Rise and Fall in Time, All is Ordinary

When I passed through Datong Ancient Town in Tongling, it was already around four or five o'clock. This timing was a bit awkward—too late to see the finless porpoises, yet too early to chase the sunset glow. Plus, perhaps because the Golden Week holiday had just ended, Lanxi Old Street seemed somewhat deserted, with only a few scattered shops open. The old man said it was quite boring, but I thought it was nice. The quietness at dusk was exactly the filter I prefer for ancient towns.

Datong, which can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty, was established as a water post station during the Tang Dynasty and became a town during the Song Dynasty. By the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, it was one of Anhui's "Four Major Commercial Ports" alongside Anqing, Wuhu, and Bengbu. Due to its unique geographical position where "the river turns north and the sea turns back," it once flourished and was not only known as "Little Shanghai" but also served as the backdrop for important events like the Self-Strengthening Movement and the Reform Movement. However, like many towns that rose and fell with their shipping status, Datong has shed its former glory.

There are no eternal grand waves—Datong too must move toward a new stage of life. The evening sun's glow falls on the square stone slabs of the old street, and fishing tackle shops visible everywhere silently tell the story of Datong's past and present. The sesame fragrance of small-pressed sesame oil permeates the air, while old buildings awaiting demolition or renovation carry memories and reshape the future. The century-old Datong barbershop still maintains its original appearance—old tables and chairs, old furnishings, old barbers—like an indelible part of the old street's imprint.

📸Travel Tips:

The ancient town is free to enter, car-friendly with plenty of parking spaces 🅿️

The town is small and can be explored on foot, or you can choose to take a ferry to Heyue Island.

If you want to see finless porpoises, check the timing in advance.

Post by TastyTemptations | May 9, 2025