China is home to thousands of years of civilization, and some of its most beautiful stories are preserved not in big cities, but in ancient towns where stone streets, wooden houses, and slow rivers still whisper the past. These towns offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese life, architecture, and culture that modern skylines can’t replace. If you love history, photography, and cultural travel, these destinations belong on your bucket list. Here are the top 10 ancient towns in China you should explore at least once in your lifetime.
1. Lijiang Ancient Town, Yunnan
Lijiang Ancient Town is one of the most famous ancient towns in China, known for its maze-like stone streets, flowing canals, and beautiful Naxi-style wooden houses. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang dates back over 800 years and was once an important stop on the Tea Horse Road, the ancient trade route between China and Tibet. Walking through the old town feels like stepping into a painting, with red lanterns hanging from balconies, bridges arching over clear streams, and snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rising in the distance. Despite being popular with tourists, Lijiang still preserves traditional music, festivals, and local customs, making it a perfect mix of history and lively atmosphere.
2. Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan
Fenghuang, meaning “Phoenix,” is often called one of the most romantic ancient towns in China. Built more than 1,300 years ago, the town sits along the Tuojiang River, where wooden stilt houses reflect beautifully on the water. At night, glowing lanterns light up the riverside, creating a magical scene that attracts photographers from around the world. Fenghuang is rich in Miao and Tujia minority culture, which you can experience through traditional clothing, silver jewelry, music, and dance. Its old city walls, ancient gates, and narrow alleys tell stories of soldiers, merchants, and travelers who once passed through this historic river town.
3. Pingyao Ancient City, Shanxi
Pingyao is one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a history of more than 2,700 years, Pingyao was once the financial center of ancient China and home to the country’s earliest banks. The city is surrounded by massive stone walls and contains hundreds of traditional courtyard houses, temples, shops, and government buildings. Walking through Pingyao feels like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, with red lanterns, wooden storefronts, and horse-drawn carts still seen on its streets. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese business history and traditional urban design.
4. Wuzhen, Zhejiang
Wuzhen is a classic water town located in the Yangtze River Delta, famous for its canals, stone bridges, and white-walled houses with black-tiled roofs. Over 1,300 years old, Wuzhen shows the charm of traditional Jiangnan-style living, where daily life revolves around water. Visitors can take wooden boat rides through narrow canals, explore old workshops making indigo fabric and rice wine, and watch local residents washing vegetables by the riverside. At night, the town becomes even more charming when lantern lights reflect on the water, making Wuzhen one of the most peaceful and romantic ancient towns in China.
5. Xitang Ancient Town, Zhejiang
Xitang is another beautiful water town known for its long covered corridors that stretch along the riverbanks, allowing people to walk even on rainy days. The town is more than 1,000 years old and is famous for its relaxed pace, traditional snacks, and scenic waterways. Xitang has appeared in several Chinese movies and international films because of its photogenic streets and bridges. Unlike some heavily commercialized towns, parts of Xitang still feel quiet and local, with elderly residents chatting by the water and small boats slowly passing under stone arches.
6. Hongcun Village, Anhui
Hongcun is a unique ancient village shaped like an ox, with its waterways forming the ox’s stomach and veins. Built during the Song Dynasty over 900 years ago, Hongcun is a masterpiece of traditional Huizhou architecture, featuring white walls, black roofs, stone carvings, and beautiful courtyards. The village is surrounded by mountains and lakes, making it look like a Chinese ink painting. Hongcun is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is especially popular among artists and photographers who come to capture its reflection in Moon Pond and South Lake. It’s a perfect place to experience rural ancient China.
7. Zhouzhuang, Jiangsu
Often called “the Venice of the East,” Zhouzhuang is one of the oldest and most famous water towns in China, with a history of over 900 years. The town has more than a dozen stone bridges, including the famous Twin Bridges, which appear in many paintings and photos. Narrow waterways run between traditional houses, and wooden boats are still a common way to get around. Zhouzhuang is known for its well-preserved residences, ancient temples, and rich folk culture, including traditional music and local cuisine. Despite being popular with tourists, Zhouzhuang still maintains its historic charm and water-town lifestyle.
8. Dali Ancient Town, Yunnan
Dali Ancient Town is located between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, offering stunning natural scenery along with deep history. Founded over 1,000 years ago, Dali was once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. The town is surrounded by ancient city walls and contains traditional Bai-style houses with white walls, gray roofs, and colorful decorations. Dali has a relaxed and artistic atmosphere, attracting travelers, artists, and backpackers from around the world. Walking through Dali’s streets, you’ll find ancient temples, local markets, handmade crafts, and cafés blending tradition with modern creativity.
9. Tongli Ancient Town, Jiangsu
Tongli is a peaceful water town near Suzhou, known for its elegant gardens, old bridges, and quiet canals. With a history of over 1,000 years, Tongli offers a more relaxed experience compared to some busier towns. It has 15 rivers and nearly 50 bridges connecting small islands, making it a dream for slow travel. Highlights include ancient residences, traditional gardens like Tuisi Garden, and narrow streets lined with old shops and tea houses. Tongli is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the beauty of ancient China without large crowds.
10. Shangri-La Old Town (Dukezong), Yunnan
Shangri-La Old Town, also called Dukezong, is one of the highest ancient towns in the world, located over 3,000 meters above sea level. Built more than 1,300 years ago, it was an important stop on the Tea Horse Road and a center of Tibetan culture. The town features stone roads, wooden Tibetan-style houses, prayer wheels, and monasteries. Although part of the town was damaged by a fire in 2014, much of it has been restored. Walking through Shangri-La Old Town, you’ll feel a strong spiritual atmosphere, with prayer flags flying and monks chanting in the distance.
Conclusion
From romantic riverside villages to mountain towns with spiritual charm, ancient towns in China offer unforgettable travel experiences. They show a side of China that is peaceful, artistic, and deeply connected to history. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time traveler, adding these top 10 ancient towns in China to your travel list will help you understand the country beyond its modern cities and busy streets. If you love culture, photography, and meaningful travel, these timeless towns are waiting for you to explore.