"Visit the secluded ancient villages in Jiangnan"

The ancient towns of Jiangnan are enchanting tourist destinations, their unique architectural style, water town charm, historical culture, and cuisine alluring visitors from around the globe. Only by setting foot in these ancient towns can one truly appreciate the traces of time etched into their fabric, the old buildings that seem to transport you back in time. The green bricks, black tiles, and swaying willow branches, all contribute to the essence of the "ink painting" that is Jiangnan, only truly understood when you leisurely stroll through these towns. Shen'ao Village is located on the southern bank of the Fuchun River, belonging to Jiangnan Town, Tonglu County. It is situated 16.5 kilometers west of the county town, nestled in a hilly region, with a view of Tianzi Gang to the south and Huangshan to the east. The village is part of a string of five "traditional Chinese villages" including Qingyuan, Huanxi, Xubian, Shen'ao, and Dipu, with Shen'ao Village being a nationally recognized historical and cultural village. Shen'ao ancient village was established during the Southern Song Dynasty, with its original village layout and appearance still preserved, making it a provincial historical and cultural conservation district. There are over 140 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and more than 60 from the Republic of China period, all of which are beautifully carved and well-preserved. The well-preserved ancient water system from the Ming Dynasty has significant scientific and cultural value, with some of the old canals and wells still in use today. The surrounding mountains are lush and the scenery is beautiful, with numerous natural landscapes and a close view of the Fuchun River. The long-standing cultural tradition of Shen'ao Village originates from the founding of the village by the Shentu clan during the Southern Song Dynasty. As a bloodline village of the Shentu clan, over 95% of the villagers in Shen'ao Village bear the surname Shentu, with a minority bearing the surnames Zhou, Ying, and Zhu. During the Ming Dynasty, the village was planned with a complete underground water system, the source of which is spring water from the mountains. This water is sweet and refreshing, warm in winter and cool in summer, and is still a beloved source of water for the villagers. The water collection points have become unique cultural landmarks in Shen'ao Village. The word "ao" in the local dialect means "underground well", and the village was named Shen'ao, or "deep well", because of these wells. Shen'ao Village is rectangular in shape, with an old street in the middle paved with cobblestones and an underground canal system. The majority of the villagers bear the double surname Shentu, their ancestors having migrated from Shentu Mountain in Fuyang during the early Southern Song Dynasty, and their descendants have since become a prominent clan. Walking in Shen'ao is like "stepping" on water. The ancestors harnessed the natural water to create a water system that has lasted for hundreds to thousands of years, a feat that can be described as "man-made, yet seemingly natural". Another scenic line in Shen'ao Village is the group of ancient residential buildings located above the underground water system, mainly consisting of buildings from the Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods. These are generally distributed on both sides of the old street, which runs from north to south. The old street is about 200 meters long and only 3 meters wide. It was built at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, and flourished during the Republic of China period. The buildings on both sides are from the middle and late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period, many of which were shops, earning it the reputation of "Little Shanghai". There are over 140 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and more than 60 from the Republic of China period in the village, all of which are well preserved, whether they are individual buildings or the overall village form. In addition to the above-ground and underground scenic spots, Shen'ao Village also preserves a provincial intangible cultural heritage - the traditional folk art of high-altitude lion dance. Every Lantern Festival and temple fair, the villagers use this art to add to the festive atmosphere. If you are fond of ancient towns, only by stepping into Shen'ao can you truly appreciate its unique charm. Here, you will marvel at the traces of time on the weather-beaten walls, admire the wonderful sight of plants growing freely in the cracks. What's more surprising is that there is no sense of desolation here, but rather a vibrant atmosphere. As you stroll through the bluestone alleys, you will find the scenery breathtaking, and the entire village exudes a peaceful aura that puts one at ease. #AncientArchitecture