Water Town in China

Some people ask if water towns are all alike. No, they are not all alike -- quite the contrary! When you visit water towns, you will discover that each one has its unique characteristics. They have their history, culture, scrumptious culinary delights, and a landscape representative of an ancient Chinese Calligraphy Painting.

Discover a Cultural Tour

Wuzhen has a long history of over 1,300 years. Rivers divide it into four parts: East, West, South, and North. The East part has rich water town culture and simple local life. You can feel how people live there and watch boat-fighting shows and shadow plays.

Savor a Food Tour

For food lovers, each water town has its special food. You can choose where to start your food journey based on your taste. If you like salty and sweet flavors, go to Zhujiajiao to eat zongzi, or go to Nanxun to eat braised pork. If you like light flavors, go to Xitang to eat steamed fish.

Explore a Photography Tour

Zhouzhuang has well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings and beautiful water town scenery. There are small bridges, flowing rivers, white walls, and black tiles. The stone paths are also charming. Every place is full of classical beauty.

Tongli Ancient Town is famous for its rich history and unique folk customs. There are many old houses, narrow alleys, and bustling markets. These are all great places to take pictures of people and scenery.

Enjoy a Half-day Tour

If you don't have much time but still want to see a water town, Zhujiajiao is the best choice. It is the closest ancient town to the city center of Shanghai and also the easiest to get to. The most famous thing in Zhujiajiao is the Fangsheng Bridge, which is the longest five-arched bridge in the Yangtze River Delta area.

Experience a Night Tour

During the day, Wuzhen lets you feel the authentic charm of a Jiangnan water town. But at night, Wuzhen shows a completely different flavor. People often say, Sleep in Wuzhen, and you'll dream of the Jiangnan waters. This also shows how beautiful the night in Wuzhen is.

When the lights come on in the evening, the whole Xizha area shines brightly. The old houses, ancient trees, bridge arches, stone pillars by the water, and steps on the riverbanks are all lit up. The different lights mix and make Xizha look like a dream.

Most Recommended Water Town Tour

The best water towns to visit are Tongli and Zhouzhuang. Tongli is called the Oriental Little Venice. It has a history of over 1,500 years! The whole town is surrounded by water, with lots of rivers and many bridges. The best things to see there are the Tuisi Garden, Chongben Hall, Jiayin Hall, and the three bridges: Taiping Bridge, Jili Bridge, and Changqing Bridge.

Zhouzhuang is also great. It's known as the Number One Water Town in China. It's famous for its bridges, flowing water, and houses. The Shuangqiao, or Double Bridge, is its most famous sight.

Difference Between Each Water Town

The water towns in the Jiangnan area are mostly in the Yangtze River Delta, and each town has its charm. Wuzhen is full of ancient charm, Xitang has small bridges and flowing water, Zhouzhuang is peaceful like a painting, and Tongli has a long-lasting flavor.

City Tour Around Water Town