Chinese towns all have long histories. Certain small towns, which have existed for hundreds of years are especially full of charm. One of these is Lijiang in Yunan Province, which has made the World Cultural Heritage list. The history and culture of some small towns, along with the combination of past and present culture has attracted visitors from home and abroad. Thus, Zhouzhuang, Phoenix Town, Yangshuo, Wuzhen, Nanxun and Dali have become key destinations for travelers.

Zhouzhuang

Located in Jiangsu Province in the east of China, Zhouzhuang is only 38 kilometers away from Suzhou. Wu Guanzhong, the famous Chinese painting artist, once wrote, "Yellow Mountain gathers the landscape beauty of China, Zhouzhuang gathers the water town beauty of China". Overseas press calls Zhouzhuang the "No. 1 Water Town of China".

There are more than 30 rivers throughout Zhouzhuang, Deng Lake, White Inkstone Lake, Dingshan Lake and South Lake. Large houses with ancient aromas are all built along rivers presenting a scene of simplicity, tranquility and neatness. 60% of the local residential houses were built during the Ming dynasty. There are nearly one hundred classical houses and over 60 brick carving doors within no more than half a square kilometer. 14 ancient bridges are well protected. Zhouzhuang is a quiet place suitable for reading, and boasts over 20 Jinshi and Juren during its history. Countless scholars added to the culture and reputation of the small town in the forms of literature and art. Zhang Han (the litterateur in West Jin Period), Liu Yuxi and Lu Guimeng (poets in Tang Dynasty) all lived in Zhouzhuang.

Some major sights in Zhouzhuang include Quanfu Temple, Chengxu Taoist Temple, Shen's House, Fu'an Bridge, and Milou Tower. The picture is of the Fu'an Bridge.

Since Zhouzhuang lies between Suzhou and Shanghai, the transportation is very convenient. Zhouzhuang is so close to Shanghai that travelers can have a round trip in a single day. As a result, there are not many hotels in Zhouzhuang. Those that exist are operated by the locals. While they don't have all the amenities, they are good facilities and are quite clean.

Phoenix Ancient Town

Phoenix Town, located in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous State of Hunan Province in the middle of China, was once called "one of the most beautiful small towns of China" by New Zealand writer Rewi Alley. The "Phoenix Ancient Town" was built during Kangxi reign of Qing Dynasty. This piece of "Xiangxi Pearl" is so "small" that there is only one decent east-west street.

Phoenix Ancient Town is divided into two sections: new and old. The old section lies against mountains and beside rivers. Shallow Tuo River runs through with red sandstone walls lining each side. Nanhua Mountain provides a perfect backdrop for the old town tower, built during the Qing Dynasty. A narrow wood bridge over a wide river was constructed under the north gate of the town wall on stone frusta. People have to enter the bridge from the side, which was once the only passage to go out of town.

Phoenix town is also famous for being the hometown of Shen Congwen, a well-known Chinese modern writer. Sheng Congwen's former residence, located in the deep Shiban alley along the Zhongying Street, has two courtyards similar to the small quadrangles in Beijing. The whole residence is made up of brick and wood. The culture emanates from the gray tiles, white walls and wooden carved windows. "Eight Major Sceneries", Sunrise at East Mountain, Forest of Nanhua, Morning Bell of Mountain Temple, Fishing Light at Dragon Pool, Beauty of Odd Peak, Woodman Song at Orchid Pathway, Wave of Fange Pavilion and Creek, Bridge, and Night and Moon are all major tourist sites. To visit Phoenix Town, you may take a plane to Jishou of Hunan Province and drive into town.