To big city dwellers, small towns always seem fascinating. Here are the ten most charming towns in China chosen by CCTV from more than a hundred candidates. The towns were selected on the merits of their natural scenery, cultural heritage, local folk customs, and economic vigor. Each of them is notable for something unique, such as the rivers and bridges of Wuzhen, the castle retreat of Zhangbi, and the exotic boundary town Shiwei which featured in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Want to know more? Follow Citylife's guide to take a closer look.

6. Tongli, Jiangsu

Sometimes called the "Little Venice of the Orient", Tongli is surrounded by lakes on all four sides. It boasts clear waters, many bridges and gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is a perfect representation of Confucian culture. The most famous gardens are Tuisiyuan - a garden for meditation, with its a comprehensive complex of kiosks, viewing platforms and kiosks; and Gengletang where the old weathered houses provide a faithful record of the past. As well as walking through the old Jiangnan lanes with flower-engraved doors and pebble tracks, you can take a boat ride on the river (RMB 80 for one boat daytime/RMB 50-60 at night). And don't miss zhuangyuanti - a local pigs' trotter dish.

Location: 10 km west of Zhouzhuang, 18 km from Suzhou

Tickets: RMB 35-80 depending on the season and how many spots you visit

How to get there:
Take Huqingping Road from Shanghai and continue through Qinpu, and take Suhu Hongqiao Airport Road. Or take Huning Highway from Shanghai, and take Sujia Road at Suzhou through Wujiang to get to Tongli (the whole trip is 25km).

Tongli, Jiangsu	Nanxun, Zhejiang	Xingan, Guangxi	Shiwan, Guangdong	Shiwei, Inner Mongolia
Heshun, Yunnan	Wuzhen, Zhejiang	Taining, Fujian	Hongcun, Anhui	Zhangbi, Shanxi

 

 

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