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Anchang Ancient Town is one of the four famous ancient towns in Shaoxing and one of the first batch of historical and cultural towns announced by Zhejiang Province. It is located in the northwest end of Keqiao District, Shaoxing City.
It was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty, burned down several times due to wars, and rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its architectural style inherits the typical characteristics of the Jiangnan water town, which is separated by a strip of water and is simple and elegant. Its special products Anchang sausage and pulled white sugar are famous far and wide. The water wedding with the style of the water town is also unique.
This is the hometown of Shaoxing's lawyers. Its most distinctive feature is the small bridge in Anchang. The annual Layue Festival draws large crowds of visitors. The three-mile-long ancient riverside market boasts traditional shops and workshops, a patchwork of arcades with verandas, whitewashed and black-tiled houses with terraced gates, winding and secluded stone-paved alleys, and a variety of ancient and colorful stone bridges. Despite millennia, the people of the ancient town still maintain their traditional customs, and the rural customs described by Lu Xun are evident everywhere.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
The best time to visit is from May to September
Stone Sculpture Hall
The Stone Sculpture Gallery displays over 200 precious stone sculptures, dating from the Tang Dynasty to the modern era. These include stone lions, stone windows, stone pools, millstones, tables, stone slabs, and mortars from various eras. Thirteen epitaphs from the Tang, Zong, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties are inlaid on the walls. There's also a stele inscribed with the inscription "Zong Junzi repaired the tomb of his wife, Mrs. Chen" during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. More than ten other stone sculptures, including one with the inscription of Cai Yuanpei, a leading scholar, read: "Zong Junzi repaired the tomb of his wife, Mrs. Chen." These stone sculptures are unique in shape and form, and the calligraphy is vigorous and exquisite.
Former Site of Bank of China
The two bridges near the former Bank of China site are quite distinctive, built in a figure-eight shape across the river. Although not connected, they still create a unique charm. Entering the bank is a large counter with several tables filled with account books, lamps, abacus, electric fans, and other items. Next to an old cabinet against the wall is a wall clock and an old telephone underneath it.
The Master's House
It's said that Shaoxing is the birthplace of all legal advisers, but few people know that most of them originate from Anchang. Over the past 200 years, it's said that no fewer than 10,000 legal advisers have emerged from this area, and today, numerous legal adviser residences are dotted along the riverbank. The Legal Advisers' Museum, housed in the former residence of legal adviser Lou Xintian, showcases the "Shaoxing legal advisers," a unique social group and political and cultural phenomenon in late feudal China, as well as their deep roots in Anchang.
If you only visit the ancient town, you don't need to buy tickets.
There are 6 exhibition halls (the Master's Hall, the Stone Sculpture Hall, the Former Bank of China, the Cultural Hall, the Folk Customs Hall, and the Suikang Money House). A combined ticket costs 35 yuan. Single tickets for each attraction cost 5-10 yuan.
There are also black-sailed boats available for you to take in the river of the ancient town. The one-way trip costs 10 yuan per person and the round-trip trip costs 20 yuan per person.
All day
Anchang Ancient Town, dating back over a thousand years to the North Song Dynasty, is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture and water town ambiance. It played a significant role in Shaoxing's commercial history and is celebrated for its cultural heritage, including traditional crafts and customs.
Anchang Ancient Town is located in the northwest part of Shaoxing County, Zhejiang Province. It can be reached by taking Shaoxing City bus line 118 to Anchang Hotel, from where the ancient town is within walking distance. The bus fare is around CNY4, and the journey takes about one hour. Alternatively, buses 805, 806, and 816 also serve the area, departing every 10–15 minutes.
The town is open year-round, with the best time to visit being January, when a local festival is held featuring traditional crafts, folk performances, and water-town wedding ceremonies. Mornings and evenings are also pleasant for visits, with the night view offering a different charm.
There is no charge for entering the town. However, visiting the six main attractions requires a combo ticket priced at CNY35. Single tickets for individual attractions are also available, such as CNY10 for the Private Consultant Museum and CNY5 for the Custom Museum. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the respective attractions.
Advance booking is not required for general admission. However, for the annual festival in January, it's advisable to check local listings for any special events or ticketing requirements, as they may vary each year.
To fully explore Anchang Ancient Town and its main attractions, allocate approximately 3 to 4 hours. This allows time to visit the museums, cross the bridges, enjoy a boat ride, and experience the local culture.
Guided tours are available at the main attractions, and some may offer audio guides in multiple languages. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket counters for availability and language options.
Begin your visit by exploring the six main attractions: starting with the Suikang Private Bank, then the Stone Sculpture Museum, followed by Anchang Huangxingbu. Continue to the Private Consultant Museum, China Bank Site, and conclude at the Town’s God Temple. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the ancient stone bridges and canals, and enjoy a boat ride to experience the town's scenic beauty.
Yes, night visits are available, offering a different perspective of the town's charm. The night view is especially enchanting, with traditional architecture illuminated along the waterways. Special tours or events may be held during the annual festival in January; it's advisable to check local listings for details.
The town can get busy during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, consider visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning. The annual festival in January attracts many visitors, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.
Facilities such as public toilets, rest areas, and shops are available throughout the town. Local eateries offer traditional Shaoxing cuisine, and shops sell local products and souvenirs. It's advisable to carry bottled water and snacks, especially during peak hours.
While the town's cobblestone streets and ancient architecture add to its charm, they may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues. It's advisable to plan visits accordingly, and assistance may be required for elderly or disabled visitors.
Both cash and mobile payments are widely accepted in Anchang Ancient Town. It's recommended to carry some cash, as not all vendors may accept international credit cards.
Within the town, several local eateries offer traditional Shaoxing dishes. Nearby areas also have a variety of restaurants and cafes catering to different tastes and preferences.
While traditional Shaoxing cuisine is predominantly meat-based, some restaurants may offer vegetarian or halal options. It's advisable to inquire directly with the establishments or check online reviews for specific dietary offerings.
There are several accommodations near Anchang Ancient Town, ranging from guesthouses to hotels. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or the annual festival in January.
Yes, there are souvenir shops within the town selling local products such as Anchang sausages, sugar strips, traditional crafts, and handmade items. These make for unique gifts and mementos of your visit.
After visiting Anchang Ancient Town, you can continue your journey by taking a bus or taxi to nearby attractions like Lu Xun Native Place or East Lake. Public transportation options are available, and taxis can be hired for convenience.
