Explore the Ancient Water Town of Xinshi: A Hidden Gem Near Hangzhou!

🌈Highlights: Xinshi Ancient Town is a hidden gem in Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. With a history of over 1,700 years, it is known for its crisscrossing rivers, ancient bridges, and water town charm. Compared to more commercialized ancient towns like Xitang and Wuzhen, Xinshi Ancient Town is like a hidden gem, exuding a natural, tranquil, and rustic atmosphere. The town is not only free to visit, but also allows you to deeply experience the unique charm of Jiangnan water towns and the subtle taste of life. 🚗Transportation: Self-driving: Xinshi Ancient Town is located in Deqing County, Huzhou City, and self-driving is the most convenient way to get there. From Hangzhou, take the G25 Changshen Expressway or S13 Lianhang Expressway for about 1-2 hours. The scenery along the way is beautiful and the road conditions are good, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. 👍️Must-see Attractions: • Ancient Bridges: Xinshi Ancient Town has dozens of ancient bridges, each carrying a rich history and culture. Strolling on the ancient bridges, you can admire the ancient buildings on both sides and feel the tranquility and harmony of the water town. • Riverside Tea Houses: Find a riverside tea house, enjoy tea and chat with friends, and relax while enjoying the scenery. This is the best way to experience life in the ancient town. The atmosphere here is relaxed and laid-back, with couples dating by the river and families chatting happily, full of life. • Traditional Residences: The traditional residences in the ancient town are well-preserved, with blue bricks, black tiles, horse-head walls, wooden doors, and stone steps, all exuding a rustic and elegant charm. Walking through the alleys of the ancient town, you feel as if you have traveled back in time. 🚩Queue Tips: As Xinshi Ancient Town is relatively niche, there are fewer tourists, so there is basically no need to queue. However, to ensure a pleasant visit, it is recommended to avoid peak times during holidays and weekends, and choose weekdays or early morning and evening for a quieter and more beautiful experience. 👍️Reasons to Visit: • Free Admission: Xinshi Ancient Town is free to visit, making it a cost-effective travel destination. • Rich History: With a history of over 1,700 years, it is a great place to learn about Jiangnan water town culture. • Strong Local Atmosphere: The ancient town retains many traditional residences and customs, allowing visitors to deeply experience the local lifestyle. • Beautiful Scenery: With crisscrossing rivers, ancient bridges, and rustic buildings, every corner is a great place for photos. 📅Travel Tips: Suggested Itinerary: • Morning: Upon arrival at Xinshi Ancient Town, take a half-hour walk to explore the main attractions. You can stroll along the river and admire the ancient buildings and bridges on both sides, or venture into the alleys to discover the charm of traditional residences. • Noon: Find an authentic restaurant in the ancient town to taste local delicacies, such as steamed bass, braised duck, sweet and sour ribs, etc. • Afternoon: Find a riverside tea house to enjoy tea and chat, relax and enjoy the scenery. Or visit some ticketed venues, such as museums and art galleries, to learn about the history and culture of the ancient town. • Evening: Take photos of the beautiful sunset in the ancient town and feel the tranquility and beauty of the water town. You can also stroll along the river and enjoy the night view and light show. 🍜Food Tips: Xinshi Ancient Town's cuisine mainly consists of traditional Jiangnan dishes, which are light and delicious. Recommended dishes to try: • Steamed Bass: Fresh bass steamed with green onions, ginger, and garlic, with a tender texture and rich flavor. • Braised Duck: High-quality duck meat marinated and braised, with a bright red color and rich flavor. • Sweet and Sour Ribs: Pork ribs fried and seasoned, with a crispy texture and sweet and sour taste. • Water Town Snacks: Such as zongzi, maltose, tofu pudding, etc., are authentic Jiangnan snacks worth trying. 🏨Accommodation Tips: There are many accommodation options around Xinshi Ancient Town, including homestays, inns, and hotels. It is recommended to choose a homestay or inn in the ancient town to better experience the local lifestyle and cultural atmosphere. When choosing accommodation, it is recommended to book in advance and check room facilities, prices, and services. 💗Other Tips: 1. Clothing: It is recommended to wear comfortable and lightweight clothing and shoes for walking and taking photos in the ancient town. 2. Sun Protection: When visiting in summer, it is recommended to bring sunscreen, sun hats, and other sun protection items to avoid sunburn. 3. Safety: When visiting the ancient town, please take care of your personal belongings and avoid crowds and pushing. 4. Cultural Respect: When visiting the ancient town, please respect local culture and customs, and do not damage ancient buildings and relics. 5. Transportation: When driving, please pay attention to road conditions and traffic rules to ensure driving safety.