Travel with Music | Shen'ao Ancient Village, the Backyard of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai

"Hua Ni" Originally sung by Ke Er Qin Fu, this song features a beautiful melody and deep, emotional lyrics that describe the poetic beauty of Tonglu's mountains and rivers. Shen'ao Ancient Village is the most fitting ancient village in Tonglu for this song. Shen'ao Ancient Village is located in Jiangnan Town, Tonglu County, Zhejiang. It is a well-preserved ancient village from the Ming and Qing dynasties, famous for its unique water system, rich ancient architecture, and strong folk customs. Highlights 1. Ancient buildings • Shentu Ancestral Hall: This is one of the important cultural heritages of Shen'ao Ancient Village. The building is magnificent and enshrines the ancestral tablets of the Shentu family, witnessing the rise and fall of the family. • Gongsi Hall: Also known as "Qijing House", this is the largest residential building in the village, with 7 patios. The architectural style is a combination of Huizhou and western Zhejiang residential styles. • Other ancient buildings: There are more than 140 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and more than 60 ancient buildings from the Republic of China period in the village. Most of the buildings are courtyard-style patio structures with exquisite wood carvings. 2. Unique water system • The water system of Shen'ao Ancient Village consists of five levels: streams, underground channels (ao), open ditches, well curbs, and ponds, which have been in use for thousands of years. There are 17 well curbs and 12 ponds in the village, which are a major feature of the ancient village. • The water system not only meets the water needs of the villagers but also creates beautiful waterscapes, making it a great place for taking photos. 3. Old streets and alleys • Old street: The street is more than 200 meters long, running north-south, and retains the style of the mid-late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period. The shops on both sides are mostly handicraft shops, teahouses, and cafes. • Alleys: The alleys in the village are winding and deep, such as Huangjia Alley and Houju Alley, forming a unique "non" shape layout. Walking through them, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere. Travel tips • Transportation: Depart from Hangzhou and drive or take public transportation. If driving, take the Hangzhou-Xinjing Expressway and exit at Shen'ao. • Tickets: The ancient village does not require tickets, but some attractions (such as the Well Culture Museum) may charge a small fee. • Accommodation: There are few accommodations in the village, so it is recommended to choose hotels or homestays in Tonglu County. • Food: There are many farm restaurants in the village. It is recommended to try local specialties, such as gray soup rice dumplings and pickled pig heads.