In China, residents in metropolitan centers such as Beijing and Shanghai, just like their counterparts in New York City or Tokyo, are always surrounded by hustle and bustle. Trapped and exhausted by bread-and-butter issues, they long for a short respite in some quiet place to relax and refresh themselves.

The river towns south of the Yangtze River are the very place those urbanites are looking for. Scattered throughout southeast China and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the river towns feature proximity to lakes and rivers, ancient architecture, simple but well-off lives, historical and cultural sites of interest and various delicacies. Having indulged in these things during holidays, city people will be fully recovered from fatigue and stress.

Rich in resources and economic abundance, the river towns today are also an integral part of the Yangtze River Delta, the most dynamic region in China's economic landscape. Fortunately, local residents, for the most part, have retained their happy and contented lifestyle. Using boats as the major transportation tool, they are luckily exempt from traffic jams and auto pollutants. In teahouses, they have plenty of time to enjoy a proper breakfast in the morning. After that, their enjoyment continues with a pot of tea.

In recent years, advanced transportation has turned these river towns into the suburban areas of nearby big cities, such as Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou. High-speed trains and efficient highways have enticed many urbanites to move outside the cities into these areas. More and more people are choosing to spend their weekends or holidays there. The World Expo to be held next year in Shanghai has brought tremendous excitement to river town residents. They are looking forward to more travelers and business opportunities. But we still hope that the lovely river towns can restore tranquility again after the World Expo and remain an elegant poem forever.