Which 2 water towns around Shanghai to see?

Question

I have 3.5 days to spend going from Shanghai to Hangzhou, and would like to see some pretty old water towns. Which would you recommend?

I'm happy to move quickly between them or just choose 2. I like some nice authentic ancientness but also don't mind touristy commercialism. I'm more wanting to soak up the atmosphere than see or do anything specific. Great food wouldn't hurt.

Which are the prettiest water towns around Shanghai?

* Zhouzhuang Water Town

* Suzhou

* Tongli Water Town

* Wuzhen Water Town

* Zhujiajiao

* Xitang

* Mudu Ancient Town

* Nanxun Old Town

Answer

With 3.5 days to travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou, focusing on two water towns is a sensible plan. You’ll want a mix of authentic atmosphere, charming canals, and good local food. Here’s a breakdown of the top options and recommendations.

Top Recommended Water Towns:

Zhouzhuang Water Town: Often called the "Venice of China," Zhouzhuang is one of the most famous and well-preserved water towns. It has beautiful canals, traditional houses, and stone bridges. While it is more touristy, the town retains an old-world charm. There are several good local restaurants serving Jiangnan cuisine, and it is fairly close to Shanghai (about 1.5 hours by car or bus), making it a convenient choice for a day trip.
Wuzhen Water Town: Wuzhen is another highly picturesque and well-maintained town with two main districts: the historic scenic area and the more commercial area. The scenic area gives a great feel of traditional life with wooden houses along the canals, while the commercial side has shops and restaurants. Wuzhen is about 2 hours from Shanghai, so it works well for an overnight stay if you want to explore slowly.

Other Options Worth Considering (if you want alternatives):

Tongli Water Town: Smaller and quieter than Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen, Tongli has charming canals and traditional gardens. Less commercialized, so great if you prefer a more local vibe. Easily reachable from Suzhou.
Zhujiajiao: Closest to Shanghai (approx. 1 hour), this is convenient for a short half-day trip. It’s quite touristy but has a nice blend of old bridges, canals, and local snacks.
Xitang: Offers atmospheric canals and covered corridors, slightly more commercial but very photogenic. About 2 hours from Shanghai.
Mudu Ancient Town & Nanxun Old Town: Both are quieter and less commercial. Mudu is closer to Suzhou and easy to combine with a day in Suzhou. Nanxun is larger and well-preserved but more off the main tourist track.

Recommended Plan for Your 3.5 Days:

Option 1: Zhouzhuang + Wuzhen – gives a mix of classic charm and well-developed tourist facilities. Spend half a day in Zhouzhuang and an overnight in Wuzhen before heading to Hangzhou.
Option 2: Zhouzhuang + Tongli – if you prefer less crowded towns with a more authentic feel. Easier for day trips from Shanghai.

In summary, for the prettiest experience with good atmosphere and food, Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen are the top choices. Tongli is a quieter alternative if you want a less touristy vibe. Zhujiajiao is convenient if you only have a few hours near Shanghai.

Which 2 water towns around Shanghai to see?

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