not-so-touristy water town

Question

Which is the least touristy of all? Open to staying overnight. My research indicates Nanxun may be a good option. But whatever I read on the internet, other people read it, too. So not sure if it's gotten more popular. Other ones I found are Xitang, Fengjing, Tongli, Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, etc.

Answer

If you’re looking for a water town near Shanghai that is less touristy and offers a more authentic experience, your instincts about Nanxun are quite correct. While towns like Wuzhen, Zhouzhuang, and Xitang have become heavily commercialized and crowded, Nanxun remains quieter and retains much of its traditional charm.

Here’s a breakdown of some options and what to expect:

Nanxun: Less visited than the “big names,” it has preserved old residences, stone bridges, and canals without overwhelming crowds. Staying overnight is pleasant and you get the town almost to yourself in the early morning or evening.
Fengjing: Smaller and quieter than Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen. It offers a quaint feel but some parts have seen recent development targeting tourism. Day trips are fine, overnight stays are possible but limited in hotel options.
Tongli: Very charming with beautiful canals and gardens, but it is closer to Suzhou and gets moderate tourist traffic. Staying overnight can be nice, as most day-trippers leave by evening.
Xitang: More commercialized now, especially the main streets, but still retains quieter lanes if you explore the alleys. Popular for Instagram photos and weekend crowds.
Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang: These are the most famous and crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays. Good for a first-time visitor, but not ideal for avoiding tourists.

Tips for a less touristy experience:

Consider weekdays for visiting, as weekends attract more domestic tourists.
Book a local guesthouse or small boutique hotel to stay overnight; this allows you to enjoy early morning or late evening strolls when the towns are nearly empty.
Arrive early in the morning to explore canals, bridges, and alleys before buses of day-trippers arrive.
Combine a water town with nearby villages to experience rural life outside the main tourist areas.

Overall, for your criteria, Nanxun is the best choice for a quieter, less touristy experience with overnight stay options, followed by Fengjing or Tongli if you want alternatives that are still relatively calm.

not-so-touristy water town

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