Tangqi Ancient Town

#Tangqi Ancient Town#



A nighttime tour of Tangqi Ancient Town, located in Tangqi Town, Yuhang District, is a highlight of the famous Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Taking advantage of my time in Yuhang, I decided to explore the town at night. The town itself isn't very large, so I felt I could explore it in half a day. It seemed less crowded at night, with many shops closed. The town also had plenty of guesthouses and bars, which seemed quite pleasant. I heard you can take a boat tour of the Grand Canal during the day. Overall, it's a matter of personal preference. I personally find the town to have a strong commercial atmosphere, but it's also a great place to relax and unwind after work.

Tangqi is named after the Grand Canal that passes through the town. It is now a popular



The tourist attraction, the ancient Guangji Bridge, where the buildings are still preserved



The ancient style, you can have a good time here for a whole day, next to the B&B



During the loquat picking season, there are many tourists here because



This is the hometown of loquat!

Tangqi is located in northern Hangzhou, bordering Deqing County of Huzhou City, approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. The renowned Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal traverses the town, making it a crucial waterway linking Jiangsu, Shanghai, Jiaxing, and Huzhou, and serving as Hangzhou's waterway gateway throughout the dynasties. Tangqi boasts a long history, having been founded in the Northern Song Dynasty. Beginning in the Yuan Dynasty, it attracted merchants and flourished as a major town. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it achieved regional prosperity, earning it the title of one of the "Ten Famous Towns of Jiangnan." Tangqi boasts a profound cultural heritage, with numerous scholars and a legacy of learning. Numerous cultural relics, including the Guangji Bridge, the Guo Pu Ancient Well, the Qianlong Imperial Stele, the Qixi Lecture Hall Stele, the Taishi Residence Lane, and the Shuinan Temple, speak volumes about its past. The area is blessed with outstanding people and abundant natural resources, including renowned loquats and silk, a treasure trove prized throughout the world and a tribute from ancient times. Tangqi is an ancient town and also a new city. Although it has gone through the vicissitudes of time and lost the style of "Thirty-six Bridges" and "Seventy-two and a Half Lanes", its soul and roots are still there and are full of vitality.

Tangqi Ancient Town is a relatively small village in northern Hangzhou. It's free to visit and takes about an hour to explore. I stumbled upon it when I first arrived in Hangzhou and was staying nearby. Later, when I got a car, I went back again just to buy some loquats (Tangqi loquats are said to be very famous). It's the kind of place where you can sleep in naturally on a sunny weekend, then leisurely stroll out in the afternoon for half a day.

The ancient town is free, and the parking lot is good with a maximum of 15, which is more cost-effective than the road. The town is not big, surrounding both ends of the canal, mainly some shops, snacks, and toy stores, most of the ancient towns are similar.

Although small, it's peaceful and cozy. Tangqi isn't as well-known as Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen, but you can enjoy its own tranquility. The town is small, just one or two streets. After visiting West Lake, why not wander around Tangqi and enjoy its unique tranquility?

As soon as we arrived here, my wife Zhang was attracted by this small town. She patted me and asked us to put down our luggage and go out.

There are actually quite a few people here. I didn't go to Xitang or Wuzhen. People say it's too commercialized, but they're all pretty much the same. It all comes down to who's around you, not where you go (I was secretly happy here). Passersby said there wasn't much to do here, so we wandered around for a whole day until the evening.

The most unique feature is the Guangji Bridge, which spans the Grand Canal. It's quite old. The ancient town is small, and the scenery is average. I bought some freshly made lotus root starch at a lotus root starch shop by the river, and it tasted delicious.

There are not many people in the ancient town, and the stone bridge is very old. The ancient town is really not much developed. It is a small episode on the way. It is good.

It's too cold and cloudy. It should be sunny. Come and see.

Free ancient town, great scenery, and reasonable prices.

I've been here twice. Since I live nearby and the ancient town is very small, I don't need to come here specially.

After leaving the Granary Museum, a torrential summer shower descended. The ripples on the river were beautiful, and the cobblestone streets, washed clean by the rain, were remarkably clean. The hotel provided Hanfu (Chinese traditional clothing) for guests to borrow for photos, so I excitedly ran to the lobby to find one and headed straight for the ancient town, taking advantage of the early morning crowds. If it were later, I'd be embarrassed to show off in such attire. However, I was too late, so after taking one photo, I decided it wasn't aesthetically pleasing, so I gave up. The ancient town's roughly 100-meter-long alleys are the most commercial, with numerous shops selling zongzi (Chinese rice dumplings), which reminded me of Zhujiajiao's egg yolk and pork dumplings. Shops were gradually closing their doors and sorting out their merchandise, anticipating the influx of customers.

The ancient town with ancient charm appears peaceful and comfortable under the sunset.

I ordered a pot of green tea and sat in a private room. The decoration of the teahouse was very attractive, and the most beautiful scenery of the ancient town could be seen from the window. Sipping tea, listening to folk songs, looking at the scenery of the ancient town, and experiencing the life of ancient poets was really very happy!

If the scenery of an ancient town is a potent balm for a soothing mood, then the small shops within are like candies that bring lasting joy, happiness, and a lasting aftertaste. The purpose of visiting an ancient town is to experience ancient culture and soak in the essence of Chinese tradition. After visiting the "Zai Hui Shou" teahouse, I truly felt the essence of Chinese culture. The ambiance is reminiscent of an ancient inn or theater. In the teahouse, you can also practice calligraphy and play the guzheng. If you're lucky, you might even stumble upon the salon run by the proprietress—it's truly a place steeped in cultural ambiance!

Tangqi, located at the southern end of the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain, is an important town in northern Zhejiang and one of the famous water towns in the south of the Yangtze River.

Arriving in Tangqi, the first thing that strikes your eye is the quaint, charming ancient architecture. Tangqi is a sacred place where you can experience the life of the ancients and learn about ancient culture. Sitting by the window of the teahouse "Zai Huishou Teahouse" below, you can glimpse the ancient town's charm. Along the quaint stone streets, you'll find unique snacks. The friendly staff politely introduces different teas. From the upstairs teahouse, the unique music of the guzheng fills the air. Enjoying tea is a true spiritual experience. It's surprising that the unassuming downstairs shop holds a unique charm upstairs.

This trip to Tangqi Ancient Town, the first of the ten famous towns in the south of the Yangtze River, left me with deep emotion. Coming to Tangqi Ancient Town is like traveling through ancient times, savoring the life and cultural atmosphere of the ancients, and no longer feeling oppressed by the hustle and bustle of the big city. Two hundred meters west across the bridge is the plaque "Look Back Again". The ancient Chinese style of the teahouse has a unique charm. Listen~~ the pleasant sound of the guzheng comes from the second floor. Strolling on the second floor, the fragrance of tea hits you in the face. Walking lightly to the window, the word "contentment" comes into view. Only when you are content can you be happy. Looking out the window, the beautiful scenery of the ancient buildings is in your sight. The Guangji Ancient Bridge, which has stood for a hundred years, has benefited this precious land. The boss is well-educated and talented, and is proficient in Japanese, English, and tea ceremony.

If you love ancient towns when you come to Hangzhou, it is recommended to visit Tangqi Ancient Town.

The ancient town isn't large, but every June is loquat season. The streets and alleys are bustling with people buying loquats, like a temple fair. Locals love the white loquats, which are particularly sweet. Besides buying them, picking and eating them is also a pleasure.

Besides loquats, Tangqi's rice dumplings are also incredibly soft and glutinous. Having said all that, the ancient town is truly perfect for a quiet stroll, watching the sun cast shadows on the wooden houses, walking along the cobblestone paths, watching the flowing water over the small bridges, and inhaling the unique aroma of the old houses. Fortunately, there aren't many people here, so all of the above wishes can be fulfilled.

It takes about an hour to drive from Hangzhou.

An ancient town in the south of the Yangtze River should be like Tangqi Ancient Town, with historical stories and a breath of life. The Guangji Bridge is accompanied by the Grand Canal, and that’s enough!

Tangqi Ancient Town's landmarks are the Guangji Bridge, the Imperial Stele, an ancient church, and a long covered bridge. Tangqi's main attraction is the shops along the Guangji Bridge, concentrated along the riverside streets. The bluestone pavement and quaint shop signs are Tangqi's most captivating attraction. I've been here several times, and each experience has been unique and truly worth a visit!

I went there several times in 2015 and again this year. I like Tangxi, especially the Guangji Bridge. However, it's under construction recently, so it's not a good time to go there specifically.

Tangqi Ancient Town, once ranked as one of the ten most famous ancient towns in the Jiangnan region, is traversed by the Grand Canal. Founded in the Northern Song Dynasty, Tangqi boasts a rich history, a distinguished cultural heritage, outstanding people, and abundant natural resources. Its loquats are renowned throughout the world, and its silk is renowned internationally.

This is a restored authentic street in the ancient town. There are teahouses, cloth shops, hotels, braised food shops, bakery shops, etc. The century-old shops Zhu Yitang and Fagen Bakery have a full range of cakes and pastries, which are most popular among the elderly. The street is crowded with tourists and is very popular. The Qianlong Imperial Stele is located on Shuibei Street, and many people come to see it.

Tangqi's most famous landmark is the Guangji Bridge, a relatively well-preserved ancient structure spanning the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Resembling a rainbow lying on the waves, it is the only surviving seven-arch stone bridge on the Grand Canal. The majestic Guangji Bridge is 83 meters long, 5.2 meters wide, and 7.75 meters high. It features 160 stone steps, with a central span of 15.6 meters. Its plain stone balustrades are flanked by drum-shaped stone columns with cloud patterns. The bridge boasts 64 balusters, with lotus flowers carved on each corner. The Guangji Bridge bears witness to the profound changes that have taken place along the canal in Tangxi Ancient Town.

Tangqi has a lot of water, and most of the old streets along the river used to have corridors and eaves. The corridors and eaves throughout the ancient town are the characteristic of Tangqi, especially on Shuinan Street. The eaves almost connect all the streets together. Walking on such streets, you don’t need to wear a straw hat in summer and no need to hold an umbrella on rainy days. Wang Shi, a poet in the Qing Dynasty, wrote a poem describing the eaves and eaves in Tangqi at that time: "People are shoulder to shoulder and chasing each other, and the winding and straight corridors lead to all the roads. It is a great way to go out without being hindered by the rain, and you don’t need to wear a hat and sandals to imitate the old man on the slope." With the development of the canal comprehensive project, the ancient town is being revived, and we look forward to seeing the authentic Tangqi ancient town with corridors and eaves all over.

The section of the Grand Canal flowing through Tangqi Ancient Town is one of the sections nominated for World Heritage status, and the Guangji Bridge is one of them. The bridge itself is truly breathtaking, and carries a rich sense of history. The street full of food stalls is fantastic, with all sorts of pastries, and the glutinous rice balls are incredibly delicious (facepalm). The Bai Nian Hui Chang shop is definitely worth a visit, displaying a variety of pastry molds used over the shop's century-long history – a truly charming sight. It's a shame that desilting efforts haven't progressed, leaving the area somewhat unsightly.

The hometown of loquat, a tourist attraction known to a small group of people, avoids the hustle and bustle of crowds, leaving more tranquil bridges and flowing water. Visiting during the light rain season will make it even more charming.

Tangqi Town is located in the north of Hangzhou City, bordering Deqing County of Huzhou City. It is about 20 kilometers away from the city center and about 13 kilometers away from Linping, the district government seat. The famous Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal passes through the town, making it an important waterway hub for Suzhou, Shanghai, Jiaxing and Huzhou. Throughout the dynasties, Tangqi has been the water gateway of Hangzhou City.



Tangqi, located at the southern tip of the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain, is a major town in northern Zhejiang, a renowned water town in the Jiangnan region, and a sub-center of Linping, a sub-city of Hangzhou. Tangqi enjoys convenient transportation by land, sea, and air. The Zhejiang S13 Shenjiahuhang Expressway passes through the town, while the Zhejiang S304 Provincial Highway and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal run east-west through the town. Tangqi's Tangkang Highway, Gongkang Road, and the extension of Yuanman Road (connecting the S304 Provincial Highway to the G320 National Highway) connect directly to Hangzhou. It is 15 kilometers from Hangzhou's main urban area, and a water bus service provides direct access to Wulin Gate. The town currently encompasses 27 villages and seven communities, with a population of nearly 100,000 and a total area of 79 square kilometers. It is renowned as a "land of fish and rice, a land of flowers and fruits, a home of silk, and a hometown of loquats."

Tangqi is an ancient town nestled within a new city, with remnants of its old city preserved. It's an open tourist destination perfect for weekend getaways. Sitting along the canal, chatting and laughing with family and friends is a delightful experience. The left bank is primarily composed of exhibition halls, shops, and residential buildings, while the right bank features modern renovations of hotels and restaurants, as well as an exhibition hall showcasing urban planning and development. The main collection of antiques is on the left bank. The central area is more crowded, while the areas to the left are less crowded. The buildings are sealed, leaving only the exteriors visible.

The famous Guangji Bridge connects the two banks, and the sunset is breathtaking, though it's almost dusk. Tangqi lacks the bar crowds of Xitang, but it's more in keeping with the bustling Jiangnan scene of yesteryear.

We are from the north, and when we come to the south to play, we must see the ancient town style. Tangqi is the ancient town closest to Liangzhu, and it is newly developed, with little commercial atmosphere and not many tourists. It is just right for a leisurely stroll with babies. The town is not big, and it only takes an hour to walk back and forth. We had dinner at Qishui No. 1, which is said to be a more distinctive local restaurant. It is built by the water, and you can enjoy the scenery while eating the town specialties, which is very pleasant.

I initially confused Tangqi with Xitang. Tangqi is much smaller than Xitang, but also less commercialized. The Grand Canal runs through it, and Tangqi was once a wealthy town. It's still quite crowded on weekends, and there's no entrance fee. It's quite relaxing to sit by the canal, sipping tea and basking in the sun.

The best time to go to Tangqi is when there are few people, when the canal is full of water, when the weather is clear and crisp in autumn, or on a starry night.

A relatively lively small ancient town, but the construction is not very good!

It's well worth a short trip, especially in April when the rapeseed blossoms add to the beauty of the scenery. Tangqi is supposedly quite large, but it's underdeveloped, so there aren't many places to visit. Guangji Bridge and Yubei Wharf are the main attractions, so it's recommended to focus on the surrounding areas. A special trip from so far out is a bit of a waste.

Compared to Xitang and Wuzhen, this is a relatively simple ancient town. The Grand Canal, which has flowed for millennia, and the Guangji Bridge, which has provided relief to the world, are well worth a visit.

The closest ancient town to downtown Hangzhou, it's a two-hour bus ride from Wulin Gate. It's ancient and retains many stories, and while commercialization has taken hold, it's not overly aggressive.

It is a very pleasant small town. The Grand Canal created this port town. The business was developed in ancient times. The streets and alleys have the characteristics of Jiangnan water towns. Waterways are spread throughout the town, and bridges can be seen everywhere, all of which are unique in style!

A small town with food, clothing, housing and transportation. Eat in Tangqi. Cross the bridge across the ancient town and you will find food right in front of you!

Unfortunately, this ancient town does not have much introduction to its history and civilization. It has a sense of history but no sense of historical culture! I hope that the people who manage the ancient town can introduce Tangqi more and let everyone know about the past and present of Tangqi.

Tangqi Ancient Town is an ancient town still under construction. It's not far from downtown Hangzhou and is a very quiet town without too many commercial elements. It's perfect to take advantage of the weekend and get together with two or three friends to experience the tranquility of the town. Highly recommended.

If you are not far from the ancient town, you can go and have a look. It is different from the small and beautiful ancient town. Because it does not have Xitang and the famous Wuzhen, there are relatively fewer people here, and no tickets are required!

A ten-minute walk through Tangqi Ancient Town. For Jiangnan's ancient towns, I still have expectations for Wuzhen and Nanxun. However, with commercial development, much of the original charm has been lost. I wouldn't recommend it. Of course, it's not far from Chaoshan, so for a half-day trip, consider combining Chaoshan and Tangqi.

In 2015, I went to attend a classmate's wedding in Yuyao, Hangzhou. His home was not far from Tangqi Ancient Town. The environment was relatively simple, but the ancient town feeling was also quite comfortable, and it was free. There were many out-of-town cars that day, all from surrounding cities. I heard that there would be guests from surrounding cities coming to play every weekend, which was pretty good.

As a naughty kid, I searched for Tangxi on Baidu Map and drove all the way to Hangzhou West!

It’s Tangxi! Tangxi! Tangxi!

I went there on the third day of the first lunar month. There were a lot of people there, but of course it wasn't to the point where people were stepped on.

The development of the ancient town can be considered a success. Just one ancient town and one Guangji Bridge can attract so many tourists. It's at least more prosperous than Lu Xun's hometown in Shaoxing.

During the day, there are too many people, and even tourists who don't buy tickets are already familiar with the place. At night, there are fewer people, and I found the scenery to be breathtaking. It is a town worth strolling through at a leisurely pace.

The largest stone arch bridge on the canal. The ancient town is not big and is located along the river. From here you can imagine the prosperity of the water transportation center in the past. It is rich in loquats and they are very delicious.

Tangqi Ancient Town is a small town, but if you don't have high expectations, it's worth a visit. The arch bridges and local characteristics are quite nice. There's also a small museum called Tianxia Liangcang, which is quite good. I visited the town while visiting a friend's house. It's about a two-hour drive from downtown Hangzhou.

A leisurely, quiet and peaceful place with a generous Jiangnan flavor.

The quiet Guangji Bridge in the afterglow of the sunset has a special charm that can make people forget the fatigue of a whole day's journey in an instant. Quietly brewing a pot of tea and waiting for the arrival of night is definitely an experience not to be missed.

Hangzhou's small ancient town isn't large and hasn't been fully developed yet, but it has free parking. A morning stroll was plenty of time to enjoy the local scenery, pastries, and people. We found it especially wonderful to stroll in a drizzle, as it would otherwise be too hot. The fresh red water chestnuts were incredibly delicious. I originally thought they could only be eaten cooked, but they were so tender and delicious raw.

Tangqi Ancient Town - Because I came here with a tour group and I am also a collector of ancient towns, so I came to take a look. A 20-minute walk around is enough to get it done. It is relatively small. The snacks are concentrated in the entrance street. There is only one bridge. The whole ancient town is a bit boring haha

I just went there today. It took over two hours to get there from the city. I was actually thinking of returning in the evening to take a night cruise on the canal, so I didn't have much interest in Tangqi at first. Who knew I would fall in love with the Guangji Bridge? I walked back and forth several times. I felt like I couldn't see enough and I never got tired of walking. I really wanted to take it away =. =

The Grand Canal runs through the town from east to west, which has made the ancient town famous. However, compared with other ancient towns, it has not yet been overdeveloped.

The lights in the ancient town are on after dark. Standing by the canal, the cool summer breeze mixed with the scent of the river blows, and the nightlife of the ancient town begins in a quiet manner.

This ancient town on the canal is remarkably quiet. Though once considered one of the "Ten Famous Towns of Jiangnan," its current prosperity pales in comparison to other ancient water towns like Wuzhen and Nanxun. Because travel agencies don't often recommend Tangqi, it's more of a self-driving paradise. My connection to Tangqi stems from the Tangqi Loquat Festival. Entering the area exudes a sense of understated elegance, and time seems to slow down. Pause to watch those fishing, those chatting at the riverside, or perhaps a passing Jiangnan woman, unburdened by the melancholy of lilac, casts a shadow on my heart, lingering on my inner lake, like a cloud in the western sky. Truth be told, there's no shortage of graceful and exquisite Jiangnan women here. Take a moment to capture a moment, and you'll find them all incredibly photogenic, and even cinematic. Compared to Lijiang, this place feels even more refined and tranquil. Cross the bridge and you'll find delicious snacks, wafting through the air. Zongzi (rice dumplings), pastries, pickled duck, preserved eggs—everything is available, sure to satisfy any foodie's craving. The cobblestone and bluestone-clad bridges and streets are my favorite elements. They're unpretentious, unpretentious, and flow quietly alongside the vicissitudes of history, unhurried and unhurried. Admission to the entire ancient town is free. At night, the Tuojiang River, like a phoenix, is illuminated by a dazzling array of small bars, a melding of the malty aroma of beer and the clatter of heavy metal. Whether you stay overnight or not, it's truly beautiful. If you have time in Hangzhou, be sure to visit Tangqi. Who knows, in a few years, overdeveloped, and its charm will fade.

A friend of mine grew up there and recommended it to us, so we stayed there for one night. It was quite nice. It has the feel of a Jiangnan water town. It's a small ancient town that can be walked through in half an hour, but it has a lot of unique features and is worth a visit.

October 18, 2014: My friend lives near Tangqi Ancient Town, and since there's no entrance fee, I've always wanted to go, and finally had the chance. Take Hangzhou Metro Line 1 (Linping-bound) and get off at Linping Station. Then walk to Linping South Station (Century Avenue), take bus No. 771, get off at Leyuan Community after 29 stops, and walk a short distance to the destination. A river runs through the town, and restaurants line one side. They're reasonably priced and perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also stroll around. It's quite unique because some attractions in Tangqi (like the Granary Museum) require a free ticket to enter. The ticket pick-up area is easy to find, right by the bridge. I think it's around 1:30 PM. Here's the special part: we arrived before the ticket pick-up time, so we listened to a Pingtan performance at a small teahouse across the street (no purchase required). It was amazing! Highly recommended!

It is in the northern part of Hangzhou, belonging to Yuhang District. There is a bus No. 350 from the downtown area of Hangzhou that goes directly to Tangxi. Tangxi loquats are quite famous. I went to the Tangxi Loquat Festival once, where they sold loquats. It was very different from what I imagined.

The Guangji Bridge, a section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is very spectacular, and the main street is the only one in the town that still has flavor.

This small town, nestled along the Grand Canal, boasts the Qianlong Imperial Monument and a canal dock. It's home to a cluster of century-old businesses, including granaries and distilleries that retain their original appearance. A small street is lined with a variety of time-honored food stalls, including delicious rice dumplings, rice cakes, tangerine cakes, and plum wine.

This ancient town near Hangzhou feels very similar to Gongchenqiao, but the local snacks and local customs evoke the flavors of Hefang Street. It's a perfect weekend getaway for the family. It's accessible by bus, a 5-minute walk, or by car, though parking can be difficult on weekends due to the crowds. There's a wide selection of snacks to explore, including Qingming dumplings, shortbread, and various candies. For lunch, I opted for a noodle shop, which was surprisingly delicious, especially the soup. It's a great way to take home some Tangxi pastries as a souvenir. It was a relaxing day!

There is no overdevelopment here and it still retains a lot of its original features.

Tangqi Ancient Town is located in Yuhang District, Hangzhou, far from the city center. Public transportation is inconvenient, so driving is recommended. The journey takes about an hour from the city center. There's no entrance fee, which is a great value. While the town isn't large, it doesn't feel as commercialized as Wuzhen and Xitang, allowing you to fully experience the local atmosphere. While there are food stalls and clothing stores, most of them are traditional and sell homemade items that are delicious. The dried radish here is highly recommended; it's incredibly delicious. The town is a great place to explore, and its alleyways offer a unique charm.

The scenery is exquisite and the few tourists there make it particularly quiet and elegant. Tangqi was once one of the ten ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River, located on the Grand Canal, and was prosperous during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Now, with the canal's prosperity fading, Tangqi remains a quiet place, still with beautiful mountains and rivers and numerous historical sites. Unlike Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang, it is free of the hustle and bustle of tourists and the overly commercial atmosphere, making it a particularly worthwhile place to visit in Hangzhou.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Tangqi Ancient Town was considered the most prestigious of the ten major water towns in the south of the Yangtze River. However, after visiting it, I was a little disappointed. This town has been ravaged by modernization. The local government doesn't value its wealth. The ancient charm has disappeared. . .

I haven't been to Xitang, but the only difference is that Xitang requires an entrance fee, while this place doesn't. While both are ancient towns, this place is completely different. For those who enjoy ancient towns, a stroll through it doesn't take too long; a day or two is enough, and it's perfect for a visit to Shanghai or Hangzhou. That's not to say it's not worth it, but perhaps for those of us who've always lived in the city, it's not necessary. Overall, it's worth a visit, but there's no need to dedicate three or five days to it.

Tangqi Ancient Town, located in the Yuhang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, embodies the charm of a Jiangnan water town. While it's not as well-known as Xitang or Wuzhen, it's less visited by tourists. The plum rains, however, bring a unique beauty to the town. Tangqi is a secluded area of Hangzhou, lesser-known but still peaceful and tranquil. I've always had an inexplicable fondness for things with a sense of history, and perhaps it will never return to its former glory.

There are many water towns in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions. This time I went to Tangqi, a lesser-known water town located on the canal. From Hangzhou, you can take a boat to Tangqi. An afternoon is enough to explore the area; it's not crowded, with straight streets. It's not overly commercial, and on a sunny afternoon, it's a great place to wander alone with a camera.

Tangqi is a small ancient town in Yuhang, near Hangzhou. It's not as famous as Xitang or Wuzhen. I saw it by chance on a hornet's nest and decided to go there on the weekend, even though it was raining. There were only a few tourists, and the town is crisscrossed by rivers and canals, making it a typical Jiangnan water town. The Guangji Bridge, a seven-arch bridge spanning the ancient canal, was visible from afar and was very charming.

Around the Guangji Bridge, the charm of the ancient street is more obvious. Compared with Xitang and Wuzhen, it is more quiet and not as commercial.

The ancient town isn't large, but it has many fascinating attractions, such as its small population of locals and few tourists. In ancient times, the town boasted over 30 bridges, each with a canopy. The ancient text says, "After passing three checkpoints and six docks, you still can't reach the eaves of Tangqi." It's referring to this place. Later, they were all demolished. Otherwise, it would have been better than Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang. Although ruined by prodigals, the ancient town, with its millennia-old cultural heritage, still offers a rare treat. The ancient canal is nearly abandoned, and so is the ancient town. Fortunately, memories and culture are still being passed down intermittently. Seeing the ancient town undergoing development, I sincerely hope it doesn't become like Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen. Yes, people's hearts have changed. Fortunately, there's still a culture of kindness and believers who believe in it.

Strolling along this ancient street I've walked countless times, many thoughts flooded my mind. History has given Tangqi too much vicissitudes, and the times have brought it many changes. But no matter how it changes, its original charm cannot be erased. Every snack in Tangqi evokes a sentiment in me. Every building makes me linger for a long time...

The ancient town is small, but the rich Tangqi atmosphere can be felt everywhere along the canal and in its streets and alleys. Besides the boundless scenery and the historical charm of the preserved parts, the ancient town also boasts a wide variety of snacks, cakes, and delicacies that have survived to this day. This is especially true on Shuibei Street, where every shop has its own unique charm. Don't miss it when visiting Tangqi.

Tangqi is considered one of the Jiangnan Water Towns. Apparently, only the north side is open. After crossing the Guangji Stone Bridge, you'll find a street about a hundred meters long running along the river. Like most ancient water towns, it features quaint wooden "overpasses" and a variety of local snacks. This kind of place is actually quite pleasant on a cool weekend, with a few friends, to stroll around and enjoy a bite to eat. We spent the entire afternoon wandering around like this.

Because I like ancient towns, I take advantage of my work to spare some time to take a walk in the ancient town. Although it was only a quick glance, what the ancient town left me was enough for me to savor slowly. What I like most is that when I don’t have to rush for life in the future, I can have my own small house in such a small town that is usually quiet and comfortable and lively and festive during festivals. It doesn’t have to be too big. I can drink tea, write, read books, meet friends and chat in my spare time. It is enough for my life.

Water North and Water South, it has the flavor of a water town, but I finished the tour quickly. Well, there are many delicious cakes and snacks. I think the glutinous rice balls are delicious. You must try them when you go to Tangqi.

Hangzhou residents have a special fondness for Tangqi's loquats. Every year in late May, they flock to the area to stroll its old streets and savor its history. In my memory, Tangqi is a distant place, a place you could take a boat from the ferry terminal and journey along the Grand Canal. I remember during Chinese New Year, the wives of the Ma family would go to the ferry terminal to buy Tangqi's red-haired glandular chickens. They'd bring one or two home and make the perfect treats for guests, like white-cut chicken or shrimp-infused chicken! The chicken was incredibly delicious, with a soft, chewy texture and a firm, non-sticky texture. Especially when gnawing on the drumstick, you could almost feel the chicken galloping across the mountains and plains. Afterward, the aroma filled my mouth, and I'd always lick my fingers! Freshness was paramount!

The old street is now filled with Tangqi specialty shops, including Fagen and Zhu Yitang. Zhu Yitang's over 60 varieties, including mung bean cakes, sesame crisps, Lixia cakes, Chongyang cakes, and glutinous rice cakes, are sure to keep you dazzled. There was once a saying about Fagen pastries: "You haven't been to Tangqi if you haven't bought Fagen pastries." Even now, many Hangzhou residents make the trip to Tangqi specifically to buy them.

Tangqi Ancient Town also boasts a treasured Qianlong Imperial Stele, the largest extant imperial stele in China. Standing 5.4 meters tall and 1.2 meters wide, it is located on the north bank of the Guangji Bridge in Tangqi and is a designated cultural relic site under Hangzhou Municipal Protection. The stele was discovered in 1985 during a cultural relic survey conducted by the Tangqi Cultural Station.

After renovation, the gate of Tangqi Ancient Town can be regarded as a commercial street.

There are now many shops in the commercial street, including basic cold drink shops, restaurants, and specialty shops!

Although the ancient town is not big, with only a few small alleys along the river, the signposts are still very clear and standardized.

No mention of Hangzhou, a city in the Jiangnan region, would be complete without its ancient towns. Tangqi boasts a rich history, dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty. Merchants flocked to it during the Yuan Dynasty, making it a major town. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was once considered one of the "Ten Famous Towns of Jiangnan." Due to its lack of large-scale development, everything is well-preserved. There's even a Ming and Qing furniture factory nearby. If you'd like to see how those cabinets and chairs you find in your home are made, you might want to stop by and take a look.

Although many of them were built later, most of them still retain the characteristics of the ancient town. However, with the increase in tourists, the commercial atmosphere has become stronger and stronger, and the town has gradually become noisy, losing its former tranquility.

It's a small town, only one kilometer long, which is not very attractive to walk around. However, it is under expansion and I don't know how big it will be in the future.

The air is good and you can relax in the busy life, but there are not many attractions.