If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, why not take a trip to one of the stunning water towns nearby? These picturesque towns offer a glimpse into China’s rich history and culture, with their ancient architecture, winding canals, and charming streets. Here are five of the most beautiful water towns near Shanghai that are definitely worth a visit.
First on our list is Zhujiajiao, located in the Qingpu District of Shanghai. This water town is known for its well-preserved ancient buildings and stone bridges, which date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can take a boat ride along the canals, stroll through the narrow alleyways, and sample local delicacies such as rice cakes and pork dumplings.
Another must-see water town is Tongli, located about 80 kilometers west of Shanghai. This town is often called the “Venice of the East” because of its many canals and bridges. Tongli is home to over 40 well-preserved ancient buildings, including temples, gardens, and museums. Visitors can take a boat ride along the canals, explore the historic streets, and try local specialties such as fermented tofu and rice wine.
Zhujiajiao – a charming water town near Shanghai
Zhujiajiao is a charming water town located about 50 km away from Shanghai. It is often referred to as “the Venice of Shanghai” due to its many well-preserved bridges and canals. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the town and appreciate its beauty from the water.
The town is over 1,700 years old and is steeped in history. It was an important trading hub during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and many of the buildings and structures from that time period remain intact today. One of the most notable attractions in Zhujiajiao is the Fangsheng Bridge, which is the largest stone arch bridge in the town.
There are also several temples in Zhujiajiao that are worth visiting, including the Kezhi Garden and the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple. The Kezhi Garden is a classical Chinese garden that was built during the Ming Dynasty, while the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple is a serene and peaceful place to reflect and meditate.
Visitors to Zhujiajiao can also enjoy local cuisine, such as the famous “Wan Dou Huang” (yellow pea cake). There are many shops and vendors selling traditional snacks and souvenirs, making it a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Overall, Zhujiajiao is a must-visit water town near Shanghai that offers a glimpse into China’s rich history and culture. Its beautiful canals, ancient architecture, and delicious food make it a great destination for travelers looking to experience the best of China’s water towns.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen is a water town located in Zhejiang province, just a short distance from Shanghai. The town is divided into four main districts, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere. The town is famous for its ancient bridges, canals, and buildings, which have been well-preserved over the centuries.
One of the highlights is the East Gate, which is the main entrance to the town. The gate is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese architecture, with a large wooden archway and intricate carvings. Once inside the gate, visitors can explore the many narrow alleyways and canals that wind their way through the town.
Another must-see attraction in Wuzhen is the Hundred-Bed Museum, which is located in the Xi Zha district. The museum is housed in an old Ming Dynasty home and contains a fascinating collection of antique beds from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors can learn about the different types of beds used during these periods and how they were made.
For those interested in traditional Chinese crafts, the Indigo Fabric Workshop is a must-visit. Here, visitors can watch as skilled artisans dye and weave fabric using traditional techniques that have been passed down through the generations. The workshop also sells a range of beautiful indigo-dyed products, including scarves, bags, and clothing.
Finally, no trip to Wuzhen would be complete without a boat ride along the town’s canals. Visitors can hire a traditional wooden boat and glide along the waterways, taking in the sights and sounds of this charming town.
Xitang – one of the most beautiful water towns near Shanghai
Xitang is one of the most beautiful water towns near Shanghai, and it is often referred to as the “Youngest Water Town” in China. It is located in Jiaxing City, about 90 km west of Shanghai. The town has a history of over 1,300 years and is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture, charming canals, and beautiful bridges.
One of the most impressive features of Xitang is its more than 100 bridges that connect the town’s numerous waterways. Each bridge has its own unique style and history, and some of them are over 1,000 years old. The most famous bridge in Xitang is the Long Bridge, which is more than 400 meters long and has 14 piers.
Xitang is also home to many well-preserved ancient buildings, such as traditional courtyard houses, temples, and ancestral halls. The most famous building in Xitang is the Ming and Qing Dynasty Street, which is lined with ancient buildings that date back to the 16th century. The street is a great place to experience the ancient culture of Xitang and to try some of the local snacks and souvenirs.
Another attraction in Xitang is the Xitang Wine Museum, which showcases the history and culture of Chinese wine-making. Visitors can learn about the different types of wine produced in China and taste some of the local wines. The museum is located in an ancient wine cellar that dates back to the Ming Dynasty.
Xitang is a great place to visit for a day trip from Shanghai, but it is also worth staying overnight to experience the town’s peaceful atmosphere at night. The town is beautifully lit up at night, and visitors can take a boat ride on the canals and enjoy the view of the ancient buildings and bridges.
Tongli
Tongli is a picturesque water town located on the outskirts of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. It is one of the six famous ancient towns south of the Yangtze River and is considered a classic Yangtze River Delta ancient water town.
One of the most popular things to do in Tongli is to wander the beautiful Tuisi Garden, also known as the Retreat and Reflection Garden. Built in the Qing Dynasty between 1885 and 1887, Tuisi Garden is a classical Chinese garden, similar to those that Suzhou is famous for. It covers an area of about 5,000 square meters and is divided into three parts: the residential section, the garden section, and the ancestral temple section. The garden is famous for its exquisite design, elegant architecture, and beautiful scenery.
Almost every residence in Tongli is built by a canal. It is a “mini oriental Venice,” with a network of 15 footpathed canals dividing the town into seven islets. Visitors can take a boat ride along the canals to explore the town and admire the traditional architecture.
Tongli is also home to many ancient bridges, including the famous Taiping Bridge, which was built during the Song Dynasty. The bridge is 53 meters long and 5 meters wide, and is made of stone. It is known for its unique design and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bridge architecture.
If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit the Tongli Ancient Town Museum. The museum displays a wide range of cultural relics, including pottery, jade, bronze, and calligraphy. It’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of Tongli and the surrounding region.
Zhouzhuang- one of the most popular water towns near Shanghai
Zhouzhuang is one of the most popular water towns near Shanghai, located about 60km from the city center. It is known for its stunning waterways, ancient bridges, and well-preserved architecture.
One of the most popular attractions in Zhouzhuang is the Twin Bridges, which are made up of the Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge. These two bridges were built during the Ming Dynasty and are considered to be the symbol of Zhouzhuang.
Another must-see attraction is the Zhang House, which was built in the late Ming Dynasty. It is a classic example of a wealthy merchant’s house from that time period and features beautiful gardens, intricate wood carvings, and delicate stone carvings.
If you’re interested in Chinese opera, make sure to check out the Shen House. This house was built during the Qing Dynasty and is now a museum dedicated to Kunqu Opera, one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera.
Visitors can also take a boat ride along the waterways to get a unique view of the town. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and offers a peaceful and relaxing way to take in the sights.
Conclusion
We have explored five stunning water towns near Shanghai that offer a unique and authentic experience of Chinese culture and history. From the charming canals of Zhujiajiao to the peaceful gardens of Xitang, each town has its own distinct character and attractions.
Visiting these water towns is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and immerse yourself in a more traditional way of life. You can stroll along the ancient streets, admire the architecture, and taste local delicacies.
Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, these water towns have something to offer. And with convenient transportation options, they are easily accessible from Shanghai.
So why not take a break from the city and explore the beauty of these charming water towns? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
