The incredible 'Venice of Asia - 1,000 year-old town with no tourists

Located in the heart of China's Zhejiang province, Nanxun Old Town is a breathtaking canal town that echoes the look and feel of Venice but with a charm and history all its own. Also known as the "Venice of Asia", it bears striking visual similarities to the famous Italian city, but it is clear to say that Nanxun is no replica. It's a unique and authentic destination with over a millennium of rich cultural heritage, and it has remained largely untouched by mass tourism.

South of the Yangtze River and near Huzhou, Nanxun developed during the Song Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing periods when it was a major centre for silk production. While other ancient canal towns in China have become popular with tourists, Nanxun has kept its peaceful, lived-in charm.

China Highlights, a Chinese award-winning tour operator, also describes Nanxun as "one of the least visited water towns in the region,' offering a tranquil alternative to the crowded tourist hubs of Zhouzhuang, Tongli, and Wuzhen."

The town is built around two intersecting waterways, the Shihe River and the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's longest man-made waterway, stretching over 1,100 miles.

Boats drift through tranquil canals, passing stone bridges, whitewashed homes, and gardens, while visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery on a gondola-style ride.

Nanxun is also home to historic mansions that reflect both Chinese and Western influences. Highlights include the Jiayetang Library, Little Lotus Villa, and the Former Residences of Zhang Shiming and Zhang Jingjiang.

Admission to the town costs around 100 yuan, which equates to about £10.2, and covers all major attractions. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, offering great weather and seasonal festivals to attend.

Each spring, Nanxun comes alive during the Canhua Festival, a vibrant celebration of local culture featuring folk performances, traditional crafts, and blooming flowers that can be seen everywhere.

One person wrote on TripAdvisor about Nanxun Old Town: "Tucked away in the quiet yet cosy corners of Nanxun village, it feels like stepping into a painting with whispers of history in every stone path.

"And time seems to slow down just enough to breathe it all in. The people are lovely and you can try all sorts of delicious food(with my favourite one being a crepe, haha).

"Coming back from this trip, it feels like every new place I discover in China unlocks a secret door in my heart, and Nanxun is no exception."

Another TripAdvisor user said: "Nanxun is just a few hours away from Shanghai or Hagzhou and it's 100% worth the visit. We spent two days in this ancient water town and loved it, from the traditional architecture to the food, the canals, the lighting at night and the people everything was very unique.

"I think it's worth staying the night over there, the town transforms itself into a pretty impressive light display."