Hangzhou Longmen Ancient Town: A Captivating Hidden Gem of Jiangnan

Under the gentle early autumn sunlight, I embarked on a journey to Hangzhou Longmen Ancient Town. Longmen Ancient Town, a quaint village tucked away on the outskirts of a bustling city, feels like a pearl forgotten by time, quietly resting by the Fuchun River, telling stories that span a thousand years. First Encounter with the Ancient Town, Dreaming Back a Millennium Upon entering the town, the first sight is the orderly Ming and Qing dynasty architecture clusters, with gray bricks and black tiles, and towering horse-head walls, unfolding like a delicate ink painting. The streets are paved with bluestone slabs, polished smooth by the passage of time, each step echoing history. The old houses on both sides have intricately carved door lintels, some still bearing old plaques; though the characters are blurred, the profound cultural heritage is still palpable. Exploring Alleys, Searching for Stories Strolling through the narrow and deep alleys feels like stepping into another world. The alleys have unique names such as "Old Street," "Small Lane," and "Sun Quan’s Hometown," each hiding a piece of history or legend. I especially enjoy accidentally turning into a rarely trodden alley and delighting in discovering a hidden ancient well or a stone tablet etched with the marks of time. It feels like having a time-traveling conversation with the ancients. Savoring Food, Feeling the Local Life No trip is complete without food! Although Longmen Ancient Town is small, it boasts many local snacks. I tried the traditional local noodle dish—Longmen gluten noodles—with a chewy exterior and delicious filling, each bite a supreme temptation for the taste buds. There’s also the steaming tofu pudding, silky smooth, paired with a special sauce, simple yet incredibly flavorful. Sitting in a small town eatery, tasting these authentic dishes while watching occasional passersby outside the window, the tranquility and contentment are hard to find in city life. Experiencing Culture, Touching History Longmen Ancient Town is not only a museum of architecture but also a treasure trove of culture. It is the hometown of Sun Quan, the great emperor of ancient Eastern Wu, so cultural relics related to Sun Quan are found throughout the town. I visited the Sun Family Ancestral Hall to learn about the history of the Sun family and their influence on later generations. Additionally, the town preserves traditional handicrafts such as bamboo weaving and embroidery. Watching the artisans’ skillful hands, I couldn’t help but feel deep respect for these ancient crafts. Sunset Falls, Reluctant to Leave As the sunset’s afterglow bathes the entire town, draping the ancient buildings in a golden hue, I knew this trip was coming to an end. Standing on the town’s bridge, gazing at the slowly flowing Fuchun River, my heart was filled with reluctance. Longmen Ancient Town, in its unique way, left me with unforgettable memories. It holds not only the weight of history but also the warmth of life, making visitors reluctant to leave. This journey to Longmen Ancient Town was not just a physical migration but a spiritual cleansing. Here, I found long-lost tranquility, felt the charm of culture, and cherished the hard-won peace and beauty before me. Wherever I go in the future, this memory will remain my most precious treasure. 1. Transportation Guide - Self-driving: Depart from Hangzhou, take the Hangxin-Jing Expressway to Zhongbu exit, then drive about 15 minutes along Provincial Road 19 to reach the town, approximately 1 hour in total. - Public Transport: Take Hangzhou Metro Line 6 to Guihua West Road Station, then transfer to the Fuyang to Longmen shuttle bus, about 1 hour ride. Alternatively, take a direct bus from Hangzhou East or West Station to Fuyang, then transfer to local bus or taxi to the town. 2. Tickets and Opening Hours - Tickets: The ancient town streets are free to enter. For core attractions like the Sun Family Ancestral Hall and Yimen, tickets cost 70 RMB. - Opening Hours: Attractions are open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. A visit of 3-4 hours is recommended. 3. Must-See Attractions - Yanchi Night Moon: Located in the town center, named for its resemblance to an inkstone. In the early morning or evening, the white walls and black tiles reflect in the water, creating a picturesque scene. - Sun Family Ancestral Hall: The oldest historic building in Longmen Ancient Town, grand in architecture with exquisite wood carvings, where visitors can learn about the Sun family history. - Old Street: Paved with cobblestones, flanked by well-preserved Ming and Qing residences, offering a strong sense of local life. - Yimen Archway: A Ming dynasty structure and one of the town’s landmarks, commemorating the loyalty and righteousness of Sun Chao, the 45th generation descendant of Sun Quan. - Longmen Creek: Clear water winding in an “S” shape through the village, shaded by green trees on both banks, perfect for a stroll. 4. Food Recommendations - Longmen Gluten Noodles: Gluten dough pulled into sheets, stuffed with meat filling, then fried to a crispy exterior and rich interior. - Longmen Rice Wine: Brewed with “Baiyao Flower,” it has a delicate, smooth texture and a sweet, mellow aroma. - Niu Ba Wan (Eight Beef Bowls): Made from locally raised yellow cattle, includes stewed beef and five-spice beef, with tender meat.