family Garden and the Mudu Private Garden.
Gubei Water Town (古北水镇) – it is recommended mostly because of being located at the foot of Simatai Great Wall (the most authentic Great Wall in Beijing) in North China. The renovation of this 1000-year-old town has been beautifully done. Visitors now can combine Great Wall and water town for an innovative Beijing tour.
FAQ about Water Towns in China
What is the most beautiful water town in China?
Wuzhen is regarded by most domestic and foreign tourists as the most beautiful water town, as its ancient residential buildings are the most well-preserved and its night view is particularly outstanding.
What is your recommendation for my first trip to China’s water town?
Wuzhen or Zhouzhuang, with their classic water-town charm, complete facilities and beautiful night views, are the best choices for first-time visitors. You can also combine the Suzhou gardens with the water towns in the same journey by visiting Tongli.
How much time needed to explore an ancient water town?
It usually takes about half a day. For Wuzhen or Xitang, it is recommended to stay for one night to enjoy the night views and the peaceful water towns in the early morning.
Are there entrance fee for the water towns?
Yes. Moreover, the boat tour are usually an optional expense and require an additional fee.