A Different Jiangnan | Anchang Ancient Town: A "Living" Water Town in the Aroma of Sauce, the Everyday Life by the River

Tired of the monotonous commercialized ancient towns? Come to Shaoxing Anchang, known as the "living ancient town." Along the thousand-year-old river, original residents still live here, enjoying a slow life by the river. It is not a frozen specimen but a Jiangnan market scene that is still breathing. ✨ Key Highlights: The word "living" sums it all up · The "living" atmosphere: There is no excessive commercial noise here. You can see sauce ducks and sausages drying under the eaves, elderly people leisurely pulling white sugar on the street, and residents washing and chatting by the riverbank. Life itself is the most beautiful scenery. · Rich "Shiye Culture": Anchang is the hometown of the "Shaoxing Shiye" (local legal advisors). In the Shiye Hall, you can deeply understand the wisdom and history of this unique group of advisors, adding cultural depth to your ancient town trip. · The "Sauce Kingdom" on the palate: The air is filled with the rich aroma of soy sauce! In the century-old Renchang Sauce Garden, hundreds of sauce jars are neatly arranged, creating a magnificent sight. Sauce duck, sausages, and soy sauce are the culinary soul here. · "Rainbow Crossing Seventeen Bridges": The ancient town is built along the river, with 17 ancient stone bridges of various shapes connecting both banks, forming the classic pattern of "clear water running through streets and countless homes, rainbow crossing the river with seventeen bridges." Every step you take is a scenic view. 📸 Must-Experience Check-in Guide 1. Take a black-awning boat and drift into an ink painting · Be sure to experience Shaoxing’s characteristic black-awning boat, where the boatman skillfully rows, taking you through ancient bridge arches and water alleys, offering the best views of both banks. · Reference ticket price: About 65 RMB for three people. 2. Walk the ancient town’s old street and trace the Ming and Qing dynasty vibes · The old street is 1,747 meters long; the north bank is a bustling market, while the south bank features quiet residences and covered corridors. It’s recommended to walk across the three ancient bridges: Fulu, Wan’an, and Ruyi. Locals have a tradition of "crossing all three bridges when marrying off a daughter." 3. Visit several cultural exhibition halls to touch the pulse of history · Besides the Shiye Hall, the Folk Custom Museum, Suikang Money Shop showcasing financial history, and the Stone Carving Museum with exquisite stone carvings are all worth a visit. · Ticket tips: Entry to the ancient town is free; you can buy a combined ticket for core attractions. A 6-attraction combo ticket costs about 50 RMB, with discounts for students and seniors. 4. Join the Laba Festival (seasonal experience) · If you come during the lunar December, you will experience the town’s liveliest season. Water weddings, traditional opera performances, and traditional markets take turns, bringing a strong Jiangnan New Year atmosphere. 🍜 Must-Try Anchang Flavors · Anchang sausages and sauce products: A unique specialty of the ancient town, fragrant throughout the streets, available vacuum-packed to take home. · Pulled white sugar: Watching the master pull hot syrup into white sugar is fascinating, sweet, and chewy. · Shiye wontons and fermented rice buns: Authentic local snacks at affordable prices. · Renchang Sauce Garden: Not only can you buy soy sauce, but you can also learn about traditional brewing techniques. 💡 Practical Travel Information · Scenic area rating: National AAAA-level tourist attraction. · Opening hours: The ancient town streets are open all day. Internal attractions and black-awning boat operations run approximately from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with slight adjustments for winter and summer time). · Recommended visit duration: Half a day to a full day. Suitable for a slow, detailed experience to feel the different charms from morning to dusk. · Transportation: · Bus: Take bus 805 or others from Shaoxing city center directly to the "Anchang Ancient Town" stop. · Self-driving: Navigate to "Shaoxing Anchang Ancient Town." Parking lots are available around the scenic area. · Accommodation suggestions: There are boutique guesthouses and hotels inside and outside the ancient town. Staying overnight allows you to experience the tranquility of the early morning and the sparkling night lights.