Wuzhen; Ancient Water Town

Lying equidistant between Suzhou and Hangzhou is the water township of Wuzhen. Like Suzhou, the town consists of a canal and alleys running parallel to each other. As Suzhou is becoming more developed, Wuzhen has preserved much of its history and cultural uniqueness setting it apart from the other towns in South Eastern China. There are several water villages such as this in China, Wuzhen located in Zhejiang province was given the title of the Provincial Ancient Town of History and Culture in 1991 ranking it first of the six ancient towns south of the Yangtze River.

Taking a walk along the stone walkways or crossing any of the stone bridges across the canal, one can appreciate the historical charm of this ancient town. The peace, the quiet calm waters, the smell (it even smells old!), the whole atmosphere will make you feel like you are a millennium away. No doubt, the villagers probably still live as if it was 2000 years ago, perhaps with minor improvements (ie. owning a TV!). I watched locals washing their clothes (and even rice!) in the canal. What a sight!