This is the underrated hidden gem of ancient towns in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai region

Unexpectedly, in Jinyun, there is a thousand-year-old village bound by clan kinship, where families live together, known as the 'living fossil of ancient villages in the south of the Yangtze River'. In Jinyun, the elderly often recite an old saying: 'Having a daughter marry into Heyang is better than becoming an empress'. This place is the Heyang ancient residence. The Heyang ancient residence was built at the end of the Five Dynasties, with a history of over a thousand years. 94% of the villagers in Heyang share the surname Zhu, and they still live together as a clan, passing on the tradition of farming and scholarship. There are ten major clan-style ancient residential complexes and fifteen ancient ancestral halls, the Song dynasty ancient temple 'Fuchang Temple' that embodies the unity of three teachings, the 'Eight Scholars Gate' from the Yuan dynasty, and the stone 'Xihan' bestowed by the founder of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, in front of the 'Eight Scholars Gate'. Ancient bridges, agricultural tools, furniture, murals, poetry, plaques, carvings, and the unique Heyang paper-cut window decorations of Chinese folk art, along with quaint folk activities, make up this rare thousand-year-old cultural ancient village in the south of the Yangtze River. There are also ten ancient ancestral halls, five ancient temples, and over 1500 old mansions. Walking into it is like traveling through a thousand-year-long scroll of history. The layout of one street and five alleys, one stream and two pits, still retains the design features of the Yuan dynasty. The horse-head walls are towering and imposing, with ancient murals and poetry everywhere under the eaves, and the interior features carved beams and painted rafters, spacious and bright. The most famous building in Heyang is the 'Eight Scholars Gate'. It is said that the Zhu family's ancestors passed down the tradition of farming and scholarship, valued agriculture and commerce, and produced many talents, becoming the wealthiest in the region. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, eight scholars emerged, forming the 'Yiyang Poetry School'. The 'Eight Scholars Gate' was built in honor of this achievement. In front of the gate, there is a pair of headless stone lions, gifts from Zhu Yuanzhang, named 'Xihan', signifying the rarity of a single village producing eight scholars. It is said that in Heyang, any important matter must pass through the 'Eight Scholars Gate', a custom that continues to this day. I highly recommend visiting Heyang. When we went, there were almost no tourists, just locals coming and going. It's perfect for friends who like to immerse themselves in the life of an ancient village.