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Explore the ancient streets of Anchang, take a boat ride through its historic canals, and visit the traditional architecture, including old homes, temples, and bridges. Enjoy the local food and try the famous Anchang river shrimp.
Anchang Town belongs to Keqiao District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province. It is located in the northern part of Keqiao District, Shaoxing City. It borders Qixian Town, Huashe Street and Qianqing Town to the east, south and west respectively, and Guali Town, Xiaoshan District to the north. It is closely connected with the Hangzhou Metropolitan Economic Circle.
Anchang Town boasts a typical Jiangnan water town climate, characterized by mild temperatures and frequent rainfall. Its northern portion is a water-networked plain, crisscrossed by waterways and houses nestled along the water, imbued with an ancient charm. One of the most famous attractions is Anchang Ancient Town, a renowned Jiangnan water town with a thousand-year history. It is one of Shaoxing's four famous ancient towns and one of the first batch of historical and cultural towns designated by Zhejiang Province.
Subtropical monsoon climate, mild and rainy;
Suitable for all seasons, best in spring and autumn
Anchang Ancient Town
Originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty, it burned down several times due to wars and was rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Anchang Ancient Town is a typical Jiangnan ancient town, boasting a three-mile-long riverside market, traditional shops and workshops, a patchwork of arcades, whitewashed and black-tiled houses, winding and secluded stone alleys, and a variety of ancient and colorful stone bridges. Despite its millennia of history, the townspeople still maintain their traditional customs, and the rural customs described by Lu Xun are evident everywhere.
Ankang Temple
Located on the south bank of the Dongshi Street River in Anchang Town, it borders Si Tun to the east and Xifang Tun to the west. Pu'an Bridge and Ankang Bridge connect to the street. The temple gate faces south, and the current main entrance faces Zhennan Road. Formerly known as Anchang Temple, Anchang Courtyard, and Ankang Jiao Temple, Ankang Temple is known as the "Millennium Temple" and is the oldest and largest temple in Anchang Town.
Recommended play time: about 1 day
Anchang is a historic water town with roots dating back over 1,000 years. It has preserved its traditional architecture and lifestyle, making it a prime example of ancient Chinese town culture.
Anchang is located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. It is accessible by bus or taxi from Shaoxing or Hangzhou, which are about 20 km and 80 km away, respectively. The nearest train station is in Shaoxing, and you can take a bus or taxi from there.
The town is open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, and during weekdays to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee for the town is typically around ¥40. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local online travel platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary unless visiting during peak seasons (public holidays or weekends). Booking 1-2 days in advance is recommended during these times.
It takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore Anchang, including its canals, streets, and key landmarks.
Must-see highlights include:
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Some English-speaking guides may be available, but it's best to check ahead. Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English.
Best photography spots include:
Start with the town center, then explore the ancient streets. Take a boat ride along the canals and visit the local temples and museum for a deeper historical experience.
There are no regular night visits or light shows. However, during festivals, special night tours may be organized to experience the town's traditional night ambiance.
Anchang can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
There are public toilets, small food stalls offering local snacks, rest areas, and several shops selling souvenirs, including traditional crafts.
The town is partially accessible to elderly and children, though some parts of the historic streets may be difficult to navigate due to uneven surfaces. Disabled visitors may find it challenging due to the traditional layout.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in shops and food stalls.
Local restaurants offer traditional Zhejiang dishes like freshwater fish, shrimp, and tofu. There are also a few small cafes for a quick break or coffee.
Vegetarian options are available, especially in the form of tofu dishes and vegetable-based meals. Halal food options may be limited, but some restaurants may accommodate special dietary requests.
There are a few guesthouses and boutique hotels in Anchang. For more upscale accommodations, you can stay in Shaoxing city, which is a short taxi ride away.
Nearby attractions include:
Souvenir shops sell traditional Chinese crafts, including hand-carved wooden items, silk products, and local teas.
Taxis or buses are the most convenient way to continue your trip after visiting Anchang. The nearest major city, Shaoxing, is easily accessible for further exploration.
