When we hear the word China, the first thing that comes to our mind is bustling cities with tall buildings and lots of traffic. But that’s not it - China also has some beautiful towns that will instantly make you fall in love with nature.
In this article, we will explore some of them.
1: Tongli
A visit to this town is a must if you are staying in Shanghai. Just a few miles away from the sprawling giant city, this quiet and peaceful town offers you the perfect chance to relax and explore the Chinese culture.
The town is full of aesthetic gardens and temples. Chances are that you might not be able to see all of them in one day, so make sure you stay for at least two days. You can also take a boat ride in the town’s canal, where you might catch old women doing laundry or fishermen trying to catch fish!
2: Hushan
This delightful town is located in western Yunnan, near the Burmese border and has a population of approximately 6000 people only. Once a stopover in the Southern Silk Road, this town has a lot of historical importance.
Most of the houses in this town are a mixture of the Chinese and foreign cultures - and that is what makes them unique. You can discover the town on foot. While you’re at it, you may also come across some famous sights, like the memorial of the Chinese philosopher Ai Siqi, and the Hushan library.
3. Lijiang Old Town
Also located in the Yunnan territory, Lijiang Old Town is one of the most famous ancient towns in China. It is a perfect representation of the old-day China, and is also home to the Nakhi people.
The most appealing factor in this beautiful town are the waterways passing through it. However, due to urban development, the town is now losing its charm. The water table is dropping due to overbuilding, and the Nakhi people are leaving due to rising costs of housing - so visit the town before it’s too late!
4: Dali
Famous for its natural beauty and locally mined marble, Dali is a small town situated near Erhai Lake. Get ready to be welcomed by grand city gates and cobbled streets that lead you to the Bai folkhouses.
Highlights of this town include street markets selling Bai clothes and artwork made of local marbles and the three-course tea - which is a Bai tradition of welcoming guests. Dali is also the home of the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, that date back to the 9th and 10th centuries and are a symbol of true beauty.
5. Yangshuo
Surrounded by the Karst Mountains, Yangshuo is another small town located on the majestic Li River. The best part of the day to visit this city is in the morning. Fishermen out there in the river in their small wooden boats on a dewy morning is a sight that you should definitely not miss.
The town also offers a great opportunity to take a bike ride. We recommend that you enjoy a boat ride in the Li River to Guilin, and then cycle back from there. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy both activities.
6: Zhouzhuang
Located in the Jiangsu province between Shanghai and Suzhou, Zhouzhuang tops the list of China’s most beautiful towns. It is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to a striking similarity between this town and Venice.
This town, too, has significant importance in terms of history. Although a stroll down the city’s streets and crossover bridges alone or with your loved one is a pleasure in itself, the town has many historical sights that should not be missed. Quite simply, the town is a delight for both nature and history lovers.
Discover these beautiful towns with us. Book your ticket/tour today!