In addition to the popular attractions within Shanghai, such as Zhujiajiao and Qibao Ancient Towns, there are many other charming Jiangnan ancient towns surrounding the city worth exploring. Among them, the most famous are the "Six Major Ancient Towns of Jiangnan": Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Wuzhen, Xitang, Nanxun, and Luzhi. These towns are perfect for a self-driving trip, but you can also reach them by bus. They are ideal for day trips or weekend getaways. Below, we'll introduce these ancient towns that offer both cultural experiences and scenic beauty.
1. Zhouzhuang: China's No. 1 Water Town, Shuangqiao, and Wansan Pig Trotters
Zhouzhuang is the earliest developed and most famous water town in China, renowned as the "No. 1 Water Town in the World." The iconic Shuangqiao bridge, painted by artist Chen Yifei, has made Zhouzhuang famous worldwide, with its perfect blend of "small bridges, flowing water, and households."
The influence of wealthy merchant Shen Wansan can be seen everywhere in the town, and his former residence is now one of the most popular attractions. The famous "Wansan Pig Trotters" have become a must-try culinary experience.
Ticket Price: 100 yuan, Night tour ticket 80 yuan
Recommended Attractions: Shuangqiao, Shen Wansan’s Former Residence, Zhouzhuang Zhang Hall
How to Get There: Zhouzhuang is about 80 km from Shanghai, a 2-hour drive. The best way to reach Zhouzhuang is by long-distance bus. There are six buses daily from Shanghai’s Long-distance Bus Station, with the first bus departing at 7:05 AM and the last at 4:20 PM. The ticket price is 34 yuan.
2. Wuzhen: Waterfront Homes, Old Post Office, Dyeing Workshop, Outdoor Cinema, and Flower Sea
Small bridges and flowing water are a hallmark of Jiangnan ancient towns, and Wuzhen is no exception. The town is known as "China’s Last Waterfront Home" because of its many waterside buildings.
Compared to other Jiangnan towns, Wuzhen has richer tourism resources. Apart from the morning view of Dongzha and the night scene of Xizha, visitors can witness the entire traditional dyeing process at the Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop. The nostalgic Old Post Office, established during the Guangxu era, is still in operation today. At Longxingtian, you can enjoy endless purple flower fields, another unique feature of Wuzhen.
Ticket Price: Dongzha 100 yuan; Xizha 120 yuan; Combined Ticket 150 yuan
Recommended Attractions: Xizha Scenic Area - China Post (Wuzhen Post Office), Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop, Longxingtian in Xizha
How to Get There: Wuzhen is about 130 km from Shanghai, a 2.5-hour drive. Long-distance buses are the most convenient way to get there. Buses depart every half hour from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Shanghai’s Long-distance Bus South Station or the Tourist Distribution Center. The ticket price is 55 yuan.
3. Tongli: Retreat Garden, Eastern Venice, Peaceful Atmosphere
Although most Jiangnan towns feature small bridges and flowing water, Tongli stands out with its dense river network. The town is divided into seven islands by its web-like rivers, with every household facing the water. This earned it the nickname "Eastern Venice."
The most famous attraction in Tongli is the Retreat Garden, a private garden that is the only World Cultural Heritage site among Jiangnan towns. The garden is exquisitely designed and serene. Tongli's nightlife is also distinct, with fewer bars and less commercialization, offering a rare quiet experience.
Ticket Price: 100 yuan (valid for 2 days); Night tour 50 yuan
Recommended Attractions: Retreat Garden, Tongli Ancient Town - Three Bridges Scenic Area
How to Get There: Tongli is about 90 km from Shanghai, a 2-hour drive. Long-distance buses from various bus stations in Shanghai, including the Shanghai Long-distance Bus Station and Hongqiao Long-distance West Station, provide frequent services. The ticket price is 35 yuan.
4. Xitang: Misty Corridors, Nightlife
The movie Mission: Impossible 3 made Xitang more popular, as Tom Cruise's action scenes in the town's white walls and dark tiles brought Xitang’s beauty to a global audience. The Misty Corridor in the movie is a unique sight in Xitang.
Xitang is known for its lively atmosphere, with small shops lining the main street and bars dominating the evening scene. Although its commercialization has diminished its tranquility, one can still visit early in the morning or on a non-holiday to experience a quieter side of Xitang.
Ticket Price: 100 yuan (includes 11 small scenic spots within the ancient town)
Recommended Attractions: Misty Corridor, Shipin Alley, Songzi Laifeng Bridge
How to Get There: Xitang is about 80 km from Shanghai, a 1.5-hour drive. Although you can take the high-speed train to Jiashan South Station and then transfer to a bus, the most convenient way is still by long-distance bus. Buses to Xitang run frequently, with tickets priced between 35-37 yuan.
5. Nanxun: Gardens, East-West Fusion Architecture
Among Jiangnan’s many ancient towns, Nanxun is quite distinctive. Unlike the traditional old houses, long corridors, and stone bridges of other towns, Nanxun is famous for its gardens, many of which feature a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles.
Nanxun’s attractions are fewer, but the mansions of ancient wealthy merchants are the town’s key tourist spots. The grandeur of the Zhang Shiming Residence, the Western-style luxury of the Liu Family Steps, and the simplicity and sturdiness of the Zhang Jingjiang Residence are all highlights of Nanxun.
Ticket Price: 100 yuan
Recommended Attractions: Baijian Building, Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence in Nanxun
How to Get There: Nanxun is about 120 km from Shanghai, a 2-hour drive. Long-distance buses are a convenient option. Buses to Nanxun depart frequently from Shanghai, with a ticket price of 50 yuan.
6. Luzhi: "Bridge Town," Ye Shengtao, Less Commercialized
Although Luzhi isn’t as famous as Zhouzhuang or Tongli, it boasts a similar water town charm and historical significance. It was once praised by Fei Xiaotong as "the first water town in China." Since it was developed later, Luzhi is less commercialized than other famous Jiangnan ancient towns.
Luzhi is renowned for its many bridges, and it is said to have 72 and a half of them, earning the title of the "Bridge Capital of Jiangnan." Additionally, Ye Shengtao’s Wansheng Rice Mill and the ancient Bao Sheng Temple are also noteworthy attractions.
Ticket Price: 78 yuan
Recommended Attractions: Bao Sheng Temple, Wansheng Rice Mill
How to Get There: Luzhi is about 70 km from Shanghai, a 1 hour and 20-minute drive. Long-distance buses are a convenient option. Buses to Luzhi depart frequently from Shanghai’s Zhongshan North Road 806 Long-distance Bus Station. Buses run from 6:10 AM to 4:50 PM, with a ticket price of 17 yuan.
