Near Shanghai, you’ll find ancient water towns to experience over 1000 years of history along cobbled streets, arched bridges and ancient canals.
Browse water towns and tour options or contact us to create your own
This 1000 year-old Water Town is the closest to Shanghai and just an hour by car. This town has it all – ancient bridges, canals, gondola rides, food and more. It’s busy, but is our recommendation if you can only visit one, even if you only have half a day.
Recommendation: Only an hour from Shanghai, it’s a perfect short excursion.
Tours that include this water town:
The most authentic Water Town for local culture, the “Oriental Venice” surrounded by lakes and 40 bridges, three very famous ones – Taiping, Jili, and Chanqing. Its Retreat and Reflection Garden is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. See with Suzhou.
Recommendation: Only 90 Min from Shanghai, but very close to Suzhou. If going to Suzhou, see this one.
Tours that include this water town:
This largest and most advanced Water Town, featured in movies and Chen Yifei paintings. A UNESCO AAAAA scenic area. You can tour famous, ancient houses & cross unique “double-bridges.” Great for photographers and movie buffs.
Recommendation: Only 75-90 Min from Shanghai. Best for photo/movie buffs.
Tours that include this water town:
A China AAAAA, historical site. This scenic old Town is over 1000 years-old and featured in Mission Impossible 3 with its unique waterside covered corridors and shops. Amazing night scenes and bar activity. Great for young & young-at-heart.
Recommendation: Best if you’re going at night! Only 75-90 Min from Shanghai, it’s a wonderful evening experience.
Tours that include this water town:
A 2000 year-old, but undeveloped Water Town is close to Suzhou. Its many bridges, undeveloped houses and 13 folk museums, from tile to antiques, make it unique from others. With 50% water, this scenic town has quaint elegance. Great for an uncrowded, personal, authentic experience.
Recommendation: Most authentic and least crowded. Only 75-90 Min from Shanghai, it’s worth the trip.
Tours that include this water town:
Jinxi w/Best of Shanghai
This picturesque Water Town has two cultures – the east is commercialized and crowded, the west is peaceful and elegant. The permanent site of the World Internet Conference and the Wuzhen Foot-binding museum. Stay overnight in guest houses directly on the water. For those wanting a unique experience.
Recommendation: This town is about 1 hr and 45 min. from Shanghai. Great if you’re going to a conference here 🙂
Tours that include this water town:
It is one of the most well-preserved old towns in this region and is known for its cultural heritage with preserved traditional streets, imposing dwellings and spacious courtyards,landing terraces and covered ways. Many traditional houses and carved-brick arches over gateways still stand today.
Recommendation: This town is a little further at 2 hours from Shanghai. Best preserved for architecture. Great for a second choice 🙂
Tours that include this water town:
From USD139/pax
Enjoy a trip to spectacular Xitang with dazzling views, a delicious Sichuan dinner and gondola ride.
From USD169/pax
Starting from Shanghai, a half day in historic Suzhou, 1000 year old classic garden, silk and Tongli Ancient w/local delicacies.
From 169/pax
Starting from Shanghai, a half day in historic Suzhou, 1000 year old classic garden, silk and Tongli Ancient w/local delicacies.
From USD169/pax
Visit UNESCO AAAAA ancient water town and back to Shanghai to visit several busting areas.
From USD169/pax
This combination tour includes the picturesque ancient Xitang Water Town and back to Shanghai for popular sites.
From USD169/pax
This combination tour includes the undeveloped ancient Jinxi Water Town and back to Shanghai for popular sites.
From USD99/pax
A visit to an historic ancient water town just 1 hr from Shanghai w/local snack tasting.
From USD119/pax
A visit to historic water town and back to Shanghai to visit three iconic sites.
From USD150/pax
A visit to an historic ancient water town and back to Shanghai for a traditional craft experience
We’re not a big tour agency… just me and some of my professional tour guide friends. We love sharing authentic China and our goal is to make sure you have a great time based on your interests – guaranteed! All of us agree to a code of conduct that focuses on you, our guest, and not on taking you places you don’t want to see or touristy shopping areas. And because our overhead is so low, we can offer you great prices along with customized service.
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P:(China) +86 186-2171-9434
P: (US EST): 1-980-395-3733