The capital of Sichuan province Chengdu and an old town in Kunshan Zhouzhuang entered New York Times' "52 places to go in 2015" in January. [Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The capital of Sichuan province Chengdu and an old town in Kunshan Zhouzhuang entered New York Times' "52 places to go in 2015" in January. These are the only two Chinese cities on the list, thanks to their slow life.

In Zhouhuang, small bridges, rivers and quaint houses replace brilliant lights in metropolises. You’ll record every moment here with sense, rather than phones and Internet.

Tranquility

In spite of various sounds, Zhouzhuang doesn't have machines' noise.

Take a boat along water alleys, while listening to boatwomen's ditties and appreciating the old town.

When night falls, stores in the town close one by one. Wander on slab stones on quiet alleys and bridges in twos and threes, accompanied by dim lights to feel serene.

Elegance

Take a cap of tea in Sanmao Teahouse, with faint Kunqu Opera in the air and murmur of water outside windows.

Come here, no matter for a rest or for the famous writer Sanmao, you can enjoy a tranquil moment, whisper with friends and even leave a note before moving for next stop.

In addition, Nanshe Academy and Nanhu Guqin Club add tasteful and quaint atmosphere to the 900-year-old town.

Techniques

Zhouzhuang Twelve Workshops, such as wine brewing and bamboo weaving, not only display local rich traditional handicraft culture, but also represent the culture in Jiangnan, or the region in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.