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

Thousands of years ago, Chinese builders built settlements where it was possible to move only by boat. In Europe, you can feel the flavor of the Middle Ages by taking a boat ride through the canals of the ancient city of Bruges, and in India, the newlyweds do not need to go to the other end of the world for romance — the majestic and ancient city on the lakes of Udaipur has been preserved here.

Wuzhen, China

Cities on the water are not uncommon for China — travel agencies even offer whole tours of Eastern Venice.

Only in the Yangtze River region there are a number of cities on the water. Wuzhen stands out among them.

Its history goes back to ancient times. Scientists have estimated that the first settlements appeared here 7,000 years ago.

Wuzhen has been preserved better than all the water cities in China, which is why it has become interesting for tourists.

Most of the city consists of ancient buildings.

Local residents have not changed their usual way of life for thousands of years: as in the old days, they buy food without leaving home.

They just need to look out the window and choose the right product from the passing merchant boats.

Zhouzhuang, China

One of the most ancient Chinese water cities is located in the basin of Taihu Lake. Small rivers form the streets of Zhouzhuang. The lake serves as the central square. This city is very popular with Chinese tourists, and foreigners are very rare here, despite the fact that there are no fewer attractions in Zhouzhuang than in the more popular Wuzhen.

For example, the city has preserved ancient stone bridges, snow-white houses with black tiles and red doors. In the most ancient buildings, polished transparent shells are installed instead of glass.

As in ancient times, with their help, residents keep the house cool even on the hottest day. The oldest buildings of the city are more than nine centuries old. One of the most striking sights of Zhouzhuang is the Chengxu Temple, built in the XI century during the Song Dynasty.

Impressive is not only the majestic architecture of Chengxu, but also the long stone bridge that leads to the temple. Under it, you can see a great many goldfish that are literally teeming in the water.

Gerodot: "You can only walk through the streets of Zhouzhuang. Late in the evening and early in the morning (and we were already walking along the canals and bridges again at 6 am) there are no numerous tourist groups, almost all souvenir shops are closed, but you can see the measured life of local residents: here someone is washing clothes in the canal, someone is rinsing a mop nearby, in the dawn rays, wipers are riding along the canal on a concrete (!) gondola and long nets are catching garbage.

Leaving the old part of the city around 9 am, we saw that the cash registers had earned and now you can go there only by paying 100 yuan. It was a pleasant surprise. As they say, who gets up early, he saves 100 yuan!"

Udaipur, India

Indian newlyweds love to spend their honeymoon in the unique city of Udaipur. Majestic fortresses and palaces have been preserved here, striking with their splendor.

Udaipur is located among three large lakes. It is thanks to the location that the city got its unforgettable flavor.

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

Now the Lake Palace has been converted into a hotel — one of the most luxurious not only in India, but also in the whole world. Udaipur is interesting not only for the majestic architecture of ancient buildings that descend directly to the water — there are many parks located around the lake Fateh.

Nehru Park is especially interesting. It is located on an island in the middle of the lake. Palm trees grow here, fountains murmur, and the unforgettable aroma of roses planted throughout the park is in the air. You can get to this oasis by boat or water bike.

Bruges, Belgium

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

In Bruges, you can go boating on numerous canals, along which cozy houses of the Middle Ages are lined up.

Three major canals pass through the city: Ghent, Sluis and Ostend. Their depth allows even sea vessels to pass through. But along the small channels that form small streets in the central part of the city, you can swim only by a small boat.

In total, there are 54 bridges in the city, among which there are drawbridges for passing large vessels.

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

Esmira: "I liked this town for its tranquility. For me, the most typical view of the city was the canals and the old and not very old houses that seemed to have grown out of them.

All this looks especially charming at night. Nowhere is the spirit of the Middle Ages more felt than here: paved streets, temples in the Gothic style, solid water and bridges around. If you don't see tourists and locals, you might think that you are not in our time.

Do not be lazy, go on a boat tour through the canals of the city. In just half an hour, you can swim the whole city up and down. You float past private houses, and in the windows you are watched by dogs, then cats, which everyone is trying to photograph."

Mescaltitan, Mexico

Mexico also has its own Venice. The city of Mescaltitan is located on an island off the coast of the state of Nayarit. It is surrounded by the most extensive mangroves of Mexico, between which numerous channels flow.

The city turns into Venice every year during the rainy season — and it comes in August-September. The streets are flooded, and local residents are transferring to canoes.

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

It is believed that from here in 1091 they migrated to the south, where they later founded Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico City).