Ancient towns in Jiangnan (areas south of Yangtze River) are places with well-preserved traditions in terms of architecture, lifestyle, folk songs and crafts. The following is a brief listing of the most widely known ancient towns in East China's Zhejiang province, which should never be missed when visiting.

Xitang Ancient Town (Jiashan county in Jiaxing city)

Xitang Ancient Town is basically an ordinary town, which also happens to look like a masterpiece from a traditional Chinese painting. [Photo/Zhejiang Fabu WeChat]

The old town of Xitang is considered the cradle of Wuyue Culture. Its 6,000 people in 2,600 households still live a traditional way of life. 

Cobbled streets, old buildings, bridges arching over canals, rowing boats lingering on the river and locals singing folk songs are the features of Xitang. 

Mornings in Xitang bring fresh air and light fog. During the evening, the setting sun casts a rosy glow on the old tiled roofs.