Beyond the megacities, China’s ancient towns are where old China survives — walled streets, courtyard houses, canals and lantern-lit lanes. They make a wonderful contrast to the skylines.

The best ones

• Pingyao (Shanxi) — a complete, walled Ming/Qing town; walk the ramparts and old banking streets.
• Lijiang (Yunnan) — cobbled lanes and canals beneath snow peaks, home to the Naxi people.
• Jiangnan water towns — Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen and Suzhou’s canals, easy day trips from Shanghai and Hangzhou.
• Fenghuang (Hunan) — stilt houses over the river, especially pretty at night.

Getting there

Most are reached by high-speed rail plus a short transfer; book on Trip.com (affiliate). Day tours to the water towns are on Klook (affiliate).

Tips

• Stay overnight to enjoy the towns once the day-trippers leave — they’re magical in the evening.
• The popular ones get very busy; go early or midweek.
• Many charge a town entrance or “maintenance” fee on top of attractions.

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