The most famous ancient villages in China

If you love the ancient scenes depicted in Chinese period films, you cannot miss a visit to these ancient villages. These small houses, hidden in the mist with moss-covered roofs, surrounded by poetic rivers, majestic mountains, or endless terraced fields, create a nostalgic, tranquil, and mysterious atmosphere for villages that are over a hundred years old. Let's explore the most beautiful ancient villages in China with Vietjet!

Ancient villages are a must-see attraction when visiting China.

1. Wuyuan Village, Jiangxi Province

Wuyuan Village is world-renowned with the title "the most beautiful countryside in China," with at least 50 ancient villages located near two famous scenic spots, Huangshan Mountain and Jingdezhen. Wuyuan is located in the northeastern part of Jiangxi Province, characterized by "eight parts mountain, one part field, one part waterway, and gardens." Thanks to its remote and difficult-to-access terrain, the village has preserved its original features to this day. The architectural heritage in Wuyuan was built in 740 and bears the marks of three dynasties: Tang, Ming, and Qing.

This ancient Chinese village is located in the Jiangnan region, famous in poetry for its picturesque "mountains and rivers," making it a favorite spot for tourists visiting China. The white-walled houses with black-tiled roofs stand out against the green mountains, trees, and clear rivers, creating an extremely poetic and peaceful scene.

2. Tuwa Village, Xinjiang

Tuwa Village is located in Burqin County in northern Xinjiang and is home to the Tuwa ethnic minority. The village has a long strip shape, with wooden huts giving it this appearance. The village is surrounded by towering mountains and dreamy pine forests. In autumn, the entire forest turns a dazzling yellow, creating a stunning sight. In winter, the mountains are covered with white snow, adding to the village's mysterious charm.

Behind Tuwa Village is Friendship Peak on the China-Russia border, with cool winds blowing in from Siberia, giving the village an unusually fresh atmosphere.

3. Xitang Water Town, Zhejiang Province

Xitang Water Town has existed for over ten centuries, dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 to 221 BC), yet it retains a timeless beauty that touches hearts. Xitang is also listed among the most beautiful Chinese villages. It is called a water town because it has nine rivers flowing through it and more than 100 bridges crossing them.

Xitang Water Town is a unique architectural complex built over different periods, most notably during the Spring and Autumn Period, the Ming Dynasty, and the Qing Dynasty. During the day, you can observe the daily activities of the locals, such as elderly people playing chess and women doing chores by the river. In the evening, a modern lifestyle contrasts with the ancient setting as bars, live music clubs, and coffee shops light up. The sparkling lights reflect on the vast water, mirroring the ancient buildings, making Xitang Water Town likened to "a fairyland." Additionally, dawn or dusk is when Xitang appears most dazzling and splendid.

See more: What is in Zhejiang, China? Explore famous cuisine.

The ancient houses in Xitang Water Town appear radiant at sunset.

4. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, Suzhou Province

Zhouzhuang is one of the most famous water towns in China, conveniently located between Shanghai and Suzhou, in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province. This ancient town is over 900 years old and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

It still retains more than 60% of its ancient architecture in the Ming and Qing dynasty styles. When you step into Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, you will be immersed in a picturesque scene with seasonal changes in natural landscapes, majestic mountains, clear lakes, and characteristic wooden bridges. Additionally, you can visit famous historical and cultural sites in Jiangsu such as Milou Tower, Chengxu Taoist Temple, and Quanfu Temple.

Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is over 900 years old and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

5. Ginkgo Village, Yunnan Province

The name Ginkgo Village comes from the fact that the village is filled with ginkgo trees. Ginkgo (also known as maidenhair tree) is a precious tree species, usually found only in Europe or East Asia (China, Japan, and Korea).

Every autumn, every corner of the village is covered in the vibrant and romantic red and yellow hues of ginkgo leaves, creating a scene as beautiful as in fairy tales or romantic films. Thanks to this image, Ginkgo Village has become increasingly famous and attracts many tourists to visit and admire.

See more: Yunnan China Travel: Experience & Costs for Self-Guided Tours

6. Hongcun Ancient Village, Anhui Province

Hongcun Ancient Village was established between 1131-1162 AD and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After more than 900 years, this ancient Chinese village still retains its ancient values and serves domestic tourism. In particular, Hongcun has become more famous among international tourists due to the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," which was filmed here.

Hongcun Ancient Village is designed in the shape of an ox, complete with a head and horns. In the village, many ancient houses were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Next to it is the tranquil Jiyin River, bringing a picturesque beauty to the entire village. Four bridges cross the river, facilitating travel for residents and tourists.

Hongcun Ancient Village lies beside the peaceful and serene Jiyin River.

7. Tachuan Village, Anhui Province

Another famous Chinese village in Anhui Province is Tachuan Village, known as one of the three places with “the most beautiful autumn scenery” in China. It is located 2km east of Hongcun Ancient Village, making it very convenient for you to visit on your travel itinerary.

Tachuan is characterized by its Hui-style architecture with ancient white walls and black tiles, surrounded by majestic mountains and picturesque forests. When autumn arrives, the forest changes to shades of green, yellow, and red, creating a stunning and captivating natural scene.

See more: Self-Guided Travel Experience in China for Non-Chinese Speakers

Above are the top 7 most beautiful ancient villages in China that Vietjet has compiled. We hope one of these seven destinations will be included in your upcoming trip to China. .

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