The water towns of eastern China, located near Shanghai, are celebrated for their charming whitewashed houses, arched stone bridges, and lively canal-side streets. Most of these towns are situated in a region known as Jiangnan, meaning ‘south of the Yangzi River’. Many locals still continue their traditional lifestyles along the waterways, using the Yangzi’s tributaries and canals for various daily activities, such as washing clothes, catching food, and transportation.
Each water town, while exhibiting common architectural features, boasts unique characteristics that reflect the flow of surrounding watercourses. Their picturesque settings have, consequently, made them popular tourist attractions, with many now charging entrance fees. Although these towns can be explored on day trips from larger cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, an overnight visit is advisable to enjoy their tranquility away from the crowds. Spring and autumn are the most beautiful seasons to visit, showcasing vibrant foliage and cool air.
The water towns of eastern China extend across the Yangzi delta, covering western Shanghai, southern Jiangsu, and northern Zhejiang. With numerous options available, here is a selection of the best water towns to explore.
Easy Day Trips
Zhujiajiao
Zhujiajiao (朱家角) is conveniently accessible from Shanghai, known for its 36 ancient bridges, grand residences, and lovely gardens, providing a striking contrast to the modern high-rises of central Shanghai. However, this small water town sees crowds that rival those found along Shanghai’s neon-lit Nanjing Road.
Positioned at the junction of several rivers, Zhujiajiao thrived on transporting rice and cloth via boats from the surrounding countryside. Boasting a history of over 1700 years, it features a captivating blend of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, all contained within a compact area that can be comfortably explored in about three hours.
Luzhi
A short bus ride from Suzhou, the quaint town of Luzhi (甪直) is elegant, showcasing numerous original Ming and Qing-era homes that have largely remained untouched. This charming town is so picturesque that it inspired the Ming dynasty poem, Scene of Puli (Puli being Luzhi’s old name), perfectly describing its beauty with lines about willow-lined bridges and lotus streams.
Despite its allure, Luzhi receives fewer visitors than neighboring towns like Tongli and Zhouzhuang, resulting in a more authentic experience of its charm.
Crowd-Pleasers
Tongli
Tongli (同里) stands out as one of the most renowned water towns in eastern China, and rightfully so. Enveloped by five lakes, this picturesque town is a true water town, built upon a network of 15 canals that divide it into seven islets. This charming layout means that almost every residence is either constructed over or adjacent to a canal, linked by over 40 bridges dating back to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Beautiful canal scenes abound, making it a favorite spot for artists and photographers alike.
Although established over 1000 years ago during the Song dynasty, Tongli thrives today due to its proximity to the provincial cultural capital, Suzhou. Effortlessly accessible via the city’s metro, Tongli can become crowded, especially on weekends. Yet, venturing off the main thoroughfares to Tongli’s secluded lanes, you can escape the throngs, allowing you to fully appreciate its quiet beauty.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen (乌镇), positioned at the heart of the so-called ‘golden triangle’ of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Zhejiang’s capital, Hangzhou, was once part of the Grand Canal – the longest canal in the world, historically serving as a key trade route connecting Hangzhou to Beijing. While much of the town’s layout has been restored or recreated, approximately half of its structures are authentic buildings from Wuzhen’s extensive history spanning 1300 years.
Wuzhen’s architecture primarily reflects styles from the late Qing dynasty and early Republican period (1912-1949). Notably, Mao Dun, a significant figure in China’s cultural revolution, was raised here. Visitors can explore his family home to gain insight into this fascinating period in Chinese history.
Wuzhen is segmented by its waterways into four distinct areas – north, south, east, and west. The north and east sections attract the most visitors, while the west is quieter, featuring boutique hotels nestled in period buildings.
Zhouzhuang
Competing with Tongli for the title of the best-known water town in Jiangsu, Zhouzhuang (周庄), established around 900 years ago, has garnered fame due to the revered Chinese painter Chen Yifei (1946-2005), whose captivating artwork highlights the town’s beauty.
Despite its popularity with tourists, Zhouzhuang retains considerable charm, featuring well-preserved homes and 14 stone bridges that date from the Yuan dynasty to the Qing dynasty. Early mornings are particularly serene, providing artists and photographers with an ideal setting as the quiet sounds of local residents begin their day.
While Zhouzhuang offers various accommodation options for travelers, the culinary highlight worth trying is the local delicacy: braised pork shank (万三蹄, wànsān tǐ).
Alternative Water Towns
Nanxun
Nanxun (南浔) may not be as famous as its counterparts, yet this understated town benefits from fewer visitors, providing a more tranquil atmosphere. Much of its historic district remains a vibrant residential community where you can observe locals engaging in everyday activities like washing clothes, sipping tea, or playing cards by the water, especially after 5 pm when visitors dissipate.
Flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Nanxun became a significant center for silk production and a pivotal trading hub along the Grand Canal. Many exquisite former residences of silk merchants still stand, showcasing a unique blend of Chinese and European architectural styles that were in vogue among the elite. The opulent mansion of Zhang Shiming, a prominent figure in Nanxun, features stunning colored glass imported from France.
Xitang
Situated about an hour from Shanghai and Suzhou, ancient Xitang (西塘) dates back to the Warring States period (476-221 BC). Xitang is distinguished by its unique lángpéng (廊棚, covered waterside streets), enabling residents and visitors to enjoy leisurely strolls regardless of weather conditions. The longest of these exquisite structures measures 1.3 km, and cinephiles may recognize Xitang as the filming location for the thrilling chase scenes in the 2006 film Mission: Impossible III.
Although Xitang is a busy tourist destination favored by Chinese travelers, it still maintains a subtle charm, allowing for an appreciation of the traditional waterside lifestyle. Many locals reside in the homes lining 122 narrow lanes branching off from the waterways, the most famous being Shipi, which narrows at just 80 cm, allowing only a single person to pass through.
