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Joanna✨Malaysia
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🏡 Kunshan Xie Ma Qiao: Your Escape to an Authentic Jiangnan Water Town 🌸

#summervacay Looking for a charming and less-discovered ancient town near Shanghai? Xie Ma Qiao in Kunshan is a fantastic choice! This picturesque water town offers a serene escape with its well-preserved historical charm and absence of overdevelopment. ✨ Just an hour's drive or a short metro and bus ride from Shanghai, Xie Ma Qiao welcomes you with its classic white walls, black tiles, and tranquil waterways. Stroll along ancient stone paths, admire Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, and soak in the timeless atmosphere of a place steeped in over a thousand years of history. 🏞️ ☕ Slow Down and Savor: Art, Food, and Serenity 📖 Xie Ma Qiao is perfect for those looking to unwind and embrace a slower pace. You'll find a delightful mix of art, local cuisine, and cozy guesthouses. Riverside Cafes: Picture yourself enjoying a coffee by the river, soaking up the sun, and simply relaxing. ☀️ Yichi Garden: A popular spot for its comfortable setting, though it can get busy on weekends. 🪴 Local Flavors: Don't miss the chance to try authentic Kunshan Aozhao Noodles and Suzhou dim sum. 🍜🥟 Cultural Experiences: Explore non-heritage workshops and traditional tea houses featuring Pingtan and Kunqu opera. 🎭🎶 📍 Easy Access from Shanghai 🚆 Getting to Xie Ma Qiao is straightforward: Metro & Bus: Take Shanghai Metro Line 11 to Huaqiao Station, then transfer to Bus 136 to Xie Ma Qiao Station. 🚉 Driving: It's about a 50-minute drive from Shanghai. 🚗 Xie Ma Qiao offers a unique blend of history, culture, and tranquility, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing weekend getaway from the city's hustle and bustle. If you're seeking an authentic, peaceful ancient town experience, Xie Ma Qiao is definitely worth a visit! ✨ #jiangnan #shanghaiweekendgetaway #ancienttown
Posted: Jul 17, 2025
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🏞️ Zhouzhuang 周庄 — China’s Most Famous Water Town Often dubbed the “Venice of the East,” Zhouzhuang (周庄) is everything you’d imagine a Jiangnan water town to be — serene canals, arched stone bridges, whitewashed houses, and wooden boats drifting under red lanterns. I visited Zhouzhuang on a quiet weekday, and the slower pace was such a refreshing break from the city. Walking along the narrow alleys, I passed century-old mansions, tiny family-run shops, and locals chatting by the riverside. My favorite part? Taking a boat ride through the canals while the boatwoman sang a traditional Wu dialect folk song 🎶 — it felt like stepping into a Chinese ink painting. 📍 Getting there: • From Suzhou: Take a direct tourist bus or Didi (~1 hour) • From Shanghai: Tourist buses depart from Shanghai Stadium or Hongqiao, ~1.5 hours 🎫 Tickets: • Entry ticket (~100 RMB) includes access to key sites like Shen House (沈厅) and Zhang House (张厅), which give a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchants in Ming and Qing times. 📌 Tips: • Come early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the quieter side of Zhouzhuang • Boat rides are an extra fee, but totally worth it • Stay for sunset — the golden light on the water is unreal • Try Wansan pork shank (万三蹄膀) — a local specialty Whether you’re here for the canals, culture, or just to slow down, Zhouzhuang is pure old-world charm. #summervacay #Zhouzhuang #WaterTownChina #江南水乡 #古镇慢游 #苏州周边游 #中国旅行 #CanalVibes #古镇摄影 #WuzhongStyle #SlowTravelChina #VeniceOfTheEast

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