August Ancient Town Travel Guide: 6 Timeless Cities Overflowing with Local Charm

6 Must-Visit Ancient Towns in August

1. Lijiang Old Town, Yunnan

- Address: Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan
- Transportation: Fly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport, take airport shuttle (~50 mins) or taxi to town; 15-min taxi from Lijiang Railway Station.
- Highlights: Sifang Square (quiet mornings perfect for photographing cobblestone paths and Naxi houses), Mu Residence ("Mini Forbidden City" with panoramic views from Wangu Tower), Black Dragon Pool Park (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views and ancient water system source), Shuhe Ancient Town (quieter than Dayan, experience horseback riding on Tea Horse Road).
- Tickets: Free entry; Mu Residence ¥60/person, Black Dragon Pool ¥50 (free for local ID holders).
- Tips: August is rainy season - bring rain gear; wear anti-slip shoes for slick cobblestones; explore side alleys for authentic Naxi courtyard cafes; respect Dongba culture and avoid touching ritual objects.

2. Pingyao Ancient City, Shanxi

- Address: Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi
- Transportation: High-speed rail to Pingyao Station (15-min taxi); direct shuttle from Taiyuan Wusu Airport (~2 hrs).
- Highlights: City Walls (bike rentals available, stunning sunset views), Rishengchang Draft Bank (China's first bank), County Government Office ("court performance" shows), South Street (Qing-era commercial street - try Pingyao beef and fried cakes).
- Tickets: ¥125 combo ticket (22 sites, valid 3 days); walls alone ¥40.
- Tips: Dry climate - stay hydrated; stay in traditional courtyard guesthouses; free wall light shows (~8pm nightly); avoid overpriced souvenirs on main streets.

3. Fenghuang Ancient Town, Hunan

- Address: Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan
- Transportation: Fly to Zhangjiajie/ Huaihua airports + 2-3 hr bus; direct shuttle from Huaihua South Station (1.5 hrs).
- Highlights: Tuo River boat rides (morning light on stilt houses), Shen Congwen's Former Residence (author of "Border Town"), Rainbow Bridge (nighttime lights), Miao Village tours (silver jewelry workshops).
- Tickets: Free entry; boat rides ¥50 one-way; 9-site combo ticket ¥148 (optional).
- Tips: Higher water levels in August; clarify prices before purchasing; try duck blood cakes and sour fish soup; best photography 6-7am.

4. Huizhou Ancient Town, Anhui

- Address: She County, Huangshan City, Anhui
- Transportation: Fly to Huangshan Tunxi Airport + 1-hr bus; 10-min taxi from She County HSR station.
- Highlights: Huizhou Government Office (Qing-era recreations), Xu Guo Stone Arch (unique 8-legged memorial), Doushan Street (Ming-Qing architecture), Yuliang Dam (ancient weir with summer wading).
- Tickets: ¥80 combo ticket; Yuliang Dam ¥30 separately.
- Tips: Frequent rains - capture misty "horse-head wall" scenes; purchase She inkstones as souvenirs; nearby Tangyue Archway Group (7 connected arches) worth visiting.

5. Yulin Ancient City, Shaanxi

- Address: Yuyang District, Yulin City, Shaanxi
- Transportation: Fly to Yulin Yuyang Airport (20-min taxi); 10-min taxi from railway station.
- Highlights: City Walls (rare well-preserved northwestern fortifications), Zhenbeitai ("First Tower of the Great Wall"), Red Stone Gorge (summer canyon retreat with cliff carvings), Kaige Tower (historic downtown center).
- Tickets: Free walls (some sections ¥10); Zhenbeitai ¥30; Red Stone Gorge ¥30.
- Tips: Hot days/cool nights - explore mornings/evenings; try lamb offal soup; combine Zhenbeitai and Red Stone Gorge visits.

6. Shaoxing Ancient Town, Zhejiang

- Address: Yuecheng District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang
- Transportation: Fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan + 1.5-hr metro/intercity rail; 20-min taxi from Shaoxing North HSR station.
- Highlights: Lu Xun's Hometown (free, childhood scenes from his literature), Shen Garden (Song Dynasty love story setting with night shows), East Lake (foot-paddled boat rides through caves), Cangqiao Straight Street (Qing-era snacks like yellow wine ice pops).
- Tickets: Lu Xun's free (reserve ahead); Shen Garden day ¥40/night ¥80; East Lake ¥50 (includes boat).
- Tips: Humid August - prioritize waterside spots; allow extra time for slow foot-paddled boats; experience yellow wine culture at Xianheng Hotel (famous from "Kong Yiji").

These ancient towns blend summer vitality with unique historical charm - perfect for slow exploration!