I'd rather go to these few ancient towns with fireworks than to Wuzhen in the Year of the Dragon
Strongly recommend saving this list for a long holiday visit to an ancient town!
1️⃣ Among the many ancient towns in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, if I could only visit one during the New Year, it would definitely be Nanxun. This ancient town, only a half-hour drive from Wuzhen, is connected to the residential area, so there are locals living in the town, giving it a lively, authentic atmosphere. In addition to wandering around the bridges and flowing water, there are several Republic of China-era buildings 🏠 worth visiting, such as the Liu's Ladder Shop, Zhang Shiming's Old Residence, and Jiaye Library.
It is recommended to drive there; there is a bus from Huzhou High-speed Railway Station, and it's even more convenient from Wuzhen, where you can hitch a ride.
2️⃣ When the scent of Anchang soy sauce duck begins to waft through the air, you know the New Year is here! People from Hangzhou rush to buy cured meat and soy sauce duck, all made with local Anchang soy sauce. This is an ancient town that even the locals from Shaoxing visit. I went there on the third day of last year's New Year, and there were still parking spots nearby. It was lively but not too crowded.
It's very close to Hangzhou, friendly for drivers, and can also be reached by subway 🚇 to the Textile City, then transfer to a direct bus. Over the years, it has not become overly commercialized. Sitting in a street-side tea house, watching the black-awning boats slowly pass by, that's the true essence of an ancient town.
3️⃣ The ancient village of Linkeng in Yongjia, Wenzhou, is located in Huangnan Township. It is recommended to drive there. The ancient village with its characteristic southern Zhejiang style and red lanterns hanging everywhere feels like a hidden paradise. Compared to Wuyuan, it's smaller and more exquisite, with more distinctive features. Linkeng was established during the Ming Dynasty as a settlement for the Mao clan and has a history of over 700 years. The architecture is a typical style of the southern Zhejiang mountainous area.
4️⃣ Longmen Ancient Town, about 1 hour from Hangzhou city center, is a lesser-known ancient village famous for being inhabited mostly by descendants of Sun Quan. Due to convenient transportation, many people from Hangzhou visit Longmen Ancient Town on the first day of the New Year to enjoy the town's specialty, pounded rice cake.
Longmen Ancient Town is located in Fuyang, and it's very convenient to drive there, only 1 hour. High-speed rail is also 🚄 convenient; from Fuyang Station, you can hitch a ride for about 35 yuan, or there are 🚌 buses that go directly to the ancient town from the station.
5️⃣ Zhouzhuang is connected by ancient bridges and rivers, linking old streets and Ming and Qing dynasty residences. As I stroll through the cobblestone alleys, between the black tiles and white walls, it feels as if time has stood still. Compared to Wuzhen, I prefer the remaining authentic atmosphere here.
In the early morning, wander leisurely through the ancient town, feeling the tranquility of the 'small bridges and flowing waters'. Or visit the ancient residences, such as Zhang Hall, Shen Hall, and Shen Sanwan's underwater tomb, all well-preserved Ming and Qing dwellings. If you're tired, you can visit the teahouse once frequented by the writer San Mao.
Tell me, which ancient town do you plan to visit this New Year to experience the festive atmosphere?
TravelerWithoutBorders*333