Compared to Wuzhen, I love this lesser-known ancient town with a stronger New Year atmosphere even more
Anchang Ancient Town is known as "Clear water runs through the streets with thousands of houses, a rainbow spans the river with seventeen bridges." It is the most lively and authentic of the four major ancient towns in Shaoxing. Here, there is no over-commercialization; the riverside residences, the ancient weathered stone bridges, and the streets hung with cured meats together form a vivid folk painting of the Jiangnan water town.
1. Core Highlights and Experiences
1. Cured Meat Charm: Every winter (November to January), the eaves of the ancient town are hung with soy sauce duck, sausages, dried fish, and more, filling the air with the aroma of soy sauce. This is Anchang’s most unique scenery.
2. Black-awning Boat Shuttle: Sitting on the gently rocking black-awning boat, passing under ancient bridges and listening to the sound of oars in the water is the best way to experience the charm of the water town.
3. Ancient Bridge Museum: The town has many stone bridges of various shapes, such as Fulu, Wan’an, and Ruyi bridges, each with its own history and story.
4. Folk Activities: During holidays, you might see traditional folk activities like water weddings, community theater, and sugar-pulling performances.
2. Basic Information
· Location: Anchang Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province
· Opening Hours: Ancient town streets open all day; internal small attractions open approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
· Ticket Prices:
· Entry to the ancient town is free.
· Combined ticket: 50 RMB (includes seven attractions: City God Temple, Shiye Museum, Stone Carving Museum, Former Bank of China Site, Folk Custom Museum, Suikang Qianzhuang, Xie Family Taimen, etc.). If you just want to soak in the atmosphere, you don’t need a ticket; if you want to deeply understand the culture, it’s recommended to buy the combined ticket.
· Suggested Visit Duration: Half a day to one day
3. Transportation Guide
· Self-driving: The most convenient way. Navigate to "Anchang Ancient Town." It’s about a 1-hour drive from Hangzhou or Ningbo. There are several parking lots around the town (such as the Tourist Center parking lot and Town Government parking lot), usually charging 10-20 RMB per visit.
· High-speed Rail:
· Arrive at Shaoxing North Station: Take a taxi after exiting, about 30 minutes, fare 40-50 RMB.
· Arrive at Shaoxing Station: Take a taxi after exiting, about 40 minutes.
· Public Transport:
· From Shaoxing city center, take bus 806 or 118 to "Anchang Health Center" or "Anchang Ancient Town" stop.
· From Shaoxing North Station, take bus 818 directly.
4. Recommended Tour Route
Classic half-day tour route (from south to north):
Entrance Square → Qingfeng First Corridor (start strolling along the river) → Suikang Qianzhuang → Stone Carving Museum → Ankang Temple (across the river, can be viewed from afar) → City God Temple → Folk Custom Museum → Shiye Museum (core attraction, must-see) → Renchang Sauce Garden (free visit, learn about century-old sauce jars) → Leisurely stroll and snack on the ancient town’s old street → Take photos at Fulu, Wan’an, and Ruyi bridges → Take a black-awning boat back near the entrance.
Tips: You can walk deep into the town first, then take the black-awning boat back, so you can appreciate the town from both water and land perspectives.
5. Must-visit Attractions & Experiences
1. Shaoxing Shiye Museum: Anchang is the gathering place of "Shaoxing Shiye" (local government clerks). This museum is set in the former residence of Shiye Lou Xintian, offering an in-depth understanding of this unique profession’s culture and history.
2. Renchang Sauce Garden: One of the filming locations of "A Bite of China." Hundreds of sauce jars are neatly arranged, very spectacular. Free to visit, learn about traditional soy sauce and condiment brewing techniques, and you can buy some as souvenirs.
3. Ride the Black-awning Boat:
· Ticket Price: Charged per boat, each boat seats 2-3 people (may be limited to 2 people on holidays). One-way prices range from 40-80 RMB per boat, subject to the dock’s posted prices.
· Experience: The boatman uses both hands and feet to row, a unique Shaoxing skill. Recommended to ride at dusk when the ancient town is especially gentle under the sunset.
4. Stroll the Old Street, Watch Cured Meats: Walk on the bluestone pavement, watch sausages and sugar-pulling made live in shops along the street, and feel the purest local life atmosphere.
5. Walk the Ancient Bridges: Find a favorite ancient bridge, stand on it to overlook the river and passing boats, an excellent photo spot.
6. Food Recommendations
Anchang is a paradise for food lovers, with many delicacies to eat while walking.
· Must-try Snacks:
· Sausages & Soy Sauce Duck: The town’s signature, can be vacuum-packed on site to take away.
· Sugar-pulling: Intangible cultural heritage skill, watch the master perform; the sugar is sweet and chewy.
· Pumpkin Flower & Plum Blossom Cake: Freshly made traditional pastries, soft and sweet.
· Stinky Tofu: Shaoxing specialty, crispy outside and tender inside, with a unique smell.
· Fermented Rice Steamed Bun: Soft and tasty with a faint wine aroma.
· Cream Xiao Pan: Shaoxing’s version of "Chinese egg tart," sweet but not greasy.
· Main Meal Recommendations:
· Anchang Yin Cake: Hot, filled with red bean paste, very delicious.
· Riverside Small Restaurant: Find a riverside eatery, order a few small dishes like steamed sausage, bamboo shoot and pork stew, fried small fish, and enjoy the meal while watching the scenery, very pleasant.
7. Itinerary and Photography Tips
· Best Visiting Seasons:
· Winter (December-January): Best season, cured meats are at their peak, full of New Year atmosphere, best to experience Anchang’s character.
· Spring & Autumn: Pleasant climate, beautiful scenery.
· Summer: Quite hot, but the town is still beautiful in the early morning and evening.
· Best Photography Times:
· Early morning (7-9 AM): Few tourists, soft sunlight, capture the most peaceful ancient town.
· Evening (4-5 PM): Sunset glow, golden light, cured meats and lanterns light up, creating a great atmosphere.
· Photo Spots: On ancient bridges, on the black-awning boat, in front of the sauce jars at Renchang Sauce Garden, under the eaves hung with cured meats.
8. Accommodation and Surroundings
· Accommodation: There are many guesthouses inside and outside the town. If you want to experience the town without people in the early morning, it’s recommended to stay overnight. Choose a riverside guesthouse, open the window to see small bridges and flowing water.
· Nearby Attractions: You can combine your visit with Shaoxing city’s Lu Xun’s Former Residence, Shen Garden, and Cangqiao Straight Street for a more complete Shaoxing cultural experience.
9. Practical Tips
1. Wear comfortable shoes; the town’s stone pavement is not suitable for high heels.
2. Prepare cash: Some small shops and boatmen may prefer cash payments.
3. Spend wisely: For cured meats and other specialties, compare prices at several shops and confirm the quality of vacuum packaging.
4. Be polite: Local residents live in the scenic area, please do not disturb their lives excessively when taking photos.
Wishing you a happy time in Anchang Ancient Town and enjoy the slow-paced water town life to the fullest!