Best way to visit ancient Chinese towns: train, bus, or car?

For tourists visiting China, the most attractive aspect of ancient Chinese towns isn't just the "old houses" and "cobblestone streets," but rather the glimpse into a China completely different from Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an—rivers, bridges, courtyards, teahouses, ancestral halls, markets, handicrafts, and a truly slow-paced local lifestyle.

However, many ancient Chinese towns aren't located in the city centers. They are often situated on the outskirts of cities, in mountainous areas, lake districts, or rural villages. Public transportation is available, but not always convenient. Especially for foreign tourists visiting China for the first time, hiring a car is much more convenient than trying to combine a day trip to an ancient town with surrounding attractions into a two-day tour.

I. Are ancient towns in China really easy to reach?

Easy level (suburban type)

Some ancient towns are located near major cities, or even within city limits. For example, Zhujiajiao near Shanghai can be easily reached by subway and bus; Ciqikou in Chongqing is directly accessible by light rail, and the ancient streets are within walking distance.

• These ancient towns are suitable for a half-day or full-day trip, and public transportation is perfectly adequate.

Medium difficulty (regional transportation type)

For example, in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, and Zhouzhuang, Jiangsu, although there are tourist buses or long-distance buses, the schedules are fixed, luggage is inconvenient, and the station is often a distance away from the entrance of the ancient town by walking or taking a shuttle bus.

• If you're only carrying a backpack and have plenty of time, taking the bus is a good option; however, if you're traveling with suitcases and children, it can be quite troublesome.

High difficulty (deep mountain/remote area)

The "difficulty in reaching" these ancient towns—Shaxi in Yunnan, Hongcun and Xidi in Anhui, Fenghuang in Hunan, and Jianshui in Yunnan—is precisely what makes them "authentic."These locations are often 2-3 hours away from high-speed rail stations or airports, and may involve mountain roads and rural roads, with sparse public transportation and complicated transfers.

• It is precisely this "difficulty" that has allowed them to retain a purer sense of the past. For these kinds of destinations, chartering a car or customizing a transfer is often not a "luxury," but a "rational choice."

II. When is public transportation sufficient?

If your budget is limited, you can choose public transportation (bus + high-speed rail + taxi) if you meet the following conditions.

• The ancient town is located near a major city (such as Ciqikou in Chongqing or Zhujiajiao in Shanghai).

• It has access to a subway or direct tourist bus with frequent service.

• I only need a backpack or small suitcase.

• I plan to visit only one ancient town per day, without rushing.

• I have ample time and am willing to take my time to explore China's transportation system.

• Budget is a priority, and I have plenty of physical energy.

Typical examples:

• Zhujiajiao (Shanghai): Take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then walk or take a short ferry into the town, enjoying the scenery of Dianshan Lake along the way.

• Ciqikou (Chongqing): Directly accessible by Light Rail Line 1. Upon exiting the station, you'll see an ancient-style archway, stilted buildings built along the mountainside, and the aroma of spicy food.

• Shawan Ancient Town (Guangzhou): Accessible by metro and bus. Featuring Lingnan-style gable walls, brick carvings, and ginger milk curd, it's a refined microcosm of Cantonese culture.

III. When is it wiser to charter a car?

Private car rental isn't just for the wealthy; it's an investment of time and a superior experience. We strongly recommend renting a car in the following situations:

• The route involves multiple ancient towns or villages and needs to be connected (e.g., Hongcun + Xidi in one day).

• Wearing large luggage, and direct pick-up and drop-off between hotels is required.

• Traveling with family (especially elderly or children), minimizing travel fatigue is desired.

• Ancient towns are far from train stations, requiring multiple transfers (e.g., transferring from Huaihua or Jishou stations to reach Fenghuang Ancient Town).

• Stops at viewpoints, lesser-known villages, or photo spots along the way are preferred.

• Including ancient towns as part of a multi-day itinerary (e.g., Huangshan—Hongcun—Xidi—Tunxi).

Chartering a car not only saves you the energy of waiting for a ride, carrying luggage, and asking for directions, but also allows the driver to act as a local guide, recommending hidden tea fields, bamboo forests, or farm-style restaurants along the way—surprises that are often missed when traveling alone.

IV. Seven Ancient Towns Worth Hiring a Car to Explore

1. Huangshan → Hongcun & Xidi (two gems of distinctive Hui-style architecture)

Hongcun is hailed as "a village in a Chinese painting," renowned for its exquisite brick carvings, wood carvings, and stone carvings. Xidi, on the other hand, is famous for its memorial archways and ancestral halls. The Hu family produced numerous officials and merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway at the village entrance is a symbol of the glory of Huizhou.

(Hongcun)

Unique experience

• At 6 a.m., before the tourists arrive, watch the morning mist swirl around Nanhu Lake, as if stepping into a traditional Chinese ink painting.

• Learn to make Huizhou ink or Xuan paper with local elders, experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the "Four Treasures of the Study" (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper).

• Savor local delicacies like hairy tofu and stinky mandarin fish, and enjoy a pot of Huangshan Maofeng tea in a century-old house.

Traffic difficulties

It takes about 1 hour to travel from Huangshan North Railway Station (high-speed rail station) to Hongcun, about 30 minutes from Hongcun to Xidi, and about 1 hour from Xidi to Tunxi Old Street. Taking public transportation or taxis requires multiple trips, which is extremely inconvenient when carrying luggage.

• Charter value: Extremely high. Easily complete the journey from North Railway Station to Hongcun, Xidi, Tunxi/Huangshan Scenic Area in one day, with the option to stop at any time to photograph rapeseed fields or bamboo forests.

2. Zhangjiajie → Fenghuang Ancient Town (a blend of natural scenery and border town charm)

Fenghuang Ancient Town is not only a pearl of western Hunan, but also a melting pot of Miao and Tujia cultures. The Tuojiang River flows through the town, with stilted houses on both banks suspended over the water. The Wanming Pagoda, Rainbow Bridge, and Wind and Rain Tower are brightly lit at night.

Unique experience

• Rent a traditional awning boat and drift downstream, passing under the Rainbow Bridge, listening to the boatman sing Miao folk songs.

• In the evening, relax in a riverside bar or stroll along the city wall, watching thousands of river lanterns float downstream.

• Visit the former residence of Xiong Xiling and the tomb of Shen Congwen to learn about the literary and political legends of this land.

Traffic difficulties

It takes about 3 hours to drive from Zhangjiajie city to Fenghuang.You can choose to take the Zhangjiajie high-speed train to Fenghuang Ancient Town, which takes about 2.5 hours. If you have little luggage and enough time, you can choose to take the high-speed train and then a taxi, but you need to plan your time in advance.

• Charter value: High. It provides a seamless "hotel-to-hotel" connection, especially suitable for those arriving in the evening—Fenghuang's night view is a hundred times more captivating than its daytime view, and a chartered car ensures you don't miss the transition from golden sunset to the city lights coming on.

3. Dali / Lijiang → Shaxi Ancient Town (The last vestige of tranquility on the Ancient Tea Horse Road)

Shaxi is the only surviving ancient market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It is more rustic than Lijiang and more tranquil than Dali. It is home to ethnic minorities such as Bai and Yi. Every Friday, the market still retains the tradition of going to the market, where villagers carry bamboo baskets to trade medicinal herbs, mushrooms, and handicrafts.

Unique Experiences

• Stay in an old-style guesthouse within the ancient town, and at night, open the window to watch the Milky Way hang low.

• Cycle to Shibao Mountain to admire the grotto sculptures from the Nanzhao Kingdom period.

• Learn to make milk fan (roasted milk fan is a famous local snack) from a Bai ethnic minority grandmother, and listen to her tell stories of the tea-horse caravans.

Traffic difficulties

Shaxi is located in Jianchuan County, between Dali and Lijiang, and is not on the main highway. It takes about 2.5 hours from Dali and about 1.5 hours from Lijiang. There is no direct public transportation – you need to take a long-distance bus to Jianchuan County first, and then transfer to a rural minibus, which is a complicated and time-consuming process.

• Chartering a car is extremely valuable. Not only can you comfortably connect the classic northwestern Yunnan route of "Dali → Shaxi → Lijiang", but you can also stop along the way to overlook the panoramic view of Jianhu Lake, or take photos in the rapeseed/sunflower fields by the roadside.

4. Kunming → Jianshui Ancient Town (A famous town in southern Yunnan where Confucianism and everyday life coexist)

Jianshui, formerly known as Lin'an, is one of the best-preserved ancient cities from the Ming and Qing dynasties in Yunnan. Its charm lies not in its stunning water town scenery, but in its rich local life. Even more remarkable is that the ancient "Jianshui purple pottery" technique is still used here, and pottery workshops can be seen everywhere on the streets.

Unique Experiences

• Take a ride on the century-old meter-gauge railway (Gejiu-Bisezhai Railway), passing through pastoral landscapes and French-style stations, experiencing the charm of the Republic of China era.

• Stroll through the Hanlin Street Night Market, sample local delicacies like grass sprouts and steamed chicken, and watch the Yi ethnic group's tobacco box dance.

• Make your own purple pottery by hand, fire it, and mail it home as a unique souvenir.

Traffic difficulties

There is a high-speed train from Kunming to Jianshui (about 2 hours), but it is still about a 20-minute drive from Jianshui Station to the ancient city. If you want to visit scattered attractions such as Tuanshan Folk Houses, Shuanglong Bridge, and Xianghui Bridge along the way, public transportation is inconvenient, and these places are the extension of the essence of Jianshui.

• Value of chartered car: Medium to high. It is recommended to charter a car for half a day to visit the sights outside the city after arriving in Jianshui by high-speed rail; if you continue south to Yuanyang Rice Terraces or Mengzi, chartering a car is a great tool for long-distance travel.

5. Shanghai / Hangzhou → Wuzhen (a textbook example of a Jiangnan water town)

Wuzhen is China's most famous water town, divided into East Gate and West Gate. East Gate retains the original living scenes of the locals and is more rustic; West Gate, on the other hand, has been comprehensively planned, with a stunning night view and modern cultural landmarks such as the Mu Xin Art Museum and the Wuzhen Theatre Festival.

Unique Experiences

• Take a nighttime boat ride through Xizha, where lanterns reflected in the water on both banks create a dreamlike atmosphere.

• Early in the morning, stroll alone through the stone-paved alleys, listening to birdsong and watching an old woman light a stove by the river.

• Put your own blue-dyed fabric in a herbal dyeing workshop and take it home to use as a table runner or scarf.

Traffic difficulties

There are direct tourist buses from Shanghai or Hangzhou to Wuzhen (approximately 1.5-2 hours), but the buses stop at the distribution center outside the scenic area. If you have luggage, you will need to transfer to a shuttle bus within the scenic area or walk. Chartering a car can take you directly to the entrance of your booked guesthouse within the scenic area (guesthouses in Xizha have a dedicated access route).

• Charter car value: Medium to high. Especially suitable for travelers planning to stay overnight in Wuzhen – because nighttime is the highlight of Wuzhen. Chartering a car allows you to choose your arrival time freely, without having to catch the last bus in the afternoon, and you can also stop in Nanxun or Tongxiang along the way.

6. Shanghai → Zhouzhuang (A classic day trip to China's premier water town)

The town is built along the river, with bridges connecting the streets. The 14 ancient bridges, including Fu'an Bridge, Zhenfeng Bridge, and Fuhong Bridge, each have their own unique charm.

Unique Experience

• Find a teahouse near the Twin Bridges, sit by the window, and watch the boatwomen row across the bridges.

• Visit the Zhouzhuang Museum (formerly the Zhu Residence) to learn about the water town's wedding customs and farming tools.

• Purchase handmade Suzhou embroidery or bamboo weaving.

Traffic difficulties

The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours by car. There are tourist buses from People's Square in Shanghai, but the journey takes about 1.5 hours and services are limited. Taking the high-speed rail and then a taxi takes about 2 hours. Chartering a car allows you to decide your return time according to your physical condition, without having to rush.

• Value of chartering a vehicle: Moderate. If you are backpacking alone, public transportation is feasible; however, if you are traveling with family or want to take your time taking photos and enjoying a long lunch, chartering a vehicle will significantly improve the quality of your day trip.

7. Guilin → Daxu Ancient Town (a hidden gem along the Li River)

Daxu is one of the four ancient towns in Guangxi, with a history of over a thousand years. It lacks the hustle and bustle of West Street in Yangshuo and the grandeur of the Longji Rice Terraces, but possesses a unique, weathered beauty reminiscent of an old riverside wharf. Today, fishermen still cast their nets on the river, and at dusk, the setting sun paints the Li River gold, while the opposite bank's Mopan Mountain appears as dark as ink.

Unique experience

• Take a short bamboo raft trip on the Li River from the ancient town's pier and experience the tranquility of this "unparalleled landscape."

• Visit the museums and old houses in the ancient town, including Qing Dynasty fire hydrants and the remains of a Republic-era pawnshop.

• Savor Li River beer fish and osmanthus cake, and chat with the shop owners about the town's history.

Transportation Challenges: The drive from Guilin city center to Daxu takes about 40 minutes, but bus services are infrequent and the stops are some distance from the entrance to the ancient town. If you plan to combine Daxu with nearby Maozhou Island or Gudong Waterfall, more flexible transportation options are necessary.

• Value for money: Moderate. Suitable as a half-day cultural break during your Guilin trip. The chartered car allows for seamless return to the city or a trip to Yangshuo.

V. Recommended Itinerary Planning (Connecting In-Depth Tours)

Route A: Classic Jiangnan Water Town Loop (5-7 days)

• Shanghai → Zhujiajiao (half-day) → Zhouzhuang (1 day) → Suzhou (Pingjiang Road, Shantang Street) → Tongli (1 day) → Wuzhen (1-2 nights) → Hangzhou (Destination)

This route can be completed by high-speed rail and bus in sections, but if you want to travel to multiple stops and have luggage, it is recommended to use a chartered vehicle for at least some sections.

Route B: Cultural Tour of Ancient Villages in Huizhou (3-4 days)

• Huangshan North Railway Station → Hongcun (1 night) → Xidi (half a day) → Tunxi Old Street (1 night) → Chengkan or Tangmo (alternative)

Chartering a car for the entire route is the best option, as the ancient villages are scattered among the mountains and public transportation is extremely inconvenient.

Route C: Slow Travel in Yunnan (4-6 days)

• Dali (2 days) → Shaxi (1 day) → Lijiang (2 days)

A chartered car is the "golden route" from Dali to Shaxi to Lijiang, allowing you to visit less-traveled places like Jianchuan and Heqing along the way.

Route D: Western Hunan + Eastern Guizhou (5 days)

• Zhangjiajie (2-3 days) → Fenghuang (2 days) → In addition to visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town, you can also choose Furong Ancient Town

Chartered car from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang, and chartered car or bus from Fenghuang to Tongren High-speed Railway Station.

VI. How is the final decision made?

Choose public transportation

• The ancient town is located near a major city, and you'll only be staying for half a day.

• You'll be carrying only a backpack the whole time.

• You enjoy being part of the local community and don't mind waiting for transportation or standing.

• You can travel solo or with two young companions.

• You'll be strictly controlling your budget.

Choose a chartered car

• Want to visit 2 or more ancient towns in one day, or add attractions along the way

• Suitcase larger than 24 inches, or traveling with elderly/young children

• Hope to depart from the hotel in the morning and arrive directly at the next hotel in the evening, avoiding the hassle of unpacking luggage

• Want to stop frequently along the way to photograph terraced fields, tea plantations, ancient bridges, and markets

• Arriving at ancient towns late (e.g., in the evening), and don't want to search for bus stops in dark country roads

• Willing to pay approximately 500-800 RMB/day (usually a 4-7 seater vehicle, which can be shared) to "save 3 hours of transfer time"

Price Reference

• 5-seater sedan/7-seater minivan, including driver, within 8 hours/100 kilometers, approximately RMB 650-1000 (including fuel and tolls). Additional charges apply for exceeding the time or mileage limits.

Recommended chartered car tour

If you are interested in chartering a car for a trip in China, please contact us for your personalized charter tour.

Recommended trips:

Zhouzhuang Day Trip from Suzhou by Private Car

Zhangjiajie Fenghuang Tour - Private Transfer Day Trip

Shaxi Day Trip from Dali by Private Car

The attraction links in this article are from: China Travel Book