Wu Zhen Ancient Water Town

A proposed United Nations Heritage Site, is located in the south of the Yangtze River Delta. The area was first inhabited as early as 7,000 years ago. During the Spring and Autumn Period (BC770-221), Wuzhen was the boundary between the Wu Kingdom and Yue Kingdom. During the Qin Dynasty (BC221-206), Wuzhen belonged to Kuaiji Prefecture. With the Che Brook (today's Shi River) as the boundary, the western part was named Wudun, which belonged to Wucheng County, the eastern part was named Qingdun, which belonged to Youquan County. That was the beginning of the recent dividing and ruling of Wuzhen.

There were a number of changes over the ensuing centuries as the various dynasties changed the geopolitical boundaries of the area. As recent as 1911 Wuzhen was the border of two provinces, three prefectures and seven counties, making local; regional administration extremely complex.

In 1950 the surrounding areas were merged, the result of which is Wuzhen as we see it today. In the late 1990’s the town underwent a restoration, restoring much of its original charm.

Nanxun, situated in Huzhou City, is a famous historical and cultural town in Zhejiang Province. It is in the hinterland of the Hangjiahu Plain. It faces the Taihu Lake to the north, and borders on Jiangsu Province to the east and is about 200 km outside Shanghai.

Nanxun boasts numerous historic sites, natural landscapes, and has both historical and cultural attractions dating back to early 900 AD. Nanxun is a proposed United Nations Heritage Site.

The first group of photos are Wu Zhen, the second are Nanxun.