Hongcun
Hongcun is located at the southwestern foot of the Yellow Mountain and 11 kilometers away from Yi County, is a peculiar ox-shaped ancient village in the peach blossom valley of the ancient Yi County. Lying in the Thunder Hillock and facing the Southern Lake, it covers 30 hectares, and enjoys the good name of 'Chinese village in picture' because of the beautiful mountain and water. The mountain is grassy because of the water, and the water is lively because of the mountain. In the shaoxing Period of the Southern Song Dynasty, people in Hongcun took the initiative in applying bionics by creating the unique artificial water system for firefighting and irrigation. They did everything according to the shape of the ox the winding dam is the 'intestine' of the ox; the 'Moon Pond' dug beside the mouth of the spring is its 'stomach'; the 'Southern Lake' is its 'belly'; the villagers lived in both sides of the 'intestine' are its 'body'. The sceneries of the mountain and the lake are in perfect harmony with layers of houses; the natural scenes and cultural implications reflect upon each other, -- the very uniqueness of the residence design in Hongcun, which distinguishes it from that of any other areas, and makes it as one of the wonders of the current World Historical and Cultural Heritage.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a beautiful shining jewel on the northwest Yunnan plateau neighboring the southeast side of the Tibetan plateau which is considered to be the 'roof of the world'. It is impressive because of its scenery and
lush vegetation. The old town of Lijiang differs from other ancient Chinese cities in architecture, history and culture. Lijiang old town (including Dayan, Baisha and Shuhe) was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 4, 1997.
The old town has become a mecca for domestic tourism, drawing many large groups of Chinese tourist. With its functioning canals lining narrow winding alleyways and ancient Chinese architecture, Lijiang retains much of its charm and is one of the more impressive stops in the region. The dominant local ethnic minority in Lijiang is the Naxi, with many Yi and Bai in the area. The Naxi are a matriarchal society and are the subject of much interest among Chinese and foreign tourists. The Naxi are matriarchal insomuch as property is traditionally inherited down the female line, and men move into the wife's family home after marriage.
Wuzhen
Wuzhen lies at the north of Tongxiang City of Zhejiang Province, China, and at the center of the triangle formed by Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing. The town covers an area of 71.19 sq .km, with a total population of 60.000 and permanent residents of 12.000.The town is divided into four zones by a cross-shaped river, with the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal running across the town, making it the only ancient water town adjacent to the canal. The town lies on the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Alluvial Plain, with no hills but interlaced rivers. Due to its warm and humid climate, and abundant rainfalls and sunshine, the products here are rich, making Wuzhen well-known as 'the town if fish, rice, and silk'.
Xitang
Xitang is level, densely distributed with rivers and has a very quiet natural environment.9 rivers converge in this town, dividing it into 8 sections, but many bridges link this water town together(anciently called as 'nine dragon old pearl'and'wind from 8 sides').Inside the town, there are many well-preserved architectural groups constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties, which boast a higher artistry and study value, thus being highlighted by the experts at home and abroad studying antique buildings. Through a bird's-eye view of the whole town, green waves ripple everywhere and every family resides near water. In the morning, water flows beneath bridges, thin mist is like silk, pinkish walls on both banks stand tall and erect and tiled houses are reflected inversely in the water. In the evening, the setting sun shines slantwise; songs come from fishing boats, lamps flicker and the fragrance of wine drifts. The whole old town is like a poem and a picture. In this town, people will feel that they are seemingly in an earthly paradise. It is hard to know that people exist in the picture or picture exists in the heart of people.
Zhouzhuang
Zhouzhuang is though over 900 years old, yet it remains as it were. The typical style and features of the water county & ancient town and even the way of life of its inhabitants remain unchanged. All the houses in the town built by streams with sidewalks along have naturally turned into its street together with the water lanes. Stone bridge and overhead towers projection span over them for free passages of the local people. There has a word, Up is heaven, down on the earth is Suzhou and Hangzhou, and in between is Zhouzhuang.
Night comes, lights turn on. 'Si Zhu Xuan Juan', playing folk song, Wu song, all these characteristic and meaningful activities make the night of ancient town more beautiful and the color lamp flickered, the string music melodious and Wu song touching.
Wangsan pig's upper leg, Wansan Cake, Chinese flowering cake, plum blossom cake, soup with blood of chicken and duck, steamed lotus root, three flavors meatballs.
Zhouzhuang was having the praise of 'rich water land' It has fertile land, rich product, long history and deep culture. Wansan pig's upper leg that represents the delicious food here with fame spreading far and wide wins universal praise. Visitors can taste Wansan family feast which has particular material and fine cooking as well as enjoying the casualty of homely and seasoning dishes. Take a visit to ancient village in south China, taste delicious food in Water County.
Luzhi
Luzhi has an excellent geographical location, 18km away from east Suzhou city, 58 km away from Shanghai. The traffic is very convenient.There are many well-known flavor of the food, especially 'Fuli Duck' and 'Fuli Feet'. The unique women's clothing of Wu Dong is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the old town.
Luzhi is as old as Suzhou; she was born in Spring and Autumn period, stretching in the Han Dynasty, becoming more prosperous in the Wei & Jin Dynasty, blooming in the Ming and Qing Dynasty. With the vast field and lakes and famous agriculture since ancient times, many historical and scenic sites since the Spring and Autumn period to Qing Dynasty have been preserved, especially the various times, various patterns for the old bridge and more residents in the town also lead a simple, quiet and elegant life like few hundred years ago .
Mudu
Mudu, a historic cultural town, is located at the foot of Linyan Hill in the west of Suzhou. She, surrounded by quiet, delicate landscape and connected to the Taihu Lake through lots of waterways, wins a good reputation of superb grace and elegance. Two clear and charming rivers, Xiangxi River and Xujiang River, wind their ways through the peaceful and beautiful town. It's recorded that Fucai, the Emperor of the ancient Wu County 2500 years ago, especially had his Guanwa Palace built here for his queen Xishi, one of the Four Beauties in the history of China. In addition, Qianlong, Emperor of Qing Dynasty had been to this beautiful town six times.
Mudu is the only ancient town worth the reputation of Chinese garden town. Her architectural style is unique among so many old towns south of the Yangzi River. She has more than 30 private gardens during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, including Yan Family Residence, Hongyin Villa, Ancient Pine Garden and Bangyan mansion. (Bangyan is the second at imperial examinations in the ancient times.) All these gardens have been renovated and open to the public now, among which, Yan Family residence, which used to be the residence of the former Taiwan Politician Mr. YanJiagan is now one of the most famous gardens in China. Hongyin Villa, once the temporary dwelling for Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty, treasures up to 20 original imperial edicts of Qing Dynasty, which are especially rare.
Nanxun
Nanxun Town is located in the north of Zhejiang Province and to the east of Huzhou. It is adjacent to Zhengze Town, Jiangsu Province in the northeast, positioned at latitude of 120'25''-120'26''E and 30'52''-30'53'' N. This area is the economic hinterland of Yangtze Delta formed by Tai Hu Lake Basin and Hangjiahu Plain. The government of Nanxun is situated on the Renrui Road. It is 30 km from Nanxun to the city center of Huzhou and 120 km to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province. The town is 9 km from Tai Hu Lake, bordered on the north by Qidu village, Jiangsu Province and on the south by Sanchang Village and Hengjie Village as well as on the west by Mayao Town and Dongqian Town.
Tang Model
Tang Model, established according to the Tang Dynasty mode and style. Such as Qing Dynasty architecture Bajiao Stone Pavilion, Tongbaohanlin Mill and Tangan Garden which is best known. It is said that a wealthy businessmen called Xu in Qing Dynasty, making up for his mother wanting to visit West Lake in Hangzhou.Because of old age , she couldn't realize her expectations .Lately, the dutiful son Xu construct the Garden simulating the West Lake scenery for her. As many Tan flowers were planted and the creek flowed slowly, it was called Tangan Garden.
In Tang model village, there is a Water Street, which is the main street. Nearly 100 residential buildings of Hui style are widely distributed in the both sides. There are more than 40 meters of shelter promenade. As the business climate has not affected, the village retains the harmony, old feeling. The whole Tang Model village is praised to be 'live in the paint'.