Not only Venice: the 5 most beautiful cities on the water

Thousands of years ago Chinese construction workers erected the settlement, which could move only by boat. In Europe you can feel the flavor of the middle Ages, a ride on a boat on the canals of the ancient city of Bruges, and in India the newlyweds do not need to go for the romance on the other end of the world — here is preserved a majestic and ancient city of lakes Udaipur.

Wujin, China

Floating city for China is not uncommon — travel agencies even offer tours in the Venice of the East.

Only in the area of the Yangtze river is located a number of cities on the water. Among them is Wujen.

Its history goes back to ancient times. Scientists estimate that the first settlements appeared here already 7000 years ago.

Wujin is the best preserved of all water cities in China, and this became of interest to tourists.

Most of the town consists of ancient buildings.

The local inhabitants thousands of years have not changed his habitual way of life: as in the old days, they buy the food from home.

They have enough to look out of the window and select the desired product from passing trading boats.

Zhouzhuang, China

One of the most ancient Chinese water towns located in the basin of Taihu lake. A small river formed by the streets of Zhouzhuang. The lake serves as a Central square. This city is very popular among Chinese tourists, and foreigners are a rarity, despite the fact that sites Jojuan no less than in the more popular Wojenne.

For example, the city has preserved ancient stone bridges, white house with black shingles and red doors. In the most ancient buildings instead of glass set polished transparent shells.

As in ancient times, with their help the residents keep the house cool even on the hottest day. The oldest buildings of the city for more than nine centuries. One of the most spectacular sights in Zhouzhuang — Chengxu temple, built in the XI century under the song dynasty.

Impressive not only a majestic architecture Chengxu, but long stone bridge that leads to the temple. Underneath you can see a great variety of goldfish, which literally swarm in the water.

Gerodot: "through the streets of Zhouzhuang can only be explored on foot. In the late evening and early morning (and we at 6 am again walking around the canals and bridges) there are no big tour groups, closed almost all souvenir shops, but you can see the measured life of local residents: here someone washing clothes in the canal, someone was rinsing the MOP in the rays of dawn over the channel go the wipers on the concrete (!) the gondola and long nets to catch the debris.

Leaving the old part of town around 9am, we saw that earned cash and now there can pass only after paying 100 yuan. This was a pleasant surprise. As they say, early bird, this can save 100 yuan!"

Indian couple love to spend your honeymoon in a unique Udaipur. Here is preserved the majestic FORTS and palaces, breathtaking in their splendor.

Udaipur is spread among three large lakes. Thanks to the location of the city and received its unforgettable color.

Among its main attractions are lake Palace. It is built right in the middle of the water of Pichola lake and once served as the summer residence of the Indian rulers.

Lake Palace is now converted into a hotel — one of the most luxurious not only in India but all over the world. Udaipur is interesting not only for the majestic architecture of old buildings leading down to the water — there are many parks located around the lake Fateh.

Especially interesting is the Nehru Park. He is on the island in the middle of the lake. There are palm trees, murmuring fountains, and the air is filled with the unforgettable scent of roses, planted throughout the Park. To get to this oasis on the boat or a water bike.

Bruges is the capital of the Belgian province of West Flanders. Historical buildings are preserved here as well as in Venice.

In Bruges you can take a boat ride through many channels lined with cozy cottages of the middle Ages.

The city has three major channels: Gent, Slaski and Olendski. Their depth allows you to skip even marine vessels. But for small channels, forming small streets in the Central part of the city, you can swim except on a small boat.

Just in the city, there are 54 bridges, among which are movable for the passage of large ships.

By the way, in the fourteenth century, Bruges was one of the largest shopping centers in Northern Europe. It is no coincidence that it is believed that in this city in 1406 he founded the first stock exchange.

Esmira: "Liked this town for its tranquility. For me the most typical of the city of steel channels and as if they grew out of the old house.

Especially charming it all looks at night. Nowhere is the spirit of the middle Ages, as here: the paved streets, temples in the Gothic style, solid water and bridges around. If you do not see tourists and locals, you might think that you're not in our time.

Don't be lazy, go on a boat ride on the canals of the city. For any half an hour can obplyt the whole city far and wide. Float yourself past the private houses and in the Windows watching you then dogs, then cats, which everyone is trying to take a picture."

Mexico also has its own Venice. City Mexcaltitan is located on the island off the coast of Nayarit. It is surrounded by the most extensive mangroves of Mexico, among which occur numerous channels.

In Venice, the city becomes every year during the rainy season — and he comes in August-September. The streets flooded, and the locals are transplanted in a canoe.

By the way, according to legend, Mexcaltitan is located on the site of the ancient city of Aztlán, which was the cradle of the Aztec civilization.

It is believed that from here in 1091 they migrated South, where he later founded Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico city).