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Key Takeaways about China Old Towns
- How many old towns in China?
China has over 2,800 ancient towns, each with its unique geography, culture, and history.
- What is the best old city in China?
Some of the best ancient towns include Zhujiajiao Water Town, Zhouzhuang Water Town, Furong Ancient Town, Lijiang Ancient city, Pingyao Ancient City, Kashgar Old City, zhengyuan Ancient Town, Hongcun Village, Xingping Ancient Town, Langzhong Ancient City, and Yongding Hakka Culture Village.
Among them, the Ancient City of Lijiang, the Ancient City of Pingyao, the Hongcun Village and the Hakka Cultural Village of Yongding have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- What are the four great ancient towns in China?
These include the Langzhong Ancient City in Sichuan, Shexian Ancient City in Anhui, Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi, and Lijiang Ancient city in Yunnan.
- What is the oldest town in China?
The oldest town in China is Pingyao Ancient City, which has a history of 2,700 years.
- What is the best-preserved old town in China?
The best-preserved ancient town in China is Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO world heritage site.
1. Zhujiajiao Water Town - A China Ancient City Near Shanghai
Location: Qingpu District, Shanghai (50 km from Shanghai city center)
How to Get There: 1 hour by car or 2 hours by metro from Shanghai
Highlights: Ancient stone arch bridge, hand-operated boat, local street food, etc.
Just an hour from Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town is a charming escape into China’s past. With over 1,700 years of history, it’s one of the best-preserved water towns near Shanghai, often called "Shanghai’s backyard."
Stroll across the iconic Fangsheng Bridge (放生桥), a 400-year-old stone arch bridge, or wander through North Street for local street food, a well-preserved Ming-Qing era lane.
Don’t miss the chance to take a traditional rowing boat ride along the waterways, offering serene views of ancient houses and stone bridges. For a deeper dive into local culture, visit Kezhi Garden (课植园), a classic Jiangnan-style garden.
You can spend 3-4 hours exploring and return to Shanghai. It’s a must-add to your Shanghai tour!
2. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town - No. 1 Old Water Town in China
Location: Southwest of Kunshan, Suzhou City, Jiangsu
How to Get There: 1-1.5 hours by car from Shanghai, or 30 minutes by bullet train from Shanghai to Suzhou South + 20 minutes by car from Suzhou South to Zhouzhuang
Highlights: Ancient double bridges and grand mansions, boat ride, local food, etc.
Known as the "No. 1 Water Town in China," Zhouzhuang is a picturesque escape just an hour from Shanghai. With over 900 years of history, it’s famous for its double bridges (Shide and Yong’an), made iconic by the painting "Memory of My Hometown."
Explore Shen Hall (沈厅) and Zhang Hall (张厅), grand mansions showcasing the wealth of Jiangnan merchants. A rowing boat ride through the narrow canals is a must for soaking in the town’s tranquil beauty. At night, Zhouzhuang transforms into a dreamy wonderland with lights reflecting on the water.
Don’t forget to try the local delicacy, Wansan Pig Trotter, a savory treat.
We suggest you spend a day or two here and combine it with a poetic Jiangnan tour that includes the other destinations such as Shanghai and Hangzhou.
3. Lijiang Ancient City - An Old Chinese Town at the Foot of Snow-capped Mountains
Location: Naxi Autonomous County, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan
How to Get There: 30 minutes by car from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, or 30 minutes by car from Lijiang Railway Station
Highlights: Snow mountain, Naxi culture, Dongba script, ancient music, UNESCO site, etc.
Nestled at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 800 years of history. It’s the heart of Naxi culture, known for its Dongba script, ancient music, and cobblestone streets.
Explore Square Street (四方街), the bustling center of the old town, or climb Lion Hill for panoramic views of the city and mountain. Visit Mu Family Mansion (木府), a grand complex that tells the story of Naxi rulers.
It’s easily accessible from Lijiang Airport or Train Station, making it a must-visit for culture lovers in Yunnan. Spend 2-3 days here to fully experience its charm, and stay in a traditional Naxi-style guesthouse.
4. Furong Ancient Town - A China Old Town on the Waterfall
Location: Yongshun County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan
How to Get There: It is 30 minutes' high-speed train from Zhangjiajie West to Furongzhen.
Highlights: Waterfall, Tujia stilt houses, nightscape, local cuisine, etc.
Furong Ancient Town is a hidden gem in Hunan, famous for its waterfall that flows through the town, earning it the nickname "Town on the Waterfall." With over 2,000 years of history, it’s a blend of natural beauty and Tujia ethnic culture.
Walk along the stone-paved streets, lined with traditional Tujia stilt houses, and don’t miss the rice tofu, a local specialty featured in the movie Furong Town. At night, the waterfall is illuminated, creating a magical nightscape.
Furong is less touristy than Fenghuang Ancient Town, offering a more authentic experience. See the itinerary for a 5 Days Zhangjiajie Tour with Fenghuang Ancient Town >>
Spend a day exploring, and stay overnight in a local guesthouse to immerse yourself in Tujia culture. It’s only a 30 mins’ train ride from Zhangjiajie, making it a perfect side trip!
Beijing to Zhangjiajie High Speed Train Schedules, Time, Tickets & Price
Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie High Speed Train (Bullet Train): Timetable, Tickets & Prices
Chengdu to Zhangjiajie Bullet Train: Transfer at Huaihua (2025)
Xian to Zhangjiajie Bullet Train: Transfer at Changsha | 2025
5. Xingping Ancient Town - An Old Chinese Town Along the Li River
Location: Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
How to Get There: Take a 2-hour bamboo rafting trip from Guilin to Xingping.
Highlights: Bamboo rafting, hiking, fishing villages, karst landscapes, etc.
Located along the Li River, Xingping Ancient Town is a postcard-perfect destination near Guilin. Famous for its "Yellow Cloth Reflection" and the 20 RMB note backdrop, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers!
Take a bamboo raft ride to soak in the stunning karst landscape, or hike up Laozhai Mountain for panoramic views, especially at sunset. Explore the ancient streets and visit nearby fishing villages to see traditional cormorant fishing.
At night, the town transforms into a tranquil haven with lantern-lit streets. Stay overnight in a riverside inn for a peaceful retreat!
6. Hongcun Village - An Old China Village with Unique Huizhou Architecture
Location: Hongcun Town, Yixian County, Huangshan City, Anhui
How to Get There: Easy to reach by car from Huangshan Railway Station or Tunxi Airport. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Highlights: A UNESCO site, Huizhou architecture, lakes, local cuisine, etc.
Welcome to Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the epitome of Huizhou architecture! This 900-year-old village is a living painting, often called "a village in a Chinese painting."
Stroll around South Lake (南湖), where traditional Huizhou houses reflect in the water, or visit Chengzhi Hall (承志堂), a grand mansion known as the "folk Forbidden City." For a deeper dive into local culture, try your hand at bamboo weaving or ink-making at the Nanhu Academy.
Food lovers, don’t miss stinky mandarin fish and plum vegetable pancakes!
Pair your visit with a trip to Huangshan Mountain for the ultimate experience! It takes only a 40 minutes’ drive.
7. Hakka Culture Village of Yongding - A Chinese Old Town with Unique Fujian Tulous
Location: Yongding District, Longyan City, Fujian Province
How to Get There: Accessible by train, a 3.5 hours’ ride from Xiamen North to Yongding. Then take a car to the final destination, about 30 minutes.
Highlights: Hakka Culture, Tulou architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, etc.
Hey, adventurers! If you’re fascinated by unique architecture, Yongding’s Hakka Culture Village in Fujian is a must-see. It’s home to the iconic Tulou, massive circular earth buildings that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Start with the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster (洪坑土楼群), where you’ll find the Zhencheng Lou (振成楼), nicknamed the “Prince of Tulou.” Its double-ring design is a photographer’s dream!
- Next, visit the Gaobei Tulou Cluster (高北土楼群) to see Chengqi Lou (承启楼), the largest Tulou in the world and a filming location for the China animated movie Big Fish & Begonia.
- For a more authentic vibe, head to Chuxi Tulou Cluster (初溪土楼群), where you can try hands-on activities like paper-making and bamboo weaving.
- Or hike the Nanxi Tulou Cluster (南溪土楼群), known as the “Great Wall of Tulou,” with hundreds of buildings such as Zhengfu Lou (振福楼) that known as the "Princess of Tulou," set against a stunning mountain backdrop.
These Tulou aren’t just architectural marvels—they’re sustainable, energy-efficient, and built for communal living. Spend a day or two here, and stay overnight to experience Hakka hospitality. It’s a journey into history and culture you won’t forget!
8. Pingyao Ancient City - The Best-preserved Old City in China
Location: Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi
How to Get There: You can get there easily by high-speed train. It takes 45 minutes by train from Taiyuan, 3.5 hours from Datong, or 3 hours from Xian.
Highlights: Ming-Qing architecture, Jin merchant culture, local dishes, UNESCO site, etc.
Step into the past in Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most well-preserved ancient cities. With over 2,700 years of history, it’s a living museum of Ming-Qing architecture and Jin merchant culture.
Walk along the ancient city walls, stretching 6 kilometers, or visit Rishengchang (日升昌票号), China’s first draft bank. Stroll through Ming-Qing Street, lined with traditional shops selling local specialties like Pingyao beef and lacquerware.
Don’t miss the immersive show "See Pingyao Again," which brings the city’s history to life.
Spend 1-2 days exploring and stay in a traditional courtyard inn for an authentic experience. Combine this with a Xian tour. Follow a classic Xian - Pingyao travel route >>
9. Kashgar Old City - The Most Exotic Ancient City in China
Location: Kashgar Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
How to Get There: It's only 30 minutes from Kashgar Airport or Kashgar Railway Station.
Highlights: Uyghur culture, heritage of China Silk Road, Bazaar, Gaotai Homes, local food, etc.
If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, Kashgar Old City in Xinjiang is a must-visit. Known as the "Heart of the Silk Road," this ancient town is over 2,000 years old and blends Uyghur culture, Islamic heritage, and Silk Road traditions.
Start at the Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺), the largest mosque in Xinjiang, to soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Wander through the Kashgar Bazaar (巴扎), where you can shop for handmade crafts, spices, and dried fruits.
Don’t miss the Gaotai Homes (高台民居), traditional Uyghur houses perched on high platforms, offering a glimpse into local life. Foodies, you’re in for a treat! Try samsa (baked lamb pies), polo (pilaf), and kebabs.
Why not spend a day or two exploring the Uyghur culture? We really recommend taking a day trip to Tashkurgan to see the stunning scenery of the Pamir Plateau and visit a lovely Tajik family.
10. Zhenyuan Ancient Town - A China Old Town to Experience Miao Culture
Location: Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou
How to Get There: The best way to get to Zhenyuan is by train. From Guiyang, the train ride to Zhenyuan takes about 4 hours. Then take a car to Zhenyuan Ancient Town, taking about 20 minutes.
Highlights: Architecture, night boat ride, local food, Miao ethnic clothing, etc.
Located in Guizhou, Zhenyuan Ancient Town is a hidden gem with over 2,000 years of history. Known for its unique layout—"nine mountains embrace one river, dividing the town into two"—it’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Explore the Qinglong Cave, a stunning complex of ancient Taoist architecture hanging over the Wuyang River. Wander through Fangjing Lane and Chongzikou Lane, where cobblestone streets lead to Ming-Qing era houses. At sunset, head to Zhusheng Bridge for a romantic vibe, often accompanied by traditional music.
Take a night boat ride to see the town lit up, or hike along the riverside trails. Try local dishes like sour fish soup and tofu balls, and don’t miss the chance to dress in Miao ethnic clothing.
11. Langzhong Ancient City - An Old City Where Chinese New Year Is Born
Location: Langzhong City, Nanchong, China
How to Get There: It's a 2.5-hour train ride from Chengdu to Langzhong.
Highlights: Three Kingdoms culture, Zhang Fei Temple, local food, Chinese New Year folklore events, etc.
Tucked away in Sichuan, Langzhong Ancient City is one of China’s "Four Great Ancient Towns" but remains off the beaten path. The other three are Shexian Ancient City in Anhui, Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi and Lijiang Ancient city in Yunnan.
With over 2,300 years of history, it’s a treasure trove of Three Kingdoms culture and feng shui architecture. Walk along the ancient city walls for stunning views, or visit Zhang Fei Temple to learn about the legendary Three Kingdoms general.
Langzhong is one of the birthplaces of Chinese New Year culture and holds a grand Chinese New Year folklore event every year. If you’re here during Spring Festival, join the lively celebrations with dragon dances, lanterns, and local performances.
Foodies, try the "Three Treasures of Langzhong"—Zhang Fei beef, Baoning vinegar, and steamed buns.
It’s easily accessible from Chengdu by train, making it a perfect cultural getaway!
How to Avoid Crowds in China Old Towns?
China is a populated country. To avoid crowds in China’s ancient towns, consider the following strategies:
- Visit During the Off-Season
Travel between November and February (except for regions like Heilongjiang Harbin and Hainan where the peak season is winter), early March to May (especially early March and mid-May after the flower bloom), or during non-peak periods in June to September (before and after school holidays).
- Avoid Chinese Holidays
Steer clear of Chinese New Year (New Year's Eve to the 5th day of the first lunar month), Labor Day (May 1-5), Summer Vacation (July to August/early September), and National Day (October 1-7), as these are peak travel times.
- Explore Less Crowded Towns
Consider visiting lesser-known ancient towns like Furong, Zhengyuan, Xingping, or Yongding Hakka Culture Village, which see fewer tourists.
- Use the Early or Late Visit Strategy
Be among the first visitors in the morning or visit in the late afternoon when large crowds are leaving. This way, you can enjoy the sights without the crowds.
Plan a Chinese Old Town Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel
Excited to explore ancient towns in China? Whether you’re enchanted by the tranquil water towns of Jiangnan or the iconic Tulou villages in Fujian, these places offer a peek into China’s rich history and culture.
With Asia Odyssey Travel, you’ll have a local guide by your side, making your journey even more immersive and hassle-free. Plus, joining a group tour means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure without the stress of planning.
Join in Asia Odyssey Travel now! Let’s make your trip to China old towns, cities or villages an unforgettable one!
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