As the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day 2020 (the CNH Day falls on June 13) is approaching, Suzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture. Radio. Television and Tourism has set June 13 as the “Half-price Day for Jiangnan Ancient Water Towns”. It’s worth mentioning that all the ancient water towns included here are involved in a joint effort to apply for the title of World Cultural Heritage.
“Jiangnan Ancient Water Town” is a specific concept. Based on the Regulations on Preserving Jiangnan Ancient Water Towns in Suzhou that took effect in March, 2018, the ancient towns which are jointly bidding for the World Cultural Heritage are all located within Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province and Shanghai.
The candidate team is made up of 11 most representative towns, namely, Zhouzhuang (周庄), Tongli (同里), Luzhi (甪直), Lili (黎里), Jinxi (锦溪), Shaxi (沙溪), Zhenze (震泽), Huishan (惠山), Wuzhen (乌镇), Xitang (西塘) and Xinchang (新场).
The “Half-price Day” initiative has both off-line and online parts.
► On June 13, the admissions (excluding boat tour tickets) to Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Luzhi, Lili, Jinxi, Shaxi, Zhenze, Huishan and Xinchang will be available at a 50% discount.
► Meanwhile, Zhouzhuang, Tongli and Huishan will start a ticket and B&B grabbing session via Suzhou Tourism Office Tmall Shop (search for 苏州旅游旗舰店)at 10 o’clock on June 13. The tourism products and services purchased online are valid until August 31, 2020.
Visit the following nine ancient towns at half price!
Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Zhouzhuang (周庄古镇)
Dating back to 1086, Zhouzhuang has the reputation of “No.1 Water Town in China” and was included into the nation’s first batch of 5A-level scenic spots. Its places of interest are Former Residence of Shen Wansan (沈万三故居), Fu’an Bridge (富安桥), Twin Bridge (双桥), Shen Hall (沈厅), etc.
Tongli (同里古镇)
It has been over 1,000 years since Tongli was established in the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960 – 1279). In 2010, it was recognized as a national 5A-level scenic spot by the National Tourism Administration, and its celebrated “Retreat and Reflection Garden” (退思园) was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Retreat and Reflection Garden (退思园)
Luzhi (甪直古镇)
With a history of more than 2,500 years, Luzhi is noted for its large numbers of waterways, bridges, lanes, old residences and celebrities. It’s also known to the world for its arhat statues and water town women’s apparel.
Lili (黎里古镇)
Born in the Southern Song Dynasty (A.D. 1127 – 1279), Lili is 893 years old today. It’s a town of peace and quietness, and the original scenery of an ancient water town has been very well preserved here.
Jinxi (锦溪古镇)
Named after a small creek as shiny as a piece of brocade in the town, the 2,500-plus year old Jinxi is famed for its “36 bridges and 72 kilns”.
Shaxi (沙溪古镇)
Built over 1,300 years ago, Shaxi is a national 4A-level scenic spot. Its Leyin Garden (乐荫园) and Former Residence of Lu Jingshi (陆京士故居) are famous places of interest.
Zhenze (震泽古镇)
The 4A-level scenic spot Zhenze boasts a history of more than 2,000 years and is seen as China’s hometown of silk. Its places of interest include Shijian Hall (师俭堂), Tower of Ciyun Temple (慈云寺塔), Tomb of Wang Xichan (王锡阐墓), etc.
Shijian Hall (师俭堂)
Wuxi, Jiangsu Province
Huishan (惠山古镇)
Known as the “No.1 Mountain in Jiangnan”, Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area came from the merger of the former Xihui Park (锡惠公园) with Huishan Historic and Cultural Block (惠山历史文化街区) . There are over 200 tourist attractions across the scenic area.
Cr: http://www.chinahuishan.com/
Shanghai
Xinchang (新场古镇)
Xinchang is a thousand-year-old town with many bridges, streets, tea houses, time-honored shops and temples. The film Lust, Caution was shot in this town, and it is only an 8-minute drive away from Shanghai Disney Resort.
