Do You Like Ancient Water Towns in China?

[lanbaiwuyu]

Far away from the hustle and bustle of modern city, the ancient towns display idyllic landscapes and secluded tranquility to you. Being famous for its ancient architecture, traditional-looking stone bridges and crisscrossed waters, the ancient water towns are still keeping the pristine culture and folks of traditional southern China. They are ideal destinations for relaxing holiday and I have to advice you to bring a camera with you for there are lots of photo opportunities.

What’s your idea about the ancient water towns in southern China? Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Wuzhen, Nanxun, Jiaozhizhen and Xitang, which towns do you like best and why?

[VacationBuddy]

I think the real appeal of the Ancient Water towns of China has a lot to do with the shift in tourism in China. Let's say 15 years ago, Suzhou was vitually unknown but now it’s only a couple hours from Shanghai, and a well-known destination itself.

I think Zhouzhuang is believed to be the number one in Chinas water town and widely known as the Venice of the Orient. The town has a history of 900 years, and in ancient times, it served as an important distribution center for commodities like silk, porcelain, crafts and grain, because of its unique geographical location. It is closely connected with the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

One of Zhouzhuangs most distinctive features is its water lanes which are the towns main roads and the Twin Bridges which date back to the 16th century.

VacationBuddy

[slipshod]

I like Tongli myself. I think they're all fairly similar, but Tongli has the added advantage of the China Sex Museum, which is well worth a look. A tip: if you're in a small group, take a taxi there early in the morning (arrive well before 7am) to avoid the entrance fee and so you can wander the alleys while they're still deserted.