Water towns, also called Canal towns (水乡), are certain ancient and historic towns in China known for their bridges, rivers, and canals. Such towns exist in many regions in China, although those in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces are often the most renowned. The distribution of residential buildings in these water towns can be categorised into three types: against the water, by the water, and across the water. They are usually characterised by some of the traditional architectural features, including eaves gallery and patio.