Wuzhen

Wuzhen (乌镇) is a historic water town on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, a couple hours outside of Shanghai in neighbouring Zhejiang Province.  Spent the weekend strolling the small lanes, drinking tea along the banks of the canals, and imagining the idyllic life back in the day.. (well, I also imagined having a kung-fu fight in the streets to defend my family's honour..)

The town is over 1300 years old, and has been carefully restored to maintain it's heritage.  Although the town's primary source of income now is tourism, for the 12,000 residents, daily life remains relatively simple, and hasn't changed too much from days past.

The area is known for indigo dyeing of silk fabric.  As well as pickled vegetables and rice wine.

Worth a visit for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai.