Discovering a new view of an ancient town

Many of the old towns I've visited in the Yangtze River's lower reaches have proved to be largely the same - black-awning-covered boats float beneath arched bridges spanning canals lined by stone houses with black-ceramic-shingled roofs and wooden windows.

Shops in narrow lanes sell local snacks, handicrafts and souvenirs.

To some extent, if you've seen one such settlement, you've seen them all.