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Chau Trang, an over 900-year-old ancient town in China, captivates visitors with its serene and venerable beauty during springtime, earning the title 'Venice of the East'.
Exploring the blossoming allure of historic Chau Trang township
Located approximately 40km from Con Son city, Chau Trang ancient town in Jiangsu province stands as one of China's earliest and most emblematic river towns. It's often dubbed by the Chinese as the foremost water town or the 'Venice of the East'.
For tourists, it ranks among the most exquisite destinations to visit, earning the highest rating (AAAAA) from China's national tourism agency.
Chau Trang is ensconced by intertwining rivers and lakes, once bustling with trade activities in the Jiangnan region. Today, it exudes tranquility and simplicity with its moss-covered ancient houses, red lanterns, quaint cobblestone streets, gracefully arched stone bridges spanning narrow canals, and lightweight wooden boats gently ferrying visitors across crystal-clear waters.
Around 1,000 households still inhabit the ancient dwellings dating back to the Ming, Qing, and early Republic of China eras. They make a living by rowing boats and guiding tourists to explore Chau Trang ancient town.
After experiencing the beauty of Chau Trang, you'll find the entrance fee of 100 RMB (about 352,000 VND) quite reasonable. But if you wish to delve deeper into the tranquil life here, take a 20-minute wooden boat ride around the ancient town for 40 RMB per person (if solo) or 100 RMB to rent the entire boat for up to 6 people.
Sitting by the gently flowing canal, observing the ancient houses on both sides while the willow trees sway along the banks, you'll feel immersed in the ambiance of old Chau Trang. The rhythmic sound of oars and traditional songs sung by boatmen add to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Chau Trang still preserves many ancient houses thanks to effective conservation efforts. However, some have deteriorated and require extensive repairs or even reconstruction for souvenir shops while ensuring traditional architecture.
During our visit, alongside passenger boats, there were also boats carrying construction materials for house repairs. Nevertheless, everything here unfolds slowly and peacefully.
Chau Trang boasts numerous souvenir shops, calligraphy studios, museums, modern Starbucks cafes, and eateries catering to tourists.
It even boasts a traditional liquor store where visitors can witness the ancient liquor-making process. One of the town's famous dishes is marinated pig's trotters, tofu fermentation, and wonton noodles, widely available in local stores.
After a tiring stroll, you can sit under a small tea house by an ancient tree in a narrow alley to enjoy tea in the chilly weather ranging from -5 to 2 degrees Celsius at this time of year.
If you wish to stay overnight in the ancient town, you can opt for small inns along the canal with affordable prices ranging from 100 to 300 RMB per night.
Experience rustic life, but these inns also provide Wi-Fi for guests to enjoy modern comforts.
In spring, the trees in Chau Trang ancient town shed their leaves, turning yellow. However, tourists continuously flock here, marveling at the picturesque beauty.
By Nguyên Khôi/Tuổi Trẻ
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourJanuary 18, 2018
