[2024 Tonglu Attraction] Travel Guide for Shen'ao Ancient Town (Updated Dec)
Ancient Towns
Address:
Shen'ao Ancient Town, Tonglu County, Hangzhou
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
0.5-1 day
Ancient Village Day Tour
As soon as I stepped into Shen'ao Ancient Village, I was deeply attracted by its tranquility and simplicity. The alleys paved with bluestone slabs and the ancient buildings scattered around exude a sense of history and the passage of time. The architectural style here is unique, combining the elegance of Huizhou architecture with the simplicity of western Zhejiang mountain dwellings, making it impossible not to stop and admire.
The village's water system is even more impressive. The streams, hidden channels, open ditches, wells, and ponds are all laid out in a scientific manner. The drainage system built a thousand years ago is still in use today, and the advanced water circulation system design in every household is truly amazing. Walking here, it feels as if you can hear the echoes of history gently ringing in your ears.
In addition to the ancient buildings and water system, Shen'ao Ancient Village also preserves a rich folk culture. Traditional activities such as lanterns, lion dances, and temple fairs fill the village with a strong cultural atmosphere. Walking along the long cobblestone-paved ancient streets, you can see traditional delicacies, restaurants, coffee shops, and stalls everywhere, with a constant stream of tourists, making it truly impressive.
WhisperSerenade
The peaceful life in Shen'ao Ancient Town is unforgettable.
👍️Recommended reasons:
Shen'ao Ancient Town in Tonglu is a treasure trove of history and Jiangnan charm🎈. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of time. The ancient town retains a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with white walls and black tiles, and winding stone roads, as if taking you back in time🕰️. Strolling through the ancient town, every corner exudes a unique charm that makes you linger.
**Address:** Shen'ao Village, Tonglu County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
**Tour order: You can start from the entrance of the ancient town, stroll along the main street, and admire the ancient buildings. Then walk into the alleys and explore the hidden surprises.😃
📅Must-see attractions:
- Shen'ao Old Street: Ancient and full of life.
- Shentu Ancestral Hall: Showcasing the glory and history of the family.
**Transportation: You can choose to drive and navigate to Shen'ao Ancient Town. You can also take public transportation, first to Tonglu County, and then transfer to a bus to Shen'ao Ancient Town🚌.
🏨Accommodation: The inns in the ancient town are well-equipped, and the rooms are clean and tidy. The inn also offers a special breakfast, allowing you to feel the tranquility and beauty of the ancient town in the morning.🛏️
**Tickets: Free😉.
**Opening hours: Open all day.
Nearby food recommendations:
- Rice cake: Soft and glutinous, with rich fillings, such as pickles, tofu, and other flavors. Take a bite, and you will feel full of happiness😍.
- Mochi: Sweet and delicious, soft and not sticky. Freshly made mochi, steaming hot, is mouth-watering.😋
**Photography tips: You can choose to take photos in front of ancient buildings, use light and shadow effects, and take photos with a sense of hierarchy. You can also wear ancient costumes to better integrate into the atmosphere of the ancient town.📷
**Shopping souvenirs: You can buy some local handicrafts, such as hand-woven baskets, fans, etc., as souvenirs.🎁
💗Other tips:
- The ancient town is relatively large, so you can prepare a pair of comfortable shoes.👟
- Pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter.💖
TravelTalesUnveiled
A hidden gem of an ancient village.
Shen'ao Ancient Village is a hidden gem of an ancient village. The village is not commercialized, and there are many ancient buildings and houses preserved in the village, which are suitable for slow walking and slow viewing. It is a poem frozen in time. The bluestone road winds through the long corridor of time, and every step is a step on the memory of history. The ancient houses tell the story of the past prosperity and vicissitudes. Here, every brick and tile exudes a deep charm, as if you can hear them whispering the secrets of the past. The villagers retain their simple way of life, making people feel a sense of peace and purity away from the hustle and bustle. Every corner of the ancient village is full of stories, waiting for those who are interested to savor and explore deeply.
StellaSpecter_789ss
The serene and elegant ancient village of Shen'ao
Worth seeing is Huaisu Hall, built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of 793 square meters, it features a three-room, three-courtyard, two-skywell layout in a 'mu' shaped brick-wood structure, which is a typical Jiangnan large household courtyard architecture. The hall's name is derived from the phrase 'A gentleman acts according to his position' in the Doctrine of the Mean, and 'Plain conduct, no blame' in the Book of Changes. The meaning is: 'A gentleman always cherishes virtue, and virtue is what he naturally attains.' The interior decorations of Huaisu Hall are dazzling. From the high ox legs and moon beams to the low window lattice skirts and door lock waist panels, from the large dougong brackets and floral beams to the small window partitions and floral knots, from the sparrow replacements at the beam heads to the column bases, every part is intricately carved. The carvings depict the traditional educational maxims of ancient Chinese families, imbued with a rich Confucian cultural flavor.
Oliver Hayes Oliver55
Tonglu tourism explores the profound ancient village
Free admission to the most heartwarming place in the misty Jiangnan
There is a certain artistic atmosphere, and the interior of the ancient buildings still retains the architectural structure of the old houses, without much commercialization.
The ancient street is not very long, and it takes about half an hour to visit each shop. There are several noteworthy shops, including a homemade incense shop with a variety of scents, and shops with distinctive wooden carved vases that are great for home decoration. At the tie-dye workshop, you can experience the process and make a nice couple's outfit. The shops also sell finished products, and overall, the prices are quite reasonable. Finally, I recommend a place where you can stay for half a day and chat, the Ming Dynasty street cafe. The cafe owner emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere, and the decor is also very relaxing, retaining the main structure of the ancient building, where you can hear the pitter-patter of rain in the courtyard on rainy days.
For accommodation, I recommend the stylish 'Three Lives One Residence' B&B, which is located within the ancient street.
Overall, the area is suitable for a leisurely afternoon walk for those nearby, and for those who come from farther away, it's a place to relax and experience slow living, staying for one to two days.
GoldenSunshine
Had fun in Tonglu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
I recently took a trip to Tonglu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and visited places like the profound ancient village, Diping village, Diping flower sea, and the Yiju small town. The natural environment in Tonglu is exceptionally good, just like a natural oxygen bar. In Diping village, there is a coffee shop ingeniously converted from a cattle shed, which has a unique charm. In Yiju small town, I stayed in a caravan at the camping base, which was a very unique experience. I will make these experiences into a series of exciting videos and share these wonderful moments with everyone.
ultharia_7790
"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
vivianxfong
I arrived at Shena'o Ancient Town in Tonglu at noon
The car was parked at the entrance of the ancient town. Entering through this archway, there is a lake, and the houses along the lake have quite the style of an ancient town.
Had lunch at a restaurant by the lake, the view was nice.
After the meal, I took a stroll around the town, looking at the old houses.
Some of these old houses are well preserved, with some turned into guesthouses and restaurants, and others into shops and studios to carry on traditional culture. The overall feeling is quite natural and simple. Dai's Mansion here is the ancestral home of Dai Li.
This place is also a settlement of the Shentu clan.
Ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River all have some similarities.
JetsetNomad$222
Not Wuyuan, but exploring the lesser-known ancient villages in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai—Shen'ao Ancient Village
After getting off at Tonglu East Station, it's just over ten minutes by taxi, where a historic millennium-old village—Shen'ao Ancient Village—is hidden.
▶️This ancient village got its name from the water system that existed over a thousand years ago, and still retains a complete drainage system today. The mirror-like ponds, majestic archways, and ancestral halls are all breathtaking. The ancestors here designed an independent drainage system when building the village, consisting of streams, weirs, underground channels, open ditches, and ponds.
▶️These water systems not only provide convenient domestic water for the villagers but also serve the function of flood control and drainage. There are also many artisan workshops, where folk artists showcase their crafts, such as bamboo weaving, paper-cutting, guqin, and sugar figurine making, representing a rich intangible cultural heritage.
▶️The village is not crowded with tourists, but there are quite a few attractions to visit, preserving the authentic essence of the ancient village. Wandering around gives a special feeling of traveling back to a thousand years ago, and even the few village dogs are robust and strong.
▶️There is no admission fee🎫 for the village and parking is convenient. It is also very accessible as it's directly off the highway.
The architecture of the houses here is unique, with white walls and black tiles, simple and bright, exuding a sense of historical depth. Each house's eaves are carved with exquisite patterns, lifelike, all showcasing the superb skills of the ancients.
▶️There are several nice homestays in the village, which are really exquisite and blend well with the ancient architectural complex. It's worth experiencing next time.
NIKOLAS WALKER
Shen'ao Ancient Town | This must be the thousand-year-old town forgotten by the world!
🚗It only took me 1 hour to find the treasure ancient towns hidden in the crevices of time in Hangzhou—Dipu and Shen'ao! These two adjacent ancient towns have a lively atmosphere without the noise, absolutely amazing👌!
Dipu is quite popular and has a bit of fame, but the charm of Shen'ao is unique❤️ Highly recommended! It's like a peaceful secret realm on weekends when there are few people.
1h drive from Hangzhou West Lake, right next to the highway exit
Daily life wearing you down? Come to Shen'ao, it's pleasing to the eyes, heart, and stomach😜
📍Hangzhou. Tonglu. Shen'ao Ancient Town
📸Shen'ao seems incredibly photogenic! The old gates and facades of the ancient town have their own charm, exuding a touch of classical beauty. Turn the white walls and black tiles into your background, and rush for an Instagram shot!😎
In the Qing Dynasty houses, old songs play in your ears, and beside you sits a dozing elder, this fairy-tale-like scene melts my heart~🎶
Walking by the Ming Dynasty lotus pond, watching the intricate chess game on the board, I can't help but applaud👏.
The shops full of historical sense, the former commercial streets are now covered with stalls, wandering from here to there, admiring the ingenuity of the craftsmen, wow!
Under the mottled archway, the fragrant spice stall with its stirring sounds makes one's happiness go up up! Carrying freshly popped rice cakes, the nostalgic taste rushes to the heart, and in an instant, I'm back in childhood🌈.
Shen'ao Ancient Town, the largest village in Tonglu, is full of stories from the villagers, generation after generation, warm and summery💓. Compared to those silent ancient towns, the vitality of Shen'ao is like its ever-flowing dark channels, continuous.
The talent of those master craftsmen is not drowned by time; their efforts have long turned into the lively atmosphere of these streets and alleys. These intricate lives tell us that we have never been alone on this journey, because of the warmth of human touch.
Tired? Just take a walk in Shen'ao! It's within easy reach, letting you experience the pure human touch and natural scenery🌳🏞️💖.
🔥Ancient town atmosphere: 4 stars💥
🌈Tour experience: 4 stars🎉
📷Photo and check-in: 4 stars📸
Come to Shen'ao near Hangzhou West Lake! Don't tell me you won't get addicted to this life full of lively atmosphere~!🚀👀🎐
LIANA FLEMING
Hangzhou | It's surprising that there are such photogenic places in Jiangsu and Zhejiang with few people
Full of green, accompanied by the Ming and Qing villages with black tiles and white walls.🍃
Compared with many hot counties in Jiangnan, Tonglu has more of a slow life atmosphere.👣
Shen'ao Village, which is 'deep in the boudoir', is not a bustling place, but it has completely preserved hundreds of Ming and Qing ancient buildings with Huizhou characteristics.
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📍Address: Shen'ao Ancient Town, Tonglu County, Hangzhou City
🎫Tickets: None
🚗Transportation: It is best to drive by yourself, 1h away from Hangzhou city center, get off at Shen'ao Village Cultural Auditorium.
🅿️Parking: There is a parking lot.
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Tour:
1、The ancient town is not big, it can be visited in 1-2 hours in total
2、Many Qing Dynasty ancient buildings are open and can be visited freely
3、In addition to ancient buildings, there are many shops opened by young artists in the town, such as incense making, gold repair, blue dyeing and other handicraft shops
4、Unique underground drainage system, every household has a pond in front of the door, the water is very clear.