Tired of the crowded, internet-famous ancient towns during holidays?
Don't want to rush, wait in lines, or just want to find a quiet little town to zone out and get some fresh air!
We've curated 4 truly off-the-beaten-path, uncrowded, and charmingly authentic hidden gems in Jiangsu.
Reachable in as little as 1 hour by high-speed rail, these towns offer a soothing, slow pace perfect for a weekend escape, a short getaway, or a relaxing family trip✨
① Taicang | The closest "blank canvas" Jiangnan town to Shanghai
Taicang is truly an underrated Jiangnan treasure!
Despite being right next to Shanghai, it completely lacks the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The whole town is clean, gentle, and relaxed—the most comfortable slow-living town in Jiangnan.
No need to rush to check off sights; just wandering around is a scenic experience.
Liuhe Ancient Town is one of the few quiet, ancient ports in Jiangnan. The old street is short, with rivers winding through alleys and ancient bridges standing still. Without dense rows of shops, it retains the simplest look of old Jiangnan, where elderly residents sit at the alley entrance chatting, and time flows slowly.
Be sure to visit Yanshan Garden in Taicang in the evening.
As a classic Jiangnan garden, it is quiet and uncrowded, with pavilions, waterside structures, and reflections in the pond. As the evening breeze blows, the garden's atmosphere is fully realized—quiet and soothing, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Taicang in late autumn is breathtaking, with the whole city covered in golden ginkgo leaves, clean and tidy streets, and every snapshot capturing the soothing scenery of a small town.
The food is also low-key and amazing!
The soft and sweet Taicang pork floss bones and the "three fresh" dishes from the river and sea are light, delicious, and non-greasy. They are addictive and are the home-style delicacies kept secret by the locals.
✅Travel experience: Clean and soothing, zero commercialization, suitable for short-term relaxation and easy family trips
② Jurong | A little fairyland right on Jiangsu's doorstep
Many people only know Mount Mao, but they don't know that the entire city of Jurong is a treasure!
Hidden among the mountains, with dense forests and fresh air, it is full of ethereal mountain and water scenery—a super niche, oxygen-rich getaway in the Yangtze River Delta.
The top choice is Baohuashan Qianhua Ancient Village!
Unlike the dilapidated state of other ancient towns, this is a Ming and Qing dynasty village nestled in the mountains and waters. Built against the mountain with streams running through the alleys, the bluestone roads are clean and tidy, and the white walls and black tiles are arranged in a picturesque way.
During the day, the mountain forests are quiet, the ancient alleys are serene, and the lush greenery is soothing.
At night, lanterns light up one by one, the ancient village glows in the dim light, and the evening breeze blows through the alleys, creating an ethereal atmosphere that is simply divine. With very few tourists, you can enjoy the entire Jiangnan night view all to yourself.
If you don't want to hike or rush, come to Jurong's Fure Flower Sea.
Flowers bloom in rotation throughout the four seasons, and with vast lawns and fresh air, it's perfect for picnics, taking photos, and walking the kids. Lying on the grass watching the blue sky and white clouds will cure all your urban anxiety.
✅Travel experience: Ethereal mountain and water scenery, uncrowded and beautiful, away from the hustle and bustle, a top choice for healing and stress relief
③ Danyang | A thousand-year-old Jiangnan town overshadowed by its eyewear industry
Mention Danyang, and everyone only thinks of eyewear, but they don't know that it hides the gentlest Jiangnan water town!
Without crowds of tourists, locals live and work in peace. The old streets, ancient bridges, and river and lake scenery are low-key yet stunning.
You must visit the Jiuli Scenic Area; it's so niche that there's almost no one there!
The river water is crystal clear, ancient stone bridges span the river, the banks are shaded by trees, and the ancient architecture is simple and elegant. This is a thousand-year-old ancient ferry crossing, quiet and pristine. The wind blows across the shimmering water, which is incredibly soothing.
The Ximen Old Street in the old town is full of vibrant local life.
It retains the complete style of the old southern city, with old-fashioned shops, vintage storefronts, and old houses in the alleys. It hasn't been renovated into an internet-famous spot, offering an authentic taste of old Jiangnan life.
Danyang's food is also exceptional!
Danyang barley porridge, Yaorou (cured pork), and pufferfish feasts are specialties that locals have eaten for generations. They are light, easy on the stomach, and full of authentic local flavor.
✅Travel experience: Niche and off-the-beaten-path, pristine, rich in local atmosphere, suitable for those who love quiet old towns
④ Jingjiang | A gentle Jiangnan-style town in northern Jiangsu with soft river breezes
Jingjiang is truly too low-key!
Living by the river with vast river views, it has no crowded throngs of people. The local customs are gentle, the town is peaceful, and it is a soothing, niche destination hidden by the river.
You must go to Mucheng Park!
It's a super large riverside ecological park with a vast river surface, swaying reeds, and gentle river breezes.
Stroll along the riverside walkway, watch the river flow east and the sunset over the river—the view is incredibly open, soothing, and relaxing.
The park has forests and vast lawns, and it's quiet and uncrowded, perfect for walking, cycling, camping, and watching the sunset.
The pace in the old town is slow, the streets and alleys are clean and tidy, and there is no commercial noise.
The small shops along the street are full of vibrant local life, and the small-town life is relaxed and comfortable.
You must try the authentic delicacies when coming to Jingjiang!
Jingjiang crab roe soup dumplings, pork jerky, and river fish stir-fries—with thin skins and juicy fillings, they are sweet, savory, and flavorful. It's a small-town taste you won't forget after visiting.
✅Travel experience: Soothing river views, relaxed and comfortable, uncrowded and quiet, suitable for a weekend of relaxing and slow travel
Overall Summary | Why recommend these 4 small towns?
No internet-famous crowds, no over-commercialization.
They have mountains, water, ancient towns, gardens, river views, and vibrant local life.
Reachable in 1 hour by high-speed rail, no need for long-distance travel.
A two-day, one-night weekend trip is enough to escape urban anxiety and immerse yourself in the gentleness of Jiangnan🌿
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