Xi Tang - Ancient Towns around Shanghai Series

The Taihu Lake Basin adjacent to Shanghai has a diversified water systemand damp climate and iS rich jn produce.The original inhabitants plantedrice and bred silkworms,and took advantage of the convenient water trans-portation there to develop trade relations both domestically and overseas.This Dart of the country iS famous for its silk and herbal medicines.Sinceancient times,it has witnessed rapid economic growth,and has earned thenicknames“Heaven On Earth”and“Land FLowing with Rice and Fish.”Six ancient waterside towns jn this area?namely,Zhouzhuang,Luzhi andTong[i in Jiangsu Province,and Xitang,Wuzhen and Nanxun in ZhejiangProvince.are the most attractive representatives of age-old towns in south-east China.Waterways have shaped the ancient towns of southeast China,their streetsfoflowing the contours of the waters and their houses built on riverbanks.Small bridges.smoothly flowing rivers and tranquil residentiaI houses formthe typical natural landscape of these towns.Winding streets and lanes.ancient bridges and beautiful gardens contnbute to a tranquil and simpleatmosphere.These towns'nch historical and cultural legacies are embodiedin the venerable shapes of bridges,streets,lanes,residential houses,ances-tral halls,temples and theaters,all with a distinctive loca flavor.Thephilosophy of Life in a waterside town emphasizes the harmonious unity ofNature and Man.The buildings appear simple,though inside they are usuallysplendidly decorated.and the luxury is not shown on the exterior.The mainbuilding material in these towns is wood,displaying fine carvings and otherdecorations.The scenery changes with the four seasons,yet the tranqui[ityand harmony,the smartness and elegance remain unchanged.A stay in oneof these age-old towns brings tourists a strong sense of history,and enchantsthem with graceful landscapes and a relaxing lifestyle.