Nianbadu, a National Historical and Cultural Town and Hometown of Chinese Folk Art, was the first market town to enter Zhejiang from Fujian. In ancient times, a third-rank guerrilla office was established here. Its unique geographical location earned it the nickname "The Key to Fengxi," and its history spans over a thousand years. Zheng Chenggong, as a child, accompanied his father on garrison duty here. The town boasts 36 well-preserved, large-scale ancient houses and halls, and 11 public buildings, including the Confucius Temple, the Great King Temple, the Longevity Palace, and the Wenchang Pavilion. The diverse architectural styles blend Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Hakka, and Western styles, featuring intricate carvings, carved beams and painted rafters, and flowing pavilions. The ancient town, with a population of over 3,600, boasts 13 dialects and 142 surnames. Residents continue to preserve the unique folk arts passed down by their ancestors, including folk songs, folk dances, land boat races, lantern displays, paper cutting, puppetry, stilt walking, and stone sliding. Experts call it "rare in the country, ranked first in Zhejiang Province", and "a natural folk museum", while literati praise it as a "cultural enclave" and "a dream lost in the mountains".
Attractions Location: No. 1 Fengling Road, Jiangshan City, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province
Tickets:
Tickets: Full price RMB 100 / Half price RMB 50
Opening hours:
08:00-17:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)
Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0570-4887543
Time reference: More than 3 hours
This one-day itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to explore the ancient charm of Nianbadu, a historic town known for its traditional architecture, river scenery, and bridges.
Accommodation/Food: Stay at a boutique inn or guesthouse inside Nianbadu Ancient Town. Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local restaurant, dinner at guesthouse or town eateries.
Souvenirs: Handmade bamboo crafts, local teas, traditional snacks, embroidered textiles, and river-themed trinkets.
This two-day itinerary combines Nianbadu’s ancient town exploration with visits to nearby villages and scenic spots for a more relaxed experience.
Accommodation/Food: Stay at guesthouses in Nianbadu or nearby villages. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at village or town restaurants, dinner at guesthouse.
Souvenirs: Bamboo crafts, local teas, hand-painted fans, embroidered fabrics, traditional snacks.
This three-day itinerary includes Nianbadu, nearby villages, and natural scenic spots for a combination of cultural and outdoor experiences.
Accommodation/Food: Boutique inns in Nianbadu or riverside guesthouses. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local restaurants, dinner at inns or town eateries.
Souvenirs: Bamboo crafts, local teas, embroidered textiles, river-themed souvenirs, calligraphy or traditional artworks.
This four-day itinerary adds cultural workshops and hands-on experiences to the exploration of Nianbadu and its surrounding scenic areas.
Accommodation/Food: Stay at boutique inns or riverside guesthouses. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at workshops or local restaurants, dinner at inns or restaurants.
Souvenirs: Handmade bamboo crafts, embroidered textiles, local teas, calligraphy art, traditional snacks.
This five-day itinerary provides an immersive experience, combining Nianbadu Ancient Town, surrounding villages, natural landscapes, and cultural activities.
Accommodation/Food: Boutique inns in Nianbadu or riverside guesthouses. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots or local restaurants, dinner at inns or guesthouse.
Souvenirs: Bamboo crafts, embroidered textiles, local teas, traditional snacks, calligraphy art, handcrafted souvenirs.
This six-day itinerary combines all major cultural, historical, and natural attractions around Nianbadu for a comprehensive experience.
Accommodation/Food: Boutique inns or guesthouses inside Nianbadu. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots or local restaurants, dinner at inns or restaurants.
Souvenirs: Bamboo crafts, embroidered textiles, local teas, calligraphy artwork, traditional snacks, river-themed trinkets.
This seven-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in Nianbadu Ancient Town’s history, culture, scenic landscapes, and surrounding villages.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in boutique inns or guesthouses in Nianbadu. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots or local restaurants, dinner at inns or town eateries.
Souvenirs: Bamboo crafts, embroidered textiles, local teas, traditional snacks, calligraphy art, handcrafted trinkets, river-themed souvenirs.
Located in Jiangshan District, Zhejiang Province, at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, Quzhou's Nianbadu Ancient Town boasts a history of over 900 years. The town boasts numerous Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings and preserved ancient architecture, earning it a designation as a Famous Historical and Cultural Town in China. Crucially, it remains free of excessive commercial development. Its narrow, bluestone alleys permeate the town's history, inspiring a sense of curiosity. Even more tranquil than Lijiang, Nianbadu offers a tranquil escape.
The ancient town boasts numerous Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings and preserved ancient architecture, earning it a designation as a Famous Historical and Cultural Town in China. Crucially, it remains free of excessive commercial development. With its lush green walls, black tiles, and exquisitely carved gatehouses, it's easy to immerse yourself in the stories within.
Compared to other Jiangnan water towns, the ancient architecture here is less delicate and more grand. Ninety percent of the existing ancient dwellings are quadrangle courtyards from the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods. These houses are well-organized, with the interior courtyards being a prominent feature.
Tired of the stereotyped Jiangnan ancient towns, Ershiba will give you a different experience. Stepping on the flagstones, strolling slowly along the stream beside the street, you will feel this well-preserved memory.
When we went there in the morning, there were not many people. Many shops selling travel souvenirs were not open. Local residents were still living there. They would wash vegetables and rice in the stream in front of their doors. This was running water, so it was relatively clean.
There aren't many tourists here, and food and accommodation are not expensive. I recommend the local specialty tofu, which is super delicious, as well as Fengxi fish, lichen, etc. Bacon and dried fish are one of Jiangshan's most famous farm dishes.
If you come here during festivals, you can also see special performances: puppet shows, folk dances, stilt walking, etc.
I didn't expect my first visit to Nianbadu Ancient Town to be on a business trip. The moment I entered, I fell in love with it. It's not overly commercialized, and the town is still sparsely populated. By 4 or 5 p.m., it's practically deserted, and even less crowded at night. I spent four or five days in Nianbadu, and every day I saw mostly groups of middle-aged and older tourists. Perhaps it's because Nianbadu is so remote, or perhaps it's still relatively unknown. While walking through the streets, I even encountered adorable guides. Oh, and the tofu in Nianbadu is especially delicious, and the homemade soy milk at Village Flavor House is also delicious...
Many have called Nianbadu a "dream lost in the mountains," a description both insightful and poetic. Its long-standing location deep within the mountains evokes a certain mystery and remoteness, unlike the bustling ancient towns of the Jiangnan waterways. However, few people realize that Nianbadu was once a hub for military officers, merchants, and businessmen, a vibrant and vibrant place that lasted for centuries, with a constant stream of troops, officials, merchants, and laborers. Despite the ups and downs of life, the ancient town remains unchanged, unchanging and undesolate.
Xunli Street, the main road of the ancient town, is not long, only a few hundred meters from the beginning to the end. However, there are many small paths paved with cobblestones polished to a shiny finish by time on both sides. They extend to form alleys that are interconnected, and walking through them is like being in a maze.
Tucked away in the mountains at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, the ancient town of Nianbadu bears a rich history in every brick and tile. Hundreds of surnames and thirteen dialects weave together a unique tapestry of diverse cultures. Strolling along the town's stone pavements, the ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties on either side quietly tell of a past of prosperity and vicissitudes. The enigmatic seal characters on the gatehouse of Fu, Lu, Shou, and Xi evoke a sense of reverie. And the flowing stream adds a touch of spirit and poetry.
Nianbadu lies at the junction of western Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi. Locals often describe it as "stepping on three provinces with one foot." Xianxia Pass to the north and Fengling Pass to the south isolate Nianbadu in a nearly closed environment, yet its culture displays a surprising openness and diversity. Nianbadu Town, where tourists gather, boasts a population of over 3,600 people representing 69 different surnames, a truly fascinating sight. The ancient town boasts authentic buildings that blend the architectural styles of the three provinces. The distinctive whitewashed walls and overhanging eaves are accentuated by impressive carvings.
Jiangshan has quite a few attractions, and the Jiangshan Nianbadu town was more fun than I'd expected, given its rich cultural heritage. It's a bit disappointing that many of the buildings are imitations of antiques, not new construction. Still, it was quite popular. The various small attractions are well-designed, and each one has its own unique story. I hope it can be better preserved.
Jiangshan's 28du, a Grade A scenic area, is 60 kilometers from Jiangshan. It's an ancient town nestled deep in the mountains, offering a tranquil and quaint atmosphere. Nearly two kilometers long, it's flanked by rushing mountain streams. Admission is free Monday through Friday, while Saturday and Sunday tickets cost 80 yuan. How can you get to 28du? Direct buses depart from Jiangshan South Bus Station at 6:30 and 7:00 AM, reaching 28du in one hour and ten minutes. Tickets cost 17 yuan.
The pristine old town is ancient and undeveloped. Residents, despite their environmental concerns, wash their clothes in the creeks within the town and along the town's edge. Chickens, ducks, and geese are allowed to roam freely throughout the town. The town's specialty, copper gong pancakes, cost ten yuan each and weigh a full two pounds, made with mugwort leaves. The local specialty, small white kidney beans, are also inexpensive and beneficial. Don't forget to take some home!
The downside to visiting Nianbadu is that the former residence of Jiang Yuhong, the richest man in Nianbadu and twice the size of Wenchang Pavilion, is closed to the public! If you want to see Jiang Yuhong's residence, you can only see it in the TV series "Dou Xiang"!
A one-day self-guided tour of Nianbadu and Jianglang Mountain: At 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM, long-distance buses depart from Jiangshan South Bus Station for the 60-kilometer journey to Nianbadu Ancient Town for 17 yuan. A bus departs from the Nianbadu Visitor Center at 1:00 PM, taking you to the Jianglang Mountain Ticket Station for 10 yuan. After exploring Jianglang Mountain, walk 800 meters, with buses departing every 20 minutes. Take the 202 evening bus back to Jiangshan South Bus Station for 5 yuan. For a two-day tour, stay overnight in Nianbadu Ancient Town. After exploring Nianbadu on the first day, charter a bus to Fugai Mountain, which is 11 kilometers from Nianbadu. Return to the ancient town after your visit. Accommodation in the town is not in short supply, typically around 80 yuan for two people.
The ancient town is simple and you can stroll around. Jianglang Mountain is very steep!
There is a direct bus to the scenic area at the exit of Jiangshan Railway Station
Coin Jianglangshan 10 yuan
20 yuan for Ershibadu
Not bad, green mountains and clear waters! Not overly commercialized yet!
Nianbadu is truly a special place. I'm fortunate to have chosen to visit it. Everything is unadorned, with only a few touches added for the convenience of visitors. There aren't many tourists, and the streets, mountain paths, ancient houses, and indigenous people all exude a simple, authentic feel.
In the past, it was the border area between Zhejiang, Fujian and Jiangxi provinces. Many businessmen needed to stop here, which created the prosperity of the time. The buildings and stone carvings were indeed very exquisite, but the ticket price was too expensive!
I was led by a tour guide and the tour was basically over after 45 minutes.
The ancient town of Nianbadu lies at the junction of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Fujian provinces. In ancient times, Huang Chao pioneered the Xianxia Ancient Road, and during the Republican era, Dai Li established his special agent training program here. Dai Li's former residence is also nearby, as is the village where Mao Renfeng's family lived. This is also where one of the four wonders of Zhejiang during the Republican era—Jiangshan's Military Control Commission—is located.
This ancient town, situated at the junction of three provinces, embodies a unique blend of architectural styles from these three regions, with Huizhou architecture predominating and Zhejiang vernacular architecture serving as a secondary element, creating a distinct local character. It was also a key military town, housing a garrison during the Ming Dynasty, holding a higher status than local officials. During the Republic of China era, as Dai Li's hometown, it hosted a spy training facility, a unique example among ancient Chinese towns.
There is no entrance fee on weekdays (Monday to Friday), but there will be a little more people. The entrance fee is 60 yuan on weekends.
The Nianbadu Visitor Center is quite nice, where you can pick up your tickets. After passing the ticket gate, turn left and enter the ancient town area. The Nianbadu Ancient Town area is quite small, with the main attractions and highlights concentrated on Xunli Street.
It is an isolated ancient town with no commercialization. Smoke from cooking fires can be seen in the town in the morning and evening, and there are not many tourists.
The road is bustling, but there are few people. It is very quiet and suitable for traveling alone. It is my favorite ancient town. I look for a place to stay along the ancient street. The accommodation here is also very cheap.
Influenced by the architecture of ancient Huizhou villages, this area is home to small bridges, flowing water, horse-head walls, and black and white ink-painted landscapes. The town also hides a vast secret base: the women's training base of Dai Li, the head of the Kuomintang's Military Intelligence Bureau. Hotels in the town are sparsely populated, as it lacks the fame of the ancient Huizhou villages, resulting in a relatively quiet nightlife.
It is an ancient town with a slightly Hui style. The ticket price is 80, and it is 70 if you book online. The town is surrounded by mountains and rivers and has beautiful scenery. A map of the town and a recommended walking route are printed on the back of the ticket.
Just follow the map. The town is small and you can tour it in a single route so you won't get lost or miss important attractions.
Similar to the ancient famous houses in southern Anhui, there are streams flowing along the ditches in the town and next to the houses.
Villagers will use it to wash dishes. As for whether the restaurants in the town also use it to wash dishes and whether it is hygienic or not, I don’t know.
As a town with distinct Hui style characteristics, when you live in it and visit the famous residences in southern Anhui, don’t forget to see the gatehouses. The gatehouses in the town are all exquisitely carved.
I went there from the Jiangshan Impression Hotel. I researched two options. One is to take the scenic area shuttle bus from the train station. The hotel's brochure said there was a bus at 8:30. I called a taxi and arrived at the train station, but by 8:30, no bus had arrived. There was a sign indicating the scenic area shuttle bus boarding point, but no timetable. I asked around, but no one knew exactly when the bus would leave. In desperation, I took a taxi to the bus station near RT-Mart and took bus 102. This bus runs hourly to Ershibadu. The conductor was very friendly, answering many of our questions and providing information along the way. The scenery was beautiful. The driver's driving was a bit aggressive, occasionally crossing into the oncoming lane to overtake. Although we were lucky, I didn't want him to do that. Safety comes first, after all.
The history of the ancient town is quite interesting. There is also a former training site for female spies under Dai Li. After visiting it, I learned that Dai Li was originally from Jiangshan.
The scenic area has a visitor center and a restaurant. The staff at the visitor center were very friendly and helpful, and they even had luggage storage. We had lunch at the restaurant. We ordered the Fengxi fish, a local specialty. It was small but delicious. The proprietress was very accommodating. The ancient town isn't crowded with tourists, and it's not very large. Two hours should be enough to see it all. We took a direct bus back to the city, and the signs on the bus revealed that the trains depart from the train station at 9:00, 10:30, 1:00, and 3:00. The buses back to Jiangshan City from the ancient town leave at 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 in the afternoon. I wonder why there isn't a similar timetable posted at the train station?
Nianbadu is an ancient town 70 kilometers from Jiangshan County. In 1071, during the fourth year of the Xining reign of the Northern Song Dynasty, Jiangshan established 44 capitals, with this place ranked 28th, earning it the name Nianbadu. With a history spanning over 900 years, Nianbadu boasts distinctive architecture, setting it apart from other ancient towns in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
Nestled deep in the mountains at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, the ancient town of Nianbadu has been known for its ancient sayings: "One foot steps into three provinces, and the crowing of a rooster is heard by thousands of households." Adhering to the ancient ideal of living near water, the town, built along the Maple Creek in 1071, capitalized on its unique geographical location, was established along the Maple Creek. This historically important market town, integrating military, political, cultural, and economic functions, was known as the "Key to Maple Creek" and a battleground for military strategists throughout history. Over the course of history, Nianbadu evolved from a military stronghold into a prosperous commercial port on the border of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi, and continues to attract attention today.
This area, barely two kilometers in radius, boasts many well-preserved dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These ancient dwellings are both quaint and elegant, retaining their original charm and character, and the people are simple and honest. Although my visit was brief, Nianbadu left a profound and beautiful impression, one that evokes endless aftertaste and reverie. Nianbadu—a place that is enjoyable, enjoyable, and worth visiting, a place that feels like "a lost dream in the mountains," a place that still evokes longing.
In the drizzle of March in the south of the Yangtze River, walking on the stone streets of the ancient town of Erbadu, a sense of distance and poetry arises spontaneously.
The ancient town of Nianbadu, located at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian and Jiangxi provinces, is a small town hidden in the wilderness that has been discovered. It is rich in historical and cultural heritage and is a must-see.
Jiangshan and Nianbadu are worth visiting.
The ancient town is very nice and you can go there to have some fun.
The main purpose of visiting this area is to admire the ancient architecture. The preservation and restoration of these buildings within the scenic area are remarkable. They retain their essence without excessive embellishment. Every brick, tile, stone, and piece of wood remains authentic. This is truly remarkable for an ancient street that has been a scenic spot for so many years. As we wandered along the old street, besides the cobblestones beneath our feet, the most distinctive feature was the door lintels of each household. Most of these lintels are pavilion-style, adorned with intricate wood carvings, often depicting auspicious symbols such as Fu Lu Shou and He He Er Xian. Preserving these wooden lintels, while perhaps challenging, has been meticulously and beautifully preserved. They are truly a delight to the eye and offer visitors a truly beautiful experience.
As the saying goes, "The cockcrows in three provinces and twenty-eight cities." This unique geographical location makes this ancient town unique. The hundreds of surnames and dialects, the blend of Hui-style architecture and Western influences, and the enigmatic Military Control Commission chief Dai Li and his female agents all left a lasting impression on me, hidden deep in the mountains.
It's a nice ancient town. The villagers are also very nice. My son said he likes this place very much.
At dusk, the ancient town is almost deserted. Every brick, tile, slab, and stone comes alive in the afterglow. Carrying the millennia-long prosperity of the Xianxia Ancient Road and embracing the customs and culture of people from the south and north, Nianbadu Ancient Town lies quietly at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, etching the story of time firmly in every brick and tile.
Nianbadu is an ancient town nestled in the mountains. Historically, it was an important market town in the border region, known as the "Key to Fengxi." Its main attractions include the Guandi Temple, a bank, Jiang Yuhong's former residence, Dai Li's spy training camp, and Wenchang Pavilion. Recommended Nianbadu delicacies include tofu and pork ribs, Fengxi fish, braised pork with dried bamboo shoots, bird's nest wontons, and Tongluo cake.
We arrived in the evening, off-season, so there were few tourists around. We settled in and wandered around the town. Perhaps because it was dark, it was exceptionally quiet, with only local residents sitting along the cobblestone streets. The gentle sound of water flowing in the canal beside the road gave us a positive first impression.
TIPS: 1. The standard price for a standard room in the ancient town is NT$80. 2. You don't need to register your ID card to enter the ancient town; you can enter in person. All attractions in the town are free to enter. However, some places may be closed due to the off-season.
In the morning, there are still no tourists in the ancient town, so it is quite interesting to wander around.
This is a well-preserved ancient town, and one can imagine its prosperity in the past.
The ancient buildings of Ming and Qing Dynasties are well preserved. There are also old-fashioned barber shops inside. The running water at the door of each house is impressive.
Visit Nianbadu and Xianxia Ancient Road together. If you go to Nianbadu by yourself, it is not very convenient. There is only one bus and chartering a bus is very expensive. It takes 2 hours to take the scenic area through bus from Jiangshan Railway Station. The tour of the ancient town takes about 2 hours. Take the bus from the exit of the ancient town to Longjing and go back through Xianxia Ancient Road.
The actual scenic area of Nianbadu is not very big. It only takes more than an hour to walk around. The management model of the ancient town here is still relatively that of the early ancient towns. The more unique feature is the story of the legendary figure Dai Li. At night, because of winter and the lack of tourists, it seems a bit deserted. But my favorite is the moment when the sun shines into the town in the morning. It is very beautiful.
The people are simple and nice. However, it's rated a 5A scenic spot. I expect prices to increase. The value for money isn't very high.
My best friend from college got married, and her husband is from Quzhou, so we came to see it. Maybe we were in a good mood, so everything seemed good. We must not miss the famous local rabbit head, haha.
The ancient town is amazing. I stayed on a tourist street next to the ancient town and went alone to cross the Xianxia Ancient Road and climb Tianyou Peak of Jianglang Mountain. I used my spare time to explore the ancient town. There are many luxurious old houses left over from ancient times, and the wood carvings are amazing.
The ancient town of Nianbadu lies nestled in the Xianxialing Mountains of Quzhou City (southwest of Jiangshan City, approximately 60 kilometers from downtown), at the junction of western Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi, effectively straddling three provinces. During the Northern Song Dynasty, this town ranked 28th among 44 capitals established in southern Zhejiang, hence the name Nianbadu, a name still used today. Numerous Ming and Qing dynasty buildings are preserved here, making it a renowned historical and cultural town in China. National Highway 205 passes through the ancient town. This is a small immigrant town with over 100 surnames, a true community of the common people.
It is a small ancient town with only one main road to walk along. You can visit some old houses along the way, which have now become exhibition halls. The Dai Li and Female Agent Exhibition Hall may attract more visitors.
The running water in front of the stone house is really enviable, and there are not many people selling things.
A very quaint place, not as commercialized as other ancient towns
A very quaint place, not as commercialized as other ancient towns
An ancient capital that has not yet been fully developed. The environment and architecture are beautiful.
An ancient capital that has not yet been fully developed. The environment and architecture are beautiful.
An ancient capital that has not yet been fully developed. The environment and architecture are beautiful.
An ancient capital that has not yet been fully developed. The environment and architecture are beautiful.
An ancient capital that has not yet been fully developed. The environment and architecture are beautiful.
An ancient capital that has not yet been fully developed. The environment and architecture are beautiful.
Recommendation index: ★★★ (out of 5★)
I have visited many ancient towns. Erbadu is an ancient important town that represents the ancient buildings and street style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in southwestern Zhejiang. It is a typical living specimen of the life of traditional villages and towns in the south of my country. Its long history, complete preservation, high historical value and architectural art value should occupy a considerable position even in the whole country. However, Erbadu has too strong a commercial atmosphere, with serious phenomenon of shops occupying the road, inadequate protection of ancient buildings, serious encroachment by new buildings, and the management of the scenic area being in name only, which will reduce the tourism experience.
It is called "rare in the country, ranked first in Zhejiang Province", "a natural folk museum", and literati praise it as a "cultural enclave" and "a dream lost in the mountains".
The most famous ancient town in Quzhou, a strategic thoroughfare and the capital of dialects.
The ancient towns in Jiangnan are actually all similar. For me, a Jiangnan native, there is nothing particularly amazing about them.
Unlike other ancient towns like Wuzhen and Xitang, Nianbadu Ancient Town has shed its commercialized trappings, revealing its original simplicity and richness. Nianbadu Ancient Town is a place steeped in history, boasting ancient banks, workshops, martial arts training grounds, and the former residences of famous figures. Compared to commercialized ancient towns like snack streets, Nianbadu has done a better job of preserving its historical sites, offering truly worthwhile stories. In short, it's well worth a visit!
Unlike other ancient towns like Wuzhen and Xitang, Nianbadu Ancient Town has shed its commercialized trappings, revealing its original simplicity and richness. Nianbadu Ancient Town is a place steeped in history, boasting ancient banks, workshops, martial arts training grounds, and the former residences of famous figures. Compared to commercialized ancient towns like snack streets, Nianbadu has done a better job of preserving its historical sites, offering truly worthwhile stories. In short, it's well worth a visit!
The ancient town is a bit small, with strong local characteristics. It is not commercialized and is very simple. The local residents are very nice. The stream is clean and it is very comfortable to take a walk beside it.
An ancient town that has not been developed and is not overly commercialized. It still retains many ancient buildings, especially those old houses. You can tell how old they are just by looking at the door lintels. It is nice to stroll slowly in the ancient town. It is very quiet and peaceful. It is most beautiful in the morning when the morning mist is hazy.
It's really an ordinary, small ancient town. It takes 30 minutes to walk through it from beginning to end. The famous copper gong cake there is made of mugwort.
The transportation to here is not very convenient. It takes nearly 1.5 hours from Jiangshan, and it is also quite complicated to go back. The ancient town is very small, and you can evade the entrance fee, hahaha. You can read my travel notes. The commercial atmosphere is not too strong, but the surrounding area is not very convenient. Half a day is enough.
It completely exceeded my expectations. This place is amazing. I didn't expect this lesser-known place to be so attractive. As soon as I arrived at the entrance of the ancient town, I felt like I had traveled back to ancient times. I asked around and found out that the Republican drama "Fighting Incense" was being filmed there. The houses in the entire town are very well preserved and there is no commercialization. The people are very simple. There are several restaurants in the town. They have 228 big bowls. The two of us couldn't help but eat three of them. The taste was amazing! Next time, I will definitely go back and make up for the other five bowls.
This ancient military town is not crowded even on holidays. Their specialty is tofu, and they serve a variety of fried tofu. It's delicious.
Get up in the morning and walk along the river, it feels great
The first place we arrived at was Nianbadu. This ancient town, hidden deep in the mountains, straddles Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces. Known as a "cultural enclave," it's also been described as "a lost dream in the mountains!" In this dream, comprised of a network of streets, 36 courtyards, over a hundred surnames, over 200 households, and a millennium of history, I quietly wandered back and forth, barely able to wake up.
I don't know if it's because it's close to Fujian and Jiangxi, but this little ancient town doesn't feel like Jiangnan at all, but rather has some of the flavor of Lijiang.
It was said that big attractions do not charge entrance fees, but tickets are required to enter small attractions in the ancient town. This time, we went during the National Day holiday, and there were a lot of people. Big attractions required tickets, but we went directly from the stream, saving 60 yuan, haha
🗻Geographic location:
It's quite far from Jiangshan city, located at the border of Jiangxi and Fujian. It takes about an hour and a half to get there by bus.
🚄🚌🚌How to get there:
I think this is what everyone's been focusing on the most. Take the high-speed rail and get off at Jiangshan Station. From there, take bus 108 to Jiangshan South Bus Station. Walk across the street to the South Bus Station. You'll see a bus right outside the entrance, labeled Xiakou. Ask if it goes to Nianbadu. Don't believe online claims about hourly departures. This time, we got on the bus as soon as we arrived. Remember to use the restroom before boarding, dear. It's quite a distance. We spent our entire morning on the bus. The ticket cost 15 yuan.
🌸Tips:
1. 🚻The restroom at South Station is easy to find, just outside.
2. 🚦 You can't get a Didi taxi, so it's better to take the bus. The bus may stop in Xiakou Town during the journey, so don't worry.
3.⛅️When you go in the morning, I advise everyone to sit on the left side of the car because the sun shines from the right side.
Scenic area situation:
Because this is the G20 promotion period, Hangzhou residents can enter for free with their ID card and a copy. The ticket price is 70 yuan.
It doesn't feel very interesting. The paid attractions are just like this. Some of the attractions have too much text, which will cause visual fatigue to tourists.
As for the environment, I think Zhuge Bagua Village and Longmen Ancient Town are better, but that's just the way it is. After visiting, I found a lot of restaurants, lodging, and shops, but it felt like there weren't many places that could truly convey the cultural landscape. The ancient towns were all pretty much the same, not as large as Xitang and Wuzhen. Some of the tourist attractions were simply closed.
Play time:
I arrived at noon, had lunch, and then walked around for about an hour. Don't go there just to see Erbadu. If it's on your way or convenient, go there.
stay:
I looked at the standard room and it was 188 per night.
I forgot what 388 is.
There is no need to stay there at all, because you can finish the tour in no time.
Experience:
When visiting tourist spots, you don’t really need to ask others if they are fun or not, because no matter what others say, you will still be unable to suppress your emotions, so just go. After you go, you will find out that it is nothing special, but you will regret not going. 😊
Although I rushed over, I took a look at the old street. Most of it was artificially renovated, with many people selling things. I felt a sense of forced sadness! Personally, I don't recommend it as a major tourist attraction. If you don't drive yourself, the transportation is not very convenient. The last bus leaves at 5 pm.
I've been interested in the ancient town of Nianbadu for a long time. In ancient times, it was a crucial point for trade and troop garrisons entering Fujian. The town's layout is well-preserved, with stone roads, old houses, a parade ground, and government offices. Nianbadu isn't large, practically just one street. The people are quite simple, and prices are quite reasonable. Since I was just passing through, I only stayed one night. I stayed at the Yang Family Courtyard B&B. It was very affordable and clean. The proprietress was very considerate. Since she didn't have a restaurant, she took us to a small local restaurant. The food was both affordable and delicious, especially the tofu casserole and the Tongluo cake. The proprietress even took me to buy Tongluo cake from a familiar shop. It was incredibly fresh and more than half the price of Taobao. Thumbs up!
The next morning I was lucky enough to come across a market. The things at the market didn't have anything special, just food, mountain products, daily necessities and the like, but I just went there for the fun and to have breakfast, which was very nice.
The town is home to nine dialects and over 130 surnames. The ancient buildings still retain their 19th-century style. Apart from this, the town has a commercial street selling tourist souvenirs.
The ancient town itself is not bad, especially with a stream, but overall, it is not as good as Wuzhen and Fenghuang.
It is not very commercialized and the copper gong cakes here are delicious.
The most famous ancient town in Quzhou, a strategic road and the capital of dialects
The main purpose of visiting an ancient town is to experience the local customs and culture. Dialect culture is one of the characteristics of this place.
Nianbadu Ancient Town, a renowned historical and cultural town located at the junction of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, is known as the "Key to Fengxi." Experts hailed it as a "cultural enclave," while scholars have described it as "a lost dream in the mountains." Due to its historical susceptibility to war, the town's ancient architecture remains remarkably well-preserved. According to statistics, there are 36 well-preserved, large-scale residential buildings and halls from the Ming and Qing dynasties, along with 11 public structures, including the Confucius Temple, the Great King Temple, the Wenchang Pavilion, the Wanshou Palace, the Zhenwu Temple, the Zhongyi Shrine, the Guanyin Pavilion, the Old Yamen, and the Xinxing Society. The entire town boasts a remarkable collection of well-preserved, large-scale residential buildings. These 36 representative residential buildings and 11 public buildings stretch along Fengxi River in the valley, forming a nearly two-kilometer-long Ming and Qing street. Its architectural styles blend those of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Anhui, earning it the nickname "rare nationwide and the best in Zhejiang Province," making it a truly authentic ancient architecture museum. Despite having a population of only a few thousand, the ancient town is home to 142 surnames and 13 dialects. Experts call it "a common people's ancient town and a kingdom of dialects." This unique Jiangnan ancient town is well worth a visit.