UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Water Towns in China
Explore canals, stone bridges and waterside streets in six of eastern China’s water towns.
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Life Along the Water
Across Jiangnan in eastern China, water towns bring canals, stone bridges and old houses together in a distinctive landscape. Streets follow the water, boats pass beneath arches, and stone steps lead down from the riverbanks. A short walk reveals new views around each bend.
Much of the pleasure comes from spending time beside the water. You can browse small shops, pause for tea or watch boats pass from a bridge. From a boat, the same streets look different, with house fronts, stone walls and reflections unfolding at water level.
Exploring China’s Water Towns
Each town offers a different reason to linger. Wuzhen’s canals glow after dark, while covered walkways follow the water in Xitang. Nanxun invites you to explore grand old residences, and Tongli pairs its canals with the ponds, pavilions and carefully framed views of Tuisi Garden.
A water town can be a stop within a wider journey or a place to stay a little longer. Zhujiajiao fits naturally into a Shanghai visit, while Zhouzhuang offers bridges and traditional homes to explore around its waterways. Leave time for a meal, a side street or a seat overlooking the canal.
Water Towns to Explore
Find a water town to include in your journey through eastern China.
Wuzhen
Explore stone bridges and canals that glow after dark.
Zhouzhuang
Cross old stone bridges between waterside homes.
Zhujiajiao
Discover Shanghai’s old bridges and waterside lanes.
Xitang
Follow covered walkways along the town’s canals.
Nanxun
Explore grand homes and the town’s silk heritage.
Tongli
Stroll along canals and explore Tuisi Garden.