The central bank didn't lie to me!! This is a must-visit, beautiful, and delicious ancient town in a lifetime

Slow Time in Water Towns of Jiangnan｜A One-Day Tour Guide to Anchang Ancient Town, Shaoxing 🌿

Strolling on the bluestone roads of Anchang Ancient Town, you are greeted by the unique lively atmosphere of the Jiangnan water town. This ancient town with a thousand years of history perfectly preserves the authentic water town style.

📍 Highlights of the Ancient Town:
Arrive at the main gate of Anchang Ancient Town at 8 AM (Anhua North Road, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province), no ticket required to start a day of slow living. The black-awning boats sway in the water alleys, on both sides are well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty old houses, and the aroma of soy sauce duck and cured sausage drifts from the bridge heads and alleys—this is the most authentic Shaoxing flavor full of life.

🍴 Food Check-in Guide:
• Baolin Soy Sauce Duck at the old street entrance is a time-honored brand; be sure to try their freshly braised soy sauce duck (No. 112, Commercial Street, Anchang Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City)
• Renchang Soy Sauce Shop’s soy sauce popsicle is a perfect summer refreshment, with a unique blend of salty and sweet
• Master’s Wonton Shop’s shepherd’s purse wontons have thin skins and large fillings, only about 15 yuan per person to eat until full
• The cured meats drying along the street are a specialty of Anchang; bring some cured sausage home as souvenirs

📸 Must-Photograph Spots:
1. Panoramic view from Qingfeng Bridge
2. Stone archway in front of the Master’s Hall
3. Reflections of old riverside houses
4. Colorful rows of soy sauce jars at the drying yard

🚗 Transportation Tips:
• Self-driving: 1 hour from Hangzhou, multiple parking lots around the ancient town
• High-speed rail: 20 minutes by taxi from Shaoxing North Station
• Bus: Take bus No. 805 directly from Shaoxing city center

💡 Travel Suggestions:
• Best visiting times are early morning or evening to avoid crowds
• Wear comfortable flat shoes; bluestone roads are not suitable for high heels
• Bring a sun and rain umbrella; Jiangnan weather is changeable

Here there is no overly commercialized noise, only the most authentic Jiangnan lifestyle. Spend a day leisurely wandering, listen to a segment of Yue opera in a teahouse, ride a black-awning boat through stone arch bridges, and feel the poetic dwelling of the water town.