{"id":5560,"date":"2024-09-13T14:07:32","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T06:07:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=5560"},"modified":"2025-06-10T11:52:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T03:52:46","slug":"jiangnan-journey-china-water-towns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/jiangnan-journey-china-water-towns\/","title":{"rendered":"Jiangnan Journey: 5 of China\u2019s most romantic water towns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wharf next to a bridge over the Puhuitang river. Photo: KimonBerlin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Read the history of China, and you\u2019ll start to notice something pop up frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nurturing yet destructive, meandering yet flowing ever eastward \u2013 it is the Yangtze River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with its twin Yellow River, the Yangtze has shaped Chinese history across thousands of years in a dizzying number of ways, from agriculture to trade and even culture!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And nowhere is this more apparent than the Jiangnan region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jiangnan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Steven Chen<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

South of the Yangtze River, Jiangnan is a cultural and geographical region that is centered around China\u2019s southeastern coastal cities, particularly the cluster of cities that surround Shanghai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to swathes of fertile land along with robust trade along the massive Yangtze, it was (and still is) a prosperous region full of bustling port cities and canal towns, the latter of which is known as water towns (\u6c34\u4e61shuixiang<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Towns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nanxun, Huzhou
Photo: Stefan Fussan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dating back to the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, Jiangnan\u2019s water towns were, as their name suggests, built next to the region\u2019s many rivers or lakes as commercial, trade and transportation hubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Characterized by long, winding canals navigated by various sampans and barges along with quaint, white houses with black eaves crisscrossed by narrow streets, they are the quintessential classical town in the minds of most Chinese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though no longer as prominent as they once were due to the march of time and technology, these water towns have been experiencing a modern revival as charming tourist destinations. If you want to travel back in time to ancient China, then strolling or sailing through a water town is a great way to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, it just so happens we have a list of the most romantic, classic and picturesque water towns in China\u2019s Jiangnan region. Have a look!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhouzhuang (\u5468\u5e84)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Mattias Hill<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Starting off with a classic, we have the nearly millenia-old hamlet of Zhouzhuang (\u5468\u5e84).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most prestigious water towns thanks to its official 5A tourist attraction ranking, Zhouzhuang has all the hallmarks of a water town \u2013 tightly packed houses and mansions crisscrossed by a network of canals and a series of bridges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes it stand out though, are its bridges and manors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Twin Bridges of Zhouzhuang. Photo: Baidu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For bridges, look no further than the Twin Bridges, two perpendicular stone bridges with one modest bridge leading up to another grander arched bridge. An icon of the town, they were popularized by the famed Realist painter Chen Yifei, whose paintings depicted a lifelike yet moody Zhouzhuang draped in heavy contrasts between light and shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other star attractions here include the classical mansions of Zhouzhuang\u2019s past rich and famous such as the manor of Ming Dynasty tycoon Shen Wansan, which features an opulent grand hall, antique wooden furniture and a curious coin-shaped entrance. There\u2019s also the vast Zhang manor that has up to 70 rooms, a garden accessible by canal and its very own opera stage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, if you can avoid peak hours or seasons, Zhouzhuang is a tourist trap that\u2019s worth falling for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get here: Bus rides to Zhouzhuang from Suzhou and Shanghai are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tongli (\u540c\u91cc)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Bernd Dittrich<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by five lakes and just a stone\u2019s throw away from the wondrous Grand Canal, Tongli is a series of seven small islands intersected by almost 15 rivers and canals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded during the cultural heights of the Song Dynasty, Tongli\u2019s charm simply oozes out of its classic Chinese gardens, which emphasize the three natural elements of stone, water and greenery alongside buildings dedicated to the arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tuisi Garden at night. Photo: Tongli Tourism<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The most celebrated of Tongli\u2019s gardens is the Tuisi Garden or Garden of Retreat and Reflection. Although it is a later 19th<\/sup> century Qing creation, the lush greenery, tastefully arranged rock structures and cozy pavilions that surround its emerald green lake are no less mesmerizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to its location next to the rich capital Suzhou, Tongli has also attracted many scholars or retired officials in the past to settle down and build impressive dwellings. Many of them have survived the ravages of time to this day, such as Jiayin Hall \u2013 a Ming-era mansion of regal wooden halls and courtyards – and Chongben Hall with its cozy and exquisitely decorated interiors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Sanqiao (Three Bridges). Photo: EditQ<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tongli is also awash in bridges, with its three famous ones being the Taiping, Changqing and Jili bridges \u2013 all less than 50m apart. Perhaps because of their vital function and lasting quality, there\u2019s even a custom where locals walk across all three for auspicious events like weddings and childbirths in order to ward off bad luck!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get here: Tongli can be accessed by train from Suzhou or a bus ride from Shanghai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mudu (\u6728\u6e0e<\/strong>)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Tripadvisor <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mudu\u2019s start is a poetic one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legend has it that King of Wu founded the town in an attempt to please the beauty Xishi. To do this, he had the rivers blocked by piles of wood, hence the name Mudu for \u201cgathered wood\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever since then, this water town has gained a reputation for its historical gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Yanjia Garden lit up at night. Photo: Trip.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of said gardens is the Yanjia Garden, a pleasant courtyard-sized garden that features paths and pavilions to chill out in amidst a pleasant landscape. Once the home of the esteemed scholar Shen Deqian and wealthy local Yan Guoxin, it is now maintained by the third generation of the Yan family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hongyin Shanfang Garden – favourite of a Qing Emperor. Photo: Baidu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another of Wudu\u2019s garden greats is the Hongyin Shanfang Garden, a green paradise that even comes with a Qing Emperor\u2019s approval! Thanks to its combination of northern and southern landscaping and greenery, the Qianlong Emperor would frequently visit the garden to enjoy tea, poetry and plays during his journeys south of the Yangtze, leaving reluctantly once the sun set. This happened so often that locals would end up christening it as the Emperor\u2019s private garden! Hardly seems fair, considering that it was actually the scholar Xu Shiyuan\u2019s personal garden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get here: Shanghai and Suzhou both offer bus rides to Mudu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nanxun (\u5357\u6d54)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Zhangzhugang<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nanxun isn\u2019t as popular as the earlier entries, but that just means more of the town for yourself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike most other towns which can feel a bit touristy, Nanxun still has most of its residential areas intact. Once the few tour groups depart, you\u2019ll see normal residents shopping for groceries, doing laundry or just chitchatting with neighbours \u2013 giving it a timeless charm all its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Western-style residence of Liu Ansheng. Photo: \u9489\u9489 <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A major silk producer back in the day, Nanxun was the birthplace and home of many cultural and artistic figures, which is reflected in its grand estates, libraries and gardens. Most of said buildings also combine a curious blend of Chinese and Western architecture, such as the residences of the Zhang Shiming and Liu Tiqing \u2013 which boast a curious combination of Western brick facades with dark wooden Chinese interiors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A lake of lotuses at Xiaolianzhuang. Photo: Baidu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, Nanxun also has its classical Chinese gardens. Right next to the Jiayetang Library, There\u2019s Xiaolianzhuang or Lotus Manor, which boasts a villa overlooking a lake garden filled with lotus leaves. The Wenyuan gardens also offer lakes and rivers lined with verdant trees, not to mention cultural memorials and halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tongjin Bridge. Photo: \u732b\u732b\u7684\u65e5\u8bb0\u672c<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another refreshing contrast that Nanxun has with its water town brethren are its wider canals, which give visitors plenty of space to appreciate the scenery along its banks. A great viewpoint to appreciate Nanxun\u2019s canals is on the Tongjin Bridge, an unusually tall bridge that\u2019s a great selfie spot on its own right! The stretch along Baijianlou or \u201cHundred Houses\u201d is also famed for its classic Jiangnan water town scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get here: From Huzhou, take a bus or car to Nanxun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xitang<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Rebecca Walsh<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to get the water town experience without going too far out of your way, then Xitang is the obvious choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in the Yangtze Delta region next to metropolises like Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai, there are so many rail and bus connections to it that you have no excuse not to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A section of the Yanyu Corridor. Photo: Xitang Tourism<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First off is Xitang\u2019s famed Yanyu Corridor, a unique covered corridor that hugs a canal. Stretching for almost a kilometer, the corridor\u2019s wooden roof helps locals and visitors shields themselves from the sun and rain as they enjoy the idyllic sights of boats rowing past bridges and waterfront houses. And don\u2019t worry about getting tired \u2013 some sections come equipped with benches to rest your feet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shipi Lane’s narrow path. Photo: Xitang Tourism<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Being a water town, Xitang isn\u2019t exactly swimming in real estate, so narrow and sometimes claustrophobic streets are a common sight here. But you\u2019ve probably never seen a street or lane as narrow as Shipi Lane! Crossing over an ancient sewer wedged between two residences, Shipi Lane\u2019s narrowest point comes to a whopping 80 centimeters. Better not put on weight before your visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever wondered how buttons were made? If you have, then stop by Xitang\u2019s quirky China Button Musuem, where traditional and modern ways to craft and use this ubiquitous but underappreciated tool are explored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get here:  From Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, take a train to Jiaxing Station and then board a bus to Xitang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xitang in winter. Photo: Xitang Tourism<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, this is just a small sample of the many famed water towns of Jiangnan. Though each of them share common traits like picturesque canals and tiled buildings, each of them still has their own quirks that make them worth visiting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still looking for more China adventures? Then check out our list of five classic Chengdu attractions <\/a>or our pick of China\u2019s most spectacular peaks and canyons<\/a>.  And before you visit, don\u2019t forget to download some Chinese apps from our Traveller\u2019s Guide to Apps in China<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Written with information gathered by Rin Matsumoto.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

suzhoukankou.com – \u6c5f\u5357\u6c34\u90f7
http:\/\/www.suzhoukankou.com\/page\/p2.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

China Discovery – Top China Water Town near Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou
https:\/\/www.chinadiscovery.com\/travel-guide\/china-water-towns.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lonely Planet – Canal life: a guide to China’s most picturesque water towns
https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/articles\/eastern-china-water-towns<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cathay Pacific – See the pics! 8 of China’s most photogenic ‘water towns’
https:\/\/www.cathaypacific.com\/cx\/en_MY\/inspiration\/travel\/see-the-pics-8-of-chinas-most-photogenic-water-towns.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baidu – \u6c5f\u5357\u6c34\u4e61
https:\/\/baike.baidu.com\/item\/%E6%B1%9F%E5%8D%97%E6%B0%B4%E4%B9%A1\/1280361<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

suzhou.gov.cn – Tongli Town
http:\/\/www.suzhou.gov.cn\/szsenglish\/jnsxgzlm\/201611\/f75eb778acb74af38269982b9f5348fc.shtml<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Read the history of China, and you\u2019ll start to notice something pop up frequently. Nurturing yet destructive, meandering yet flowing…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5590,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[251,23,26],"tags":[204,49,20,207,19,206,210,209,205,208],"class_list":["post-5560","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","category-travel","category-trends","tag-canal","tag-china","tag-destinations","tag-jiangnan","tag-lists","tag-river","tag-shanghai","tag-suzhou","tag-water-town","tag-yangtze"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-2048x1366.jpg",2048,1366,true],"penci-recipe-1200x1200":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1200x1200.jpg",1200,1200,true],"penci-recipe-1200x900":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1200x900.jpg",1200,900,true],"penci-recipe-1200x675":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1200x675.jpg",1200,675,true],"penci-single-full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1920x1280.jpg",1920,1280,true],"penci-slider-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1920x800.jpg",1920,800,true],"penci-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1170x780.jpg",1170,780,true],"penci-slider-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-1170x663.jpg",1170,663,true],"penci-magazine-slider":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-780x516.jpg",780,516,true],"penci-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-masonry-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-thumb-square":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-585x585.jpg",585,585,true],"penci-thumb-vertical":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-480x650.jpg",480,650,true],"penci-thumb-small":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Tongjin_Bridge_in_Nanxun_08_2022-07-263x175.jpg",263,175,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Wei Yip","author_link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/author\/weiyip\/"},"uagb_comment_info":5,"uagb_excerpt":"Read the history of China, and you\u2019ll start to notice something pop up frequently. 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