Tangqi Ancient Town

Tangqi is the nearest water town to Hangzhou — just 28 km away — and uniquely, it's free to enter. Built during the Northern Song Dynasty, it flourished as a trading port on the Grand Canal. The seven-arch Guangji Bridge spanning the canal is the town's centerpiece. Tangqi is famous for its traditional pastries and snacks, including Tangqi loquats in season. It's less polished than Wuzhen but offers a more authentic glimpse of canal town life.