Tonglu Ancient Village | A Thousand-Year Hidden Gem in Jiangnan, the Ultimate Niche Destination!

Exploring Ancient Towns | Recommended Lesser-Known Ancient Towns in Zhejiang (35/50)

✨ Highlights
1. Ink-Painting Village Frozen in Time
White walls, black tiles, bluestone paths, and Ming-Qing era houses… Shen'ao Ancient Village feels like a forgotten corner of time, free from commercialization and brimming with authentic Jiangnan water town charm. The carved gate towers and weathered horse-head walls make every shot a masterpiece!
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2. Mysterious Water System, Underground Maze
The village’s most remarkable feature is its thousand-year-old underground water channels! The ancient-designed "Ao Kou" water system is still in use today—crystal-clear and perfect for wading in summer, a true "ancient version of a water supply system."
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3. Intangible Heritage Crafts, Artisan Spirit
Visit Shen'ao Oil Mill and handmade cloth shoe workshops to experience traditional crafts. You can also buy pure handmade rapeseed oil and bamboo woven products—full of artistic vibes～
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📅 Best Time to Visit
- Spring & Autumn (Mar-May/Sep-Nov): Pleasant weather, the village is surrounded by greenery or autumn hues, perfect for photos!
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool water systems, ideal for playing in the water and escaping the heat (don’t forget sunscreen!).
- Avoid holidays: Fewer crowds, better for soaking in the village’s tranquility.
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🚗 How to Get There
- Drive: 1.5h direct from Hangzhou, navigate to "Shen'ao Ancient Village" with free parking at the entrance.
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Hangzhou East Station to Tonglu Bus Center, then transfer to a village bus (~30 mins).
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🎫 Ticket Info
💰 Free! Free! *No entrance fee, but some ancestral halls and workshops charge separately (5-20 RMB).
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🏡 Accommodation Recs
1. Village Guesthouses: Stay in renovated Ming-Qing courtyards—sip tea in the atrium or stargaze on the terrace, great value!
2. Nearby Hotels: Star-rated options in Tonglu downtown, 20-min drive, perfect for comfort seekers.
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🍜 Must-Try Food
- Shen'ao Three Treasures: Fried mantou with stinky tofu, fermented rice mantou, and rice cakes—available at street stalls!
- Farmhouse Dishes: Try "Ancient Village Canteen" for local chicken soup, stream fish, and bamboo shoot pork—hearty and delicious!
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📌 Travel Tips
- Wear Hanfu or solid-color dresses for photogenic shots in the village!
- Bring mosquito repellent—summer brings bugs near water.
- Few shops in the village, pack snacks and water.
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💬 "No overwhelming crowds here, just slow-paced, rustic charm."
Shen'ao Ancient Village is perfect for those escaping the city and seeking serenity—time for your next trip!
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📍 Location: Shen'ao Ancient Village, Tonglu County, Hangzhou