Just a short train ride from Shanghai lie some of the most beautiful historic cities in eastern China. These traditional water towns in the Jiangnan region, such as Suzhou and Hangzhou, are ideal for a day trip or a multi-day exploration.
Suzhou
Suzhou is known as one of China’s most elegant cities. The city combines centuries-old classical gardens, narrow canals, stone bridges, and white houses with dark roof tiles. Strolling through the historic neighborhoods feels like walking through a traditional Chinese painting. Especially in the early morning and evening, the city has a peaceful, romantic atmosphere that contrasts sharply with modern Shanghai.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is often considered one of China’s most beautiful cities thanks to the picturesque West Lake. The lake is surrounded by pagodas, temples, tea fields, and tree-lined walking paths. The city has a relaxed and refined atmosphere and has been a source of inspiration for Chinese poets and artists for centuries. The landscape is particularly impressive in the fog or at sunset.
Wuxi
Wuxi is situated on the shores of the vast Tai Lake and offers a blend of nature, traditional culture, and modern urban development. The city is less crowded than Suzhou and Hangzhou, giving you a more peaceful glimpse of the region. Large gardens, temple complexes, and scenic viewpoints along the lake make Wuxi appealing to travelers who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
Jiaxing
Jiaxing is a quiet water town where life still revolves around canals and bridges. The city has an authentic character and serves as a good starting point for exploring the region’s historic water villages. Unlike the larger tourist attractions, Jiaxing feels less polished and, precisely because of that, often more authentic. The combination of waterways, local markets, and traditional architecture gives a sense of old Jiangnan China.
Tongxiang
Tongxiang is best known for the nearby water village of Wuzhen, one of China’s best-preserved historic settlements. The surrounding area features a landscape of canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses reflected in the water. Especially in the evening, when the old streets and bridges are lit up, an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere emerges that many visitors consider a highlight of their trip.
Kunshan
Kunshan is a prosperous city located between Shanghai and Suzhou, but it attracts visitors primarily because of the historic water village of Zhouzhuang. Here, narrow canals wind their way between centuries-old houses and traditional courtyards. Small boats glide under low stone bridges, while teahouses and local restaurants line the quays. The village offers one of the most complete glimpses of what towns in the Yangtze Delta looked like centuries ago.