Apart from the well-known attractions within Shanghai/index.html'>Shanghai, like Zhujiajiao and Qibao Ancient Towns, there are many other beautiful Jiangnan ancient towns in the surrounding areas that are worth visiting. Among the most famous are the "Six Major Ancient Towns of Jiangnan": Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Wuzhen, Xitang, Nanxun, and Luzhi. These towns are great for a self-driving trip, but they can also be reached by bus. You can either go for a day trip or take a weekend getaway. Below, we’ll provide detailed information about these ancient towns, which offer both cultural heritage and scenic beauty.

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1. Zhouzhuang: China’s Top Water Town, Shuangqiao, and Wansan Pig Trotters

Zhouzhuang is the earliest and most famous water town in China, often called "The No. 1 Water Town in the World." The iconic Shuangqiao bridge, depicted by artist Chen Yifei, has made Zhouzhuang famous globally, where "small bridges, flowing water, and households" are perfectly integrated.

The influence of wealthy merchant Shen Wansan is felt everywhere in the town, with his former residence now being one of the most popular attractions. The famous "Wansan Pig Trotters" are also a must-try culinary experience in Zhouzhuang.

Ticket Price: 100 yuan, Night tour 80 yuan

Top Attractions: Shuangqiao, Shen Wansan’s Former Residence, Zhouzhuang Zhang Hall

How to Get There: Zhouzhuang is about 80 km from Shanghai, a 2-hour drive. The best way to get there is by long-distance bus. There are six buses daily from Shanghai’s Long-distance Bus Station, with departures starting at 7:05 AM and the last bus at 4:20 PM. The ticket price is 34 yuan.

2. Wuzhen: Waterside Homes, Old Post Office, Dyeing Workshop, Outdoor Cinema, and Flower Fields

Small bridges and flowing water are a signature of Jiangnan towns, and Wuzhen is no exception. The town is known as "China’s Last Waterside Home" because of its many water-side residences.

Wuzhen offers more aBundant tourist resources compared to other Jiangnan towns. In addition to the morning views in Dongzha and the night scenery of Xizha, visitors can watch a full traditional dyeing process at the Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop. The nostalgic Old Post Office, established during the Guangxu era, still operates today. Longxingtian, a vast purple flower field, offers a unique experience in Wuzhen.

Ticket Price: Dongzha 100 yuan; Xizha 120 yuan; Combined ticket 150 yuan

Top Attractions: Xizha Scenic Area - China Post (Wuzhen Post Office), Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop, Longxingtian in Xizha

How to Get There: Wuzhen is about 130 km from Shanghai, a 2.5-hour drive. The easiest way is to take a long-distance bus, which leaves every half hour from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Shanghai’s Long-distance Bus South Station or the Tourist Distribution Center. The ticket price is 55 yuan.

3. Tongli: Retreat Garden, Venice of the East, Peaceful Atmosphere

Although many Jiangnan towns are known for "small bridges and flowing water," Tongli stands out with its dense network of rivers. The town is divided into seven islands by its intricate river system, with every house facing the water, earning it the nickname "Venice of the East."

The most notable site in Tongli is the Retreat Garden, a private garden that is the only World Heritage-listed garden in Jiangnan towns. The garden is delicate and peaceful. The town also stands out for its tranquil atmosphere, as it doesn’t have much nightlife or commercialization, offering a rare quiet retreat.

Ticket Price: 100 yuan (valid for 2 days); Night tour 50 yuan

Top Attractions: Retreat Garden, Tongli Ancient Town - Three Bridges Scenic Area

How to Get There: Tongli is about 90 km from Shanghai, a 2-hour drive. Long-distance buses depart frequently from Shanghai’s Long-distance Bus Station, Hongqiao Long-distance West Station, and other stations. The ticket price is 35 yuan.

4. Xitang: Misty Corridor, Nightlife

The movieMission: Impossible 3 helped make Xitang a popular travel destination, with Tom Cruise’s action scenes filmed among the town’s iconic white walls and dark roofs. The Misty Corridor featured in the movie is one of Xitang’s most unique sights.

Xitang is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with small shops and bars lining the streets. Though it has become more commercialized, visitors can still enjoy its peaceful side by visiting early in the morning or on non-holiday days.

Ticket Price: 100 yuan (includes 11 small attractions within the town)

Top Attractions: Misty Corridor, Shipin Alley, Songzi Laifeng Bridge

How to Get There: Xitang is about 80 km from Shanghai, a 1.5-hour drive. The most convenient way is by long-distance bus, with frequent departures throughout the day. The ticket price ranges from 35-37 yuan.

5. Nanxun: Gardens, East-West Architectural Fusion

Among the many ancient towns in Jiangnan, Nanxun is quite special. Unlike the traditional houses, corridors, and stone bridges of other towns, Nanxun is famous for its gardens, many of which combine Chinese and Western architectural styles.

Nanxun’s main tourist spots are the grand residences of wealthy merchants from ancient times. The elegance of the Zhang Shiming Residence, the Western-style luxury of the Liu Family Steps, and the simplicity of the Zhang Jingjiang Residence are highlights worth visiting.

Ticket Price: 100 yuan

Top Attractions: Baijian Building, Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence in Nanxun

How to Get There: Nanxun is about 120 km from Shanghai, a 2-hour drive. Long-distance buses are a convenient choice, and there are frequent departures from Shanghai, with tickets costing 50 yuan.

6. Luzhi: "Bridge Town," Ye Shengtao, Less Commercialized

Although Luzhi is not as famous as Zhouzhuang or Tongli, it offers just as much charm and historical depth. It was once praised by Fei Xiaotong as "the first water town in China." Since its development was more recent, Luzhi is less commercialized than other well-known Jiangnan towns.

Luzhi is famous for its bridges, with a legendary 72 and a half of them, earning it the title "Bridge Capital of Jiangnan." Additionally, Ye Shengtao’s Wansheng Rice Mill and the ancient Bao Sheng Temple are also notable attractions.

Ticket Price: 78 yuan

Top Attractions: Bao Sheng Temple, Wansheng Rice Mill

How to Get There: Luzhi is about 70 km from Shanghai, a 1-hour and 20-minute drive. Long-distance buses depart frequently from Shanghai’s Zhongshan North Road 806 Long-distance Bus Station. Buses run from 6:10 AM to 4:50 PM, and the ticket price is 17 yuan.