
Qinchuan Ancient Village, located in Langchuan Township, Chun'an County, Zhejiang Province, is surrounded by mountains, higher in the north and lower in the south. At the village entrance, Lion Mountain and Elephant Mountain face each other, nestled within a grove of ancient camphor trees up to 500 years old. Two intertwined roots create a scene known as the "Lianli Camphor," or "husband and wife camphor." Qinshui Creek, a river running north and south through the village, is home to Hui-style architecture.
Qinchuan Ancient Village has a history of more than 750 years. It has more than 100 historical buildings (structures) from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China , including houses, ancestral halls, temples, bridges, commercial buildings, etc., which are mainly concentrated in the central part of the village. Most of them are Hui-style ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Qinchuan Ancient Village is also known for its calligraphy, painting, and etiquette, and has produced numerous talented individuals, including Mr. Wang Wendian, who championed industrial development, and Mr. Wang Changjie, a renowned flower and bird painter and art scholar. Currently, a number of renowned young calligraphers and painters have emerged, including Wang Beisu, Wang Minjie, Wang Chun, and Wang Jianshu.
The specialty of the village is sesame candy. It is the birthplace of sesame candy in ancient Lion City and has a history of a hundred years. The workshops in the village harvest sesame seeds every autumn and make sesame candy in winter.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
free
All day
Qinchuan Ancient Village is a historic settlement with deep cultural roots, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Zhejiang province. It showcases ancient architecture and rich local heritage, reflecting centuries-old customs and practices.
Qinchuan Ancient Village is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The village can be accessed by taxi, local buses, or a combination of walking and public transport from nearby attractions in the city.
The village is open year-round, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the scenery is particularly beautiful.
The entrance fee is usually modest, around ¥30-50. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the entrance or online through local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons. A few days in advance should suffice.
Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore the village, especially if you plan to visit historical buildings and interact with locals or artisans.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and sometimes in English depending on the availability of guides. Audio guides may also be available for rent.
Start by exploring the main entrance and the traditional buildings. Move toward the village center to see the most significant landmarks, then walk along the streets and end at the temples and surrounding nature spots.
Night visits are not common, as the village closes by evening. However, special cultural events may be held during certain festivals.
The village can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are typically on weekdays, especially in the mornings or during the off-season.
While the village has some paved paths, many areas, especially the older sections, may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven surfaces. It’s best to check accessibility options before visiting.
Cash is still commonly used, but most shops and restaurants now accept mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Vegetarian options are available in many local restaurants. However, halal food might be more limited in the area.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, traditional artwork, and tea-related products such as tea sets and tea leaves from nearby plantations.