Overview
Ancient towns (古镇, guzhen) in China refer to commercial settlements with a century or more of history, featuring large-scale ancient residential architecture that has been well-preserved to the present day. These towns serve as external carriers of ancient Chinese culture and are primarily distributed throughout China, with notable concentrations in regions like Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River), Sichuan, and Yunnan.
History
The development of ancient towns in China spans thousands of years, with many dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties (9th-13th centuries). These settlements typically emerged along waterways where transportation was facilitated by rivers and canals. The Jiangnan region, in particular, developed a unique network of water towns due to its dense river systems and favorable agricultural conditions.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties (14th-20th centuries), many ancient towns flourished as commercial centers, specializing in various industries such as silk, tea, ceramics, and salt. The architectural styles and urban layouts of these towns were influenced by their economic functions, geographical features, and cultural traditions.
Key Information
Distribution of Major Ancient Towns in China
| Region | Notable Ancient Towns |
|---|---|
| Jiangsu | Tongli, Zhouzhuang, Mudu, Shajiabang, Jinxi, Huishan, etc. |
| Zhejiang | Nanxun, Wuzhen, Xitang, Anchang, Longmen, Tangqi, etc. |
| Sichuan | Anren, Luodai, Huanglongxi, Lizhuang, Pingle, Shangli, etc. |
| Yunnan | Heshun, Shuhe, Shaxi, Guandu, Baisha, Xizhou, etc. |
| Anhui | Taohuatan, Sanhe, Huizhou ancient villages (Xidi, Hongcun, etc.) |
| Chongqing | Ciqikou, Anju, Litian, Wanling, Zushui, etc. |
Cultural Significance
Ancient towns serve as important repositories of traditional Chinese architecture, urban planning, and cultural practices. Their spatial layouts and building forms reflect the philosophical concept of "harmony between humanity and nature" (天人合一), particularly evident in the water towns of Jiangnan where buildings are constructed along rivers, narrow lanes wind through settlements, and numerous bridges connect different parts of the community.
The architectural styles of ancient towns vary by region and function. For example, the ancient residences in Qingcheng Town, Lanzhou, incorporate architectural elements from Beijing, Tianjin, Shaanxi, and Shanxi, forming various types of courtyard houses with exquisite brick and wood carvings. In contrast, Jiaoxi Town in Changzhou developed a unique "half yellow stone wall" construction method, using large yellow stone blocks for the lower two-thirds of walls and brick for the upper portion, providing flood protection, moisture resistance, and thermal insulation.
Modern Status
Today, China has over 2,800 developed ancient towns, with more than half facing challenges of homogenization and hollowness according to a 2025 industry report. Despite these challenges, many towns have adopted innovative development models to attract visitors and preserve their cultural heritage.
Several distinct development models have emerged:
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Zhouzhuang Model - Government-led with resident participation, characterized by early development but heavy commercialization.
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Wuzhen Model - Capital-intensive operation with corporate control, maintaining overall town appearance but with limited resident presence.
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Nanxun Model - Based on selling 30-year operating rights, enabling significant investment but requiring careful governance.
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Tongli Model - Emphasizes international cooperation and expanded tourism development beyond the ancient town area.
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Zhujiajiao Model - Free admission with funding derived from commercial development of surrounding areas.
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Anren Model - Specialized as a "museum town" focusing on Republican-era architecture.
Recent trends show a shift from "monolithic protection" to "holistic conservation," from "academic research" to "technology-enabled preservation," and from "static history" to "cultural interpretation." Ancient towns are increasingly adopting smart tourism technologies, immersive experiences, regional cooperation, and industry integration to address contemporary challenges.
References
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Wang, L. (2022). Conservation and Development of Ancient Towns in China: Models and Innovations. Springer Nature.
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Zhang, H., & Li, M. (2023). "Cultural Heritage Tourism in Ancient Towns: Balancing Preservation and Commercialization." Journal of Heritage Tourism, 18(3), 345-362.
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Chen, J. (2021). Traditional Settlements and Cultural Landscapes of China. Cambridge University Press.
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Liu, Y. (2024). "Digital Transformation of Ancient Towns: Technology and Cultural Interpretation." Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 9(1), 78-95.
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UNESCO. (2020). Traditional Human Settlements: Conservation and Revitalization. UNESCO Publishing.