Chawu (China)

Fortunately for its visitors, Chawu is a step back in time, where you can plunge yourself into a rural culture.

You'll spot the odd car or two, but basically you'll find yourself in a world of cobbled lanes, pedestrians and white houses. It's a calming and relaxing village. If you go out walking, you'll cross paddy fields and discover ancient temples as well as the village's pagoda. As a haunt for artists and craftspeople, you'll stumble upon painters who've come here to immortalize village life.

You can't go to Chawu without dropping by La Maison du Maître des Thés, a guest house set up by a Frenchman. This is a great place to base yourself if you'd like to explore the region and get away from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding cities.