Ask a QuestionThere are many beautiful old water towns around Shanghai, the pleasant scenery of small bridges and water and mouth-watering local snacks will make you linger on. Let us come together to explore the Top 10 Photogenic Old Water Towns near Shanghai.
Zhaojia Lou or the Grain Calling Mansion, located in Pujiang Town, Minhang District, is the earliest area of land reclamation in Shanghai. The culture of Zhaojialou is the origin of Shanghai farming culture. Shanghai Zhaojialou Ancient Town Scenic Spot is a national AAAA-level tourist scenic spot with 500 years of human history. It originated from the early Yuan Dynasty and spanned three dynasties of the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is a place where the ancient water towns of south east China and the cultural charm of the old buildings are combined.
Nanxiang Ancient Town is one of the four famous historical towns in Shanghai. It was built in the four years of Liang Tianjian (AD 505), and it was named after the Baihe Nanxiang temple. It has many places of historical interest, such as the Guyi Garden - one of the four classical gardens in the south of the Yangtze River, the Tianen Bridge - built in the Qing Shunzhi period, the ancient temple Yunxiang Temple, and brick tower of Five Dynasties. Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, with a history of more than 100 years, is still delicious and has become one of the characteristics and symbols of Nanxiang.
Qibao Town, built in the Northern Song Dynasty, is 5 kilometers away from the central area of Shanghai. It is an ancient town of Jiangnan that integrates sightseeing, dining and leisure. According to legend, Qibao Ancient Town is named after the seven treasure of the Golden Lotus sutra, the Sacred Tree, the Tunlai Bell, the Flying Buddha, the Golden Chicken, the Jade Chopsticks and the Jade Axe. Qibao Old Town retains the characteristics of Jiangnan Water Town in the metropolis, showing a new and quaint cultural atmosphere, which has already become the must-see spot in Shanghai.
Zhujiajiao Town is one of the four famous historical and cultural towns in Shanghai with 1700 years old history. It is located in the Qingpu District of Shanghai and is a typical ancient town in the south of the Yangtze River. Zhujiajiao is crisscrossed by rivers and canals, with 9 long streets running along the rivers and hundreds of buildings of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture flanking both sides. The most famous Fangsheng Bridge is the largest five-hole arch bridge in Shanghai. Zhujiajiao attracts numerous tourists from home and abroad because of its beautiful water, the ancient bridges, wonderful streets and exquisite garden.
Luzhi Ancient Town is affiliated to Wuzhong District of Suzhou City, located in the eastern part of Suzhou City, 18 kilometers west of Suzhou City and 58 kilometers east of Shanghai. With a history of 2500 years, Luzhi ancient town is not only famous for abundant water, bridges, lanes, historic houses, and celebrities, but also well-known for its Wall-Statue Arhats and the clothing of women of the water town. 41 ancient bridges scattered in the ancient town with different size, form, and various styles, and thus called as "the museum of ancient Chinese bridges". The ancient town consists of 10 main streets, 69 ancient lanes, and a large number of well-preserved houses and buildings built in Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Zhouzhuang, reputed as the first water town in China, is one of the first batch of famous Chinese historical and cultural towns and one of the first batch of AAAAA national tourist attractions. This ancient town has a history of more than 900 years old with many houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are about 800 houses with courtyards, and 60 of them have arch gateways made by carved bricks. With lakes on four sides, the beauty of Zhouzhuang is specially to be found along the waterside lanes and around a number of the stone bridges. A different vista at every turn can be found here.
Xitang Water Town is a small ancient scenic town on water that still preserves its original look. Xitang is famous for its numerous bridges, alleys and sheltered corridors three features. The 1300 meters sheltered corridors in Xitang is a unique site in the town. 9 rivers converge in this town, dividing it into 8 sections, but many bridges link this water town together (anciently called as “nine dragon old pearl” and “wind from 8 sides”. Xitang has a history about 1300 years and is one of the birthplaces of ancient Wuyue culture.
Tongli Ancient Town in Jiangsu Province is one of the many ancient water towns in the south of the Yangtze River Delta, which are famous for rivers, ancient bridges and house complexes. Tongli was built in the Song dynasty and till now, it has a history of more than 1000 years. The town is separated by 15 rivers into seven islets, which are connected through 49 ancient stone bridges in variety of styles. Here you can drink tea, chat with friends, listen to opera, visit the three bridges, take a boat ride, enjoy the slow pace life of Tongli and so on.
Nanxun Water Town is located in the nanxun district of huzhou city, at the junction of jiangsu and zhejiang provinces. Nanxun has been built for more than 750 years, with a rich history and profound cultural heritage. It is an AAAAA tourist area. Nanxun is known for its silk production. With its unique historical status and cultural landscape, it has been awarded the title of "top ten charming towns in China", " Historic Towns of China". On June 22, 2014, the Grand Canal Project of the Ditang Gudao was successfully selected into the World Cultural Heritage List, making Nanxun became the first world cultural heritage site in Huzhou.
Wuzhen, known as "a land of fish and rice, a home of Silk, a corridor of culture", is a typical Jiangnan ancient town with a history of 1300 years and enjoys a history of civilization for more than 7,000 years. Wuzhen Water Town is a national 5A level scenic spot, one of the six China's southern towns. The cross-shaped inland water system divides the whole town into four blocks, which local people call "east gate, south gate, west gate and north gate" respectively. Taking a boat cruise along the waterway would be a way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wuzhen.
We are member of
Follow us on
