Top 10 Most Beautiful Ancient Towns in China You Should Visit

The beauty of Wuzhen is often described as a "watercolor painting"—it is one of the four most famous ancient towns in the Jiangnan region. Here, everything exudes a charming, melancholic aura, as the waterways that have flowed for thousands of years continue to tell their story. The deep red tones, the traditional architecture, and the tranquil rivers winding through the town create a picturesque scene, especially at sunset, of an ancient town in Zhejiang province, China.

Wuzhen is an unmissable destination for any traveler in China. Once you step foot in this town, you’ll be captivated by the serene canals that wind through its heart. Every little house faces the river, its reflection clearly mirrored on the crystal-clear water. Taking a boat ride through Wuzhen, visitors are transported into a dreamlike paradise, surrounded by misty beauty and peaceful scenery.

Pingyao is a 2,700-year-old fortress, an ancient city in Shanxi Province, China. When you think of Pingyao, you picture the towering ancient walls encircling a city that has been preserved for millennia. Pingyao’s ancient city dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties and stands as a vivid snapshot of the economic, social, and cultural development of China during one of its most influential historical periods. Its architecture remains remarkably intact.

When visiting Pingyao Ancient City, make sure not to miss the Zhen Guo Temple located in the northeastern part of the city. This wooden temple, built during the Northern and Southern Han Dynasties over a thousand years ago, continues to attract numerous visitors every year.

Xidi Village, much like Hongcun, is deeply steeped in the rich history of ancient Chinese rural life, from its charming streets and bridges to its unique sculptures. Xidi is often referred to as a small, peaceful, and ancient village in Anhui Province. Surrounded on all sides by mountains, the village features clear, serene waters, lush greenery, and ancient homes closely packed together, forming a harmonious, inseparable community.

Xidi Village is home to over 300 simple yet elegant houses, built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Of these, 124 homes are exceptionally well-preserved, maintaining their original structure. Each house has its own courtyard, enclosed by walls, with no windows. Rainwater flows along the walls and roof into the courtyard, symbolizing the village's rich, bountiful nature.

Nanjing is a small county in Fujian province, renowned for its 1,500 ancient earth towers, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These towers vary in shape, with the most common being round, favored for their earthquake-resistant qualities and spacious, well-ventilated interiors. The construction material is highly unique, consisting of a mixture of river sand, chicken eggs, glutinous rice, and other elements.

The mixture is carefully baked using a special technique, resulting in a durable, solid material. Some of these earth towers have survived for centuries. Known as Hakka architecture, this style was created by the Hakka people. The houses here are typically round or square, with walls made by compacting earth mixed with stone, bamboo, and other materials, creating walls nearly 2 meters thick.

Dongli is an ancient town located in Jiangsu province, China, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and serene ambiance. Established in the 7th century, the town is situated 18 kilometers from Suzhou. It is famous for its vibrant residential areas and rapidly growing economy. Covering approximately 86 hectares, Dongli is surrounded by a lake and a complex network of canals, where ancient houses and timeworn bridges span the waterways, some of which have endured for centuries.

The town retains its simple, tranquil charm from centuries past. The well-preserved ancient houses are a testament to its history. Cobblestone streets wind along the peaceful canals, where you might encounter elderly locals playing chess, children returning from school, or wandering artists and photographers searching for inspiration.

When people mention Chujia Jiao, they immediately think of one of Shanghai's most famous water towns, with a distinctive fan-like shape. This scenic spot is not only a popular tourist destination showcasing the charm of the Jiangnan region, but also renowned for its irresistible local snacks. Chujia Jiao offers stunning natural beauty with boats gently drifting along the river, old bridges crossing over the water, and traditional houses illuminated by red lanterns.

The Fangsheng Bridge, next to the Fangsheng Temple, is a well-known landmark where visitors release fish and turtles into the water. When in Chujia Jiao, a must-do activity is taking a boat tour along the Tao River. The river meanders around the town, passing nine streets lined with more than a thousand ancient houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A boat ride here is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences.

Dali is an autonomous region covering about 28,000 square kilometers, located on a plateau 1,890 meters above sea level. The region's beauty is summed up in four words: Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon, each capturing the essence of this remarkable place. The ancient city of Dali is known for the constant winds that blow from the ground up, earning the name 'Wind.' The mild climate above allows for the cultivation of abundant flowers, giving the area its title of 'Flower Terrace.' The area is home to nine peaks called Diem Thuong, and during winter, snow blankets the landscape, thus the name 'Snow Mountain.'

Erhai Lake offers a mesmerizing view of the moon's reflection, making it a favorite spot for those enchanted by lunar beauty. Dali is also known for its ancient architecture, with the Forbidden City being the most famous landmark. The city features historical monuments, old temples, traditional buildings, local handicrafts, and a well-developed infrastructure for tourists.

Lijiang Ancient Town, also known as Dayan Town, is located in Yunnan Province, China. It is a city that captivates with both its scenic beauty and rich history. Sitting 2,400 meters above sea level on the Yunqi Plateau and covering nearly 3.8 square kilometers, Lijiang is home to several ethnic groups, including the Bai, Naxi, and Tibetan people.

Lijiang is often referred to as the "Venice of the East" due to its intricate network of waterways and bridges. The city boasts 534 bridges across the Nuoqi River that flows through the inner city. With a history spanning over 800 years, the ancient town of Lijiang exudes a timeless charm, with weeping willows swaying in the breeze and small streams meandering past homes along the streets.

Zhouzhuang Town, located in Jiangsu Province, China, may be a small town with a population of just 20,000, but it is often referred to as the "Venice of the East". Its romantic charm, filled with ancient city walls, old streets, and picturesque waters typical of the southern Yangtze region, captivates all who visit.

The sight of intricately carved stone bridges arching across canals, houses covered in moss with white walls and black roofs, and lanterns hanging delicately above all give the town an air of timeless beauty. Occasionally, wooden boats gently sway on the crystal-clear waters, while young women dressed in embroidered floral garments sing songs that echo through the air, enchanting visitors from afar.

Zhouzhuang is renowned for its quiet, antique allure. The town's stone bridges curve gracefully over the canals, and its ancient houses with moss-covered walls and wooden boats gliding along the waters paint a picture of serenity. The scenery of Zhouzhuang seems like something out of a period drama: a green canal reflecting the willows, and a deserted stone path where no one walks.

Hongcun Village, located in Anhui Province, China, is renowned for its strong connection to ancient Chinese rural life. It remains a living testament to an organized settlement model from the past. The village is surrounded by artificial water systems, with ancient stone bridges, old streets, stone tablets, and clay statues, creating a picturesque "painting within a painting" effect. From above, Hongcun resembles a resting buffalo on land surrounded by mountains and water. The ancient houses, dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, have been carefully preserved, maintaining their peaceful, timeless beauty for over 800 years.

What makes this village unique is its design, which is shaped like a buffalo lying down. Upon visiting, you’ll experience a perfect harmony between the surrounding mountains. In the early morning mist, the village appears with its whitewashed walls and intricately decorated gray-tiled roofs reflecting in the tranquil lotus ponds. Hongcun truly seems like a beautiful painting come to life.