You know about Lijiang and Dali, but do you know China’s Four Famous Ancient Towns?

Which are the four famous ancient towns in China? Don’t say Lijiang, Dali, Fenghuang, and Yangshuo. The real Four Famous Ancient Towns of China are Jingdezhen, Hankou, Foshan, and Zhuxian. Historically, these four towns gained fame for their porcelain, commerce, handicrafts, and woodblock prints respectively. As time passed, although their administrative divisions have changed greatly from the past, these four towns still exist and are well worth visiting.

As the foremost of the Four Famous Ancient Towns, Jingdezhen’s reputation has long been known both at home and abroad. Even the English name for China — “China” — originates from Jingdezhen’s former name “Changnan.” Today’s Porcelain Capital has evolved into “Jingdezhen City,” where numerous porcelain factories and museums showcase its long-standing ceramic culture. Stroll through the old streets and shops, and no matter your expertise, you’re bound to be captivated by the exquisite ceramics on display.

Day 1:Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum--Ceramic History Expo Area--Sculpture Porcelain Factory--Sanlv Temple Ancient Street--Xiangji Lane Residential Houses

When in Jingdezhen, don’t miss the chance to learn about porcelain. At the Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum and Ceramic History Expo Area, you’ll find stunning pieces that will broaden your horizons. If it’s the weekend, don’t miss the creative market at the Sculpture Porcelain Factory — pick up some handmade crafts. In the evening, take a walk through Sanlv Temple Ancient Street and Xiangji Lane to soak in the charm of the old town.

Day 2:Yaoli Ancient Town

Formerly known as “Yaoli” (literally “Kiln Village”), Yaoli is the birthplace of Jingdezhen’s ceramics and is known as the “Source of Porcelain, Fragrance of Tea, and Sea of Forests.” The town remains quiet and quaint to this day. It’s recommended to spend a full day here. You can depart from Jingdezhen and make a same-day round trip.

Transportation: There are two daily buses between Jingdezhen and Yaoli, departing at7:30in the morning and2:00in the afternoon from Jingdezhen, arriving in Yaoli around9:00in the morning and4:00in the afternoon. Ticket price:13yuan. There are two direct buses returning from Yaoli to the city in the afternoon, departing at9:00in the morning and4:00Set off around this time.

Known as one of the "Three Famous Towers South of the Yangtze River" alongside Yueyang Tower in Hunan and Tengwang Pavilion in Jiangxi, the Yellow Crane Tower has inspired countless timeless literary masterpieces throughout history. For visitors, it’s a great spot to climb and enjoy the view. On clear days, you can overlook the panoramic scenery of Wuhan’s two rivers and three towns from the top.

Hankou Riverside is a large public leisure area, famous for its reed landscapes—especially in late autumn when the three- to four-kilometer stretch of reeds is both spectacular and graceful. The blooming reed flowers against the surging river create a view rarely seen in other major cities.

Located at the foot of Luojia Mountain and surrounding East Lake, Wuhan University boasts an elegant and classic campus environment. Its cherry blossoms are also famous nationwide. Every spring, many visitors come specifically to admire them, and it’s also a great place to reminisce about your own university days.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, this area was home to the governor’s office and county yamen, and it preserves50numerous historic buildings over a century old. In recent years, the arrival of many creative shops and cafés has added an artistic vibe to Tanhualin. The strong contrast between the ancient and the modern makes this a uniquely charming district.

Wuhan is a paradise for food lovers. In addition to nationally popular treats like Zhou Hei Ya (Zhou Black Duck) and Jingwu duck necks, there are many local snacks. Especially notable is Wuhan’s “zao guo” (morning meal) culture, which has developed into a distinctive breakfast tradition. Options include hot dry noodles, sanxian bean skin, soup dumplings, fresh fish paste powder, and many more. There’s no need to pick a specific eatery—there are so many restaurants and even more street food stalls. Just follow the crowds, and you’re sure to find something delicious.

Now known as Foshan City, located in the heart of the Pearl River Delta, it became one of China’s four major silk-weaving centers thanks to its advanced handicraft industry. Foshan is also the birthplace of Southern Chinese martial arts, producing legendary masters such as Wong Fei-hung and Ip Man. It is also the homeland of Cantonese opera, where local community-run Cantonese operaperformances"(known as "si huo ju")"are a unique feature of Foshan culture and have remaineddeeplypopular to this day.

The Nanfeng Ancient Kiln in Foshan was first built in1506and is known as the “living fossil of ceramics.” The park features Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complexes, ceramic museums, and other sights. The most distinctive attraction is a dragon kiln dating back to the Ming dynasty, which has been in continuous use for 500 years and is the oldest continuously operating dragon kiln in the world.

In terms of development level, Zhuxian Town is arguably the most “declined” and possibly the least-known among the Four Great Ancient Towns. Today, Zhuxian Town is part of Xiangfu District in Kaifeng City, about15kilometers from downtown. Although it is no longer as bustling as it once was, it is precisely this “backwardness” that has allowed the town to retain an old-world charm.

Zhuxian Town isn’t large. Yue Fei Temple and the Mosque are probably the most “significant” sights in town. There are also several traditional woodblock print shops still in business. If you’re interested in traditional culture, it’s worth visiting these old stores.

Some of the more famous attractions in Kaifeng include Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Kaifeng Prefecture, and Da Xiangguo Temple. These can generally be explored in one to one and a half days.

Built to replicate the painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival,” the garden mainly reconstructs the street scenes and imperial garden landscapes of the Northern Song Dynasty. Although staff members wear Song dynasty costumes, this man-made attraction can sometimes feel crude and tacky due to lack of refinement. However, the evening grand performance “Daming · Dream of Dongjing” is quite spectacular and well worth watching.

Transportation: Take bus1/15/20/30/38to Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden Station

Ticket: Peak season (3month1to11month30),120yuan; off-peak season (12month1to the end of2),90yuan.

“Daming · Dream of Dongjing” is only performed during the peak season.

Known as the “Foremost Prefecture Under Heaven,” it was an important governing institution during the Northern Song Dynasty, managing the capital and surrounding areas—equivalent to today’s Beijing Municipal Government. Now a tourist attraction, it puts on daily performances such as the opening ceremony and Judge Bao trying cases. The prefecture also houses a wealth of valuable historical materials, which visitors can explore in the exhibition area if interested.

Transportation: Take4Bus No. 90 to Kaifeng Prefecture Station

Admission:60Yuan

Daxiangguo Temple was a royal temple during the Song Dynasty and the location where Lu Zhishen uprooted a willow tree in the classic novel "Water Margin." The current temple was reconstructed in recent years and frequently hosts cultural relics and art exhibitions. You can also admire a Ming Dynasty-era wooden statue of the Four-Faced Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin inside the hall.

Transportation: Take1/4/8/16/19/23/29/31/32bus to Xiangguo Temple Station

Admission:45Yuan

Have you been to all four of these places? If not, consider adding them to your travel itinerary.~