Ask a QuestionTravel with us, you will have chance to visit the 7 major water towns near Shanghai, which are Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Wuzhen, Xitang and Luzhi. You can explore the beauty of the Zhouzhuang, the “No.1 Water Town in China”, or appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of Tongli, which is known as the "Oriental Venice". You can also enjoy the unique architectures in Wuzhen or take a short stop at picturesque Xitang, Alternatively, make a stopover in Luzhi, to walk into history frozen in time, tranquil and serene…With profound historical accumulations, brilliant cultures and distinctive customs, they are fully reflected the gratefulness and sentiment of China.
|
Water Towns |
Location | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhouzhuang | Suzhou | Over 60 kilometers from Shanghai | One of the most famous water towns in China |
| Tongli | Suzhou | About 2 to 2.5 hours’ drive from Shanghai | typical water town with exquisite gardens |
| Wuzhen | Tongxiang, Zhejiang Province | About 130 kilometers from Shanghai | unique water town with Wu culture |
| Xitang | Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province | About 80 kilometers from Shanghai | typical water town with misty corridor |
| Luzhi | Suzhou | 58 kilometers from Shanghai | water town with peaceful atmosphere |
| Nanxun | Huzhou, Zhejiang Province | About 120 kilometers from Shanghai | Jiangnan water town with gardens |
| Zhujiajiao | Shanghai | 48 kilometers from Shanghai | famous water town in Shanghai |
Location: No. 43 Quanfu Road, Zhouzhuang County, Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China(江苏省苏州市昆山市周庄镇全福路43号)
Distance: Located about 60 kilometers from Shanghai(1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from Shanghai) and 40 kilometers from Suzhou
Recommended transportation: Take high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou, then take taxi to the Zhouzhuang Water Town
Know more: How to get to Zhouzhuang Water Town from Shanghai
45km to the southeast of Suzhou, Zhouzhuang is considered to be the "No.1 Water Town” in China. As a typical watery town, it has a history of over 900-year and renowned for its profound Wu Culture, unique architectural tradition and unspoiled folk custom, etc. 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.
It was entitled one of the Famous Historical and Cultural Town of China in 2003. In 2004, it was listed in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Famous attractions: Former Residence of Wansan Shen, Fuan Bridge, Shen’s Mansion, Hounded House
Location: No. 1 Zhongchuan South Road, Tongli Ancient Town, Wujiang District, Jiangsu Province, China(江苏省苏州市吴江区同里古镇中川南路1号)
Distance: About 2 to 2.5 hours’ drive from Shanghai
Recommended transportation: Take high-speed train to Suzhou from Shanghai, then take taxi to the Tongli Ancient Town
Know more: How to get to Tongli Ancient Town from Shanghai
With a history of over 1,000 years, Tongli is a typical water town in Jiangsu Province. The city is separated by 15 rivers into seven islets, which are connected through 49 ancient bridges. Tongli, established in the Song Dynasty, has a history of over 1,000 years. Like other water towns, Tongli is built along the water and separated by river courses into seven islets.
Tongli is reputed for its well-preserved Ming and Qing style architectures, varied shaped old stone bridges and bountiful rivers, while all of which, made it a decent, quiet and picturesque watery town. In 2004, it was listed in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Famous attractions: Tuisi Garden, Huancui Resort, Gengletang Garden, Woyun Temple
Location: No. 18 South Shifo Road, Tongxiang, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, China(浙江省桐乡市乌镇石佛南路18号)
Distance: About 130 kilometers from Shanghai
Recommended transportation: Take high-speed train to Tongxiang Railway Station from Shanghai, then take the bus to Wuzhen
Know more: How to get to Wuzhen Water Town from Shanghai
Wuzhen Water Town is one of the 4 grand Ancient Towns of Yangtze, which still well preserved its late Qing Dynasty style layout and water system - the whole town is built along the rivers, while the river courses crisscrossed in the town. Water and Town, Wuzhen is a particularly elegant blend of nature and culture. Enjoys superb climate and geographical conditions, Wuzhen is also a place where people called "the land of fish and rice”.
Even on a cold, rainy spring day, Wuzhen, a town surrounded by rivers, about 80 minutes south of Shanghai, has a special beauty which has not yet been overrun by tourists.
Famous attractions: Former Residence of Mao Dun, Old Street of the West Gate, Wenchang Pagoda
Location: 258 Nanyuan Road, Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, China(浙江省嘉兴市嘉善县西塘镇南苑路258号)
Distance: About 80 kilometers from Shanghai(About 2 hours’ drive from Shanghai)
Recommended transportation: Take high-speed train to Jiashan South Railway Station, then take the bus to Xitang Ancient Town
Know more: How to Get to Xitang Ancient Town from Shanghai
Rich in historical and natural resources, Xitang Water Town is one of the cradles of Wu and Yue Culture. Lies 85km to the southeast of Suzhou, Xitang is separated by 9 river courses into 8 islets, but 24 time-honored stone bridges connected and reunited all the pieces together.
Peaceful and severs, there are many well-preserved architectural groups constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties, which boast a higher artistry and study value, thus being highlighted by the experts at home and abroad studying antique buildings.
Famous attractions: Xiyuan Garden, Wolong Bridge, Temple of Sir Jin, Shipi Lane, Chinese Spirits Museum
Location: No. 21 Xiaoshi Road, Luzhi Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China(江苏省苏州市吴中区甪直镇晓市路21号)
Distance: Located 58 kilometers from Shanghai and 18 kilometers from Suzhou
Recommended transportation: Take high-speed train to Suzhou from Shanghai, then take taxi to Luzhi Ancient Town
Know more: How to get to Luzhi Ancient Town from Shanghai
Lies 23 km to the north of Suzhou, Luzhi Water Town is a typical ancient watery town renowned for its old folk houses, Arhat Statues of Baosheng Temple and ancient business street, etc. Luzhi also enjoys a reputation of “land of bridges” as it well preserved over 41 varied shaped stone bridges, dating back from Song Dynasty (960-1279) to Qing Dynasty (1636-1911).
Puli was the ancient name of Luzhi Water Town. An old poem 'Scene of Puli' is still an accurate description of the scenery in the ancient town Luzhi today. It reads, 'Long bridge short bridge with willows; Front stream rear stream with lotus; People watching banner over wine store risen; Seagulls escort boat to home of fishman.'
Famous attractions: Baosheng Temple, Ancient Business Street, Chenghu Lake Unearthed Cultural Relics Museum
Location: No. 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun Town, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China(浙江省湖州市南浔镇人瑞路51号)
Distance: About 120 kilometers from Shanghai
Recommended transportation: Take high-speed train to Huzhou Nanxun Railway Station from Shanghai, then take taxi to Nanxun Ancient Town
Know more: How to get to Nanxun Ancient Town from Shanghai
Located in Huzhou of Zhejiang Province, Nanxun Ancient Town provides you peaceful and authentic water town in Jiangnan(south of Yangtze River).
Nanxun Ancient Town is one of the most famous water towns in southern China, which is known as its typical views of water town, unique historical features and wonderful natural scenery. At Nanxun Ancient Town, you can admire the architectures with a unique blend of Chinese and western styles, most of them are well-preserved.
At Nanxun Ancient Town, you can taste local characteristic foods as well as enjoy the picturesque scenery. There are local residents still living in the traditional houses at Nanxun Ancient Town, providing you glimpse to the life of local people in the past. You can also visit local handicrafts and cultural art galleries, as well as local traditional handicraft shops.
At Nanxun Ancient Town, you can stroll around slowly, walk on the ancient stone bridges and take the boat to enjoy the scenes here.
Location: 555 Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao County, Qingpu District, Shanghai, China(上海市青浦区朱家角镇课植园路555号)
Distance: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is located 48 kilometers from Shanghai city center and 30 kilometers from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, which can be reached by subway directly from Shanghai.
Recommended transportation: Taking subway from Shanghai and get off at the Zhujiajiao Station
Located in Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is one of the favorite ancient towns in China for foreign tourists. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is known as its beautiful network of rivers, ancient stone bridges and traditional architectures.
With a history over 1,700 years, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town offers well-preserved buildings of Ming and Qing dynasties and post office of Qing Dynasty. At Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, you can stroll slowly, take the boat and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You can explore the historical buildings, ancient bridges, taste the local street foods and stop to have a cup of tea of coffee at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.
The above are the most famous water towns or ancient towns near Shanghai. It is only recommended ti visit one of them. No need to visit all of them.
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