Ancient Water Towns

Traditional wooden houses jut up to one another, reflecting in the sleepy canals, crossed by graceful bridges.

There are many beautiful ancient water towns within a three hour drive of Shanghai. Being the closest to the city, Zhujiajiao is one of the popular destinations, along with Zhouzhuang. Quieter, and no less attractive, are traditional Tongli and Luzhi- easily combined with a visit to the classical gardens of Suzhou - and Nanxun, perhaps the most photogenic of all the water towns and half-way between Shanghai and Hangzhou.