Ancient towns and villages in China are places where traditions are well preserved in terms of architectures, lifestyles, folk songs and crafts. You can learn more about Hui-style architecture by visiting Hongcunand Xidi at the foot of Mountain Huangshan. Zhouzhuang, Wuzhenand Zhujiajiaoare representatives of beautiful South China water towns, while, Pingyaois a typical Chinese town in North China. Ancient villages in southwest China are the best places to see the traditional lifestyle of ethnic minorities, such as the Lijiang ancient townin Yunnan. The following is a brief listing of the most widely known ancient towns and villages in China, which you never miss visiting.

1. Lijiang in the southeast of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, northwest plateau of Yunnan province
Lijiang ancient town is one of the last surviving ancient towns in China. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Lijiang's Naxi people still preserve much of their native Dongba culture and deep linkage to nature. Lijiang may spoil you. Snow-capped mountain vistas, ancient architecture and streetscapes, canals and waterways, and the people and their distinct culture give Lijiang its universal value to mankind. The aged wooden buildings decked with hanging red lanterns and local musicians playing the centuries old Naxi instruments in the time worn streets, display a lifestyle and culture that seems lost in time.

2. Zhouzhuang in east China's Jiangsu Province
Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water townships in China, situated in Kunshan City which is only 30 kilometers southeast of Suzhou. It is a enchanting place. This village features crisscrossing water lanes, ancient bridges and buildings built on and over the rivers. In an area of half a square kilometer, 60 percent of the Zhouzhuang's structures were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. Zhouzhuang has been called the "Venice of the East".


Source: China.org.cn
 

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