Only 1 hour from Shanghai, there's an untouched ancient village.

For the second half of summer vacation, if you want to take a road trip with your family, kids, and pets, I recommend this newly popular small Jiangnan water town—Xiemaqiao, Kunshan, Jiangsu📍 Here, you can not only experience the authentic charm of Jiangnan, where every window, every bridge, and every tree is a scenic sight🍃, but also find uniquely designed restaurants and cafes☕️, each with its own distinct style, full of artistic flair🎞. - What's more, just a few minutes' drive from the old street, there's a hidden gem surrounded by idyllic fields and pear orchards💡: Heyin Camping·Kunshan Xiemaqiao. Here, you can get close to nature, play in the stream, have water fights, and tackle the water park's obstacle course🌊. In the evening, watch an outdoor movie, enjoy the cool breeze, and soak up the chill summer night vibes🌌… - If you're not in a hurry to go back, you can stay in one of the stylish guesthouses in the village. Here are a few distinctive and stylish guesthouses I've stayed in: 1⃣For a romantic and refreshing Southern French atmosphere🎀, Heyin Weekend·Riverside Garden Guesthouse is a perfect choice✔️. It's just opposite the popular CAFE DU RIVIERE, and it's also a family-friendly guesthouse👪. 2⃣For the tranquility of a New Chinese style🍵, Heyin Weekend·Taihu Kiln Guesthouse, with its ceramic art design, is the best fit✔️. The owner is an inheritor of Taihu kiln ceramics. The guesthouse has its own garden, and the interior furnishings are made of old wood and ceramic elements, offering unparalleled quality👍. 3⃣For a taste of the simple, rustic Jiangnan ecology with renovated old buildings🎑, Heyin Weekend·Banshan Shiyu Guesthouse, situated by the water, is an excellent choice. The row of guest rooms is bright and simple, offering waterfront living and scenic views from the windows. There's also a two-story study📖 for reading and quiet contemplation. - 🚩Getting there: ①🚗Drive and navigate to "Xiemaqiao Tourist Center," which is less than 1 hour away. Parking is free. ②🚃Take Subway Line 11 and transfer to Kunshan Bus🚍Route 136. 🎫Tickets: Free🆓Free🆓Free🆓Free🆓 🥢Food: Baisheng Renjia, Yue Huanxi, Wuchu Tianyuan Restaurant