A Millennium-Old Town's Journey Through Time—Xinshi Ancient Town

In the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai region, aside from the four famous towns of the south of the Yangtze River, if you wander around the vicinity, you'll discover many niche yet lively ancient towns of the south of the Yangtze River~ For example, Xinshi Ancient Town in Huzhou, which is an old fellow with a history of over 1200 years, with residential houses built along the river. Compared to those other internet-famous ancient towns, this place seems to have been forgotten by time, quiet and simple😃. Moreover, many local residents live here, sipping tea by the river, chatting, and speaking in dialects, this is the most authentic south of the Yangtze River I've ever seen👏! 📍: No. 54, Xiantan Road, Deqing County, Huzhou City 🎫: Free (and the cost of living is super cheap😜) 🚗 Transportation Guide: - Self-driving: Navigate directly to Xinshi Ancient Town parking lot, or parking on the surrounding road parking spaces is also fine👌. - Public transportation: Take the high-speed train to Deqing Station, then transfer to bus No. 202 to reach Xinshi Station, and just a few steps away is the scenic area😁. 🏮Recommended Attractions🏮 💖Juehai Temple: This ancient temple was founded in the tenth year of Yuanhe during the reign of Emperor Xianzong of Tang, originally named 'Datang Xingshan Temple'. Legend has it that a man from Xinshi named Zhong Siran donated his house to build this temple. The temple preserves many precious cultural relics, and the sound of the temple's bell is melodious, as if telling you a thousand-year-old story📜. 🌉Xihou Street: This is the most intact old street in Xinshi, with many ancient buildings distributed along both sides of the river. It is said that in ancient times, this was a bustling place with merchant ships gathering, and although the bustle is no more, the simple charm is getting stronger😃. 🎑Chenjiatang: This is the central area of the ancient town, surrounded by ancient houses and shops. It is said that during the Southern Song Dynasty, the anti-Jin general Liu Qi once stationed his troops here, leaving behind a super heroic legend👨‍✈️. 🗺️Tour Route🗺️ Start from Juehai Temple, fully appreciate the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple👉Then stroll along the street to Xihou Street, admire the ancient buildings and beautiful scenery by the river👉Then stop near Chenjiatang, try the local snacks, and feel the life of the ancient town. 🏠Accommodation Recommendation🏠 💒'Xinshi Renjia' Inn: Located in the center of the ancient town, the environment is serene, the rooms are decorated with the charm of the south of the Yangtze River, and the prices are very affordable, offering great value for money😜. 🍱Local Food Recommendations🍱 🐟Crispy Lamb Noodles: This is a traditional specialty of Xinshi, with lamb cooked until tender, noodles that are particularly chewy, and a rich broth that is utterly satisfying😃. It is said that this dish originated in the Southern Song Dynasty when Xinshi was an important trading place for lamb, and the locals invented this delicious way of eating. 🍰Tea Cake: Made with high-quality glutinous rice flour and meat filling, square and delicious. There is also an interesting story here, it is said that in ancient times, a scholar on his way to the exams ate tea cakes and later became the top scorer, and since then tea cakes have become a symbol of good luck🎊. 🥧Malt Balls: Made with glutinous rice and malt, sweet but not greasy, with a soft and sticky texture. In Xinshi, every festival, every household makes malt balls. 🌟Tips🌟 1. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is even more beautiful😁. 2. You can rent a small boat to tour along the river and experience the unique charm of the water town, which is fantastic😜. 3. The ancient town scenic area is free, but some attractions require the purchase of tickets. 4. It is highly recommended to visit on a sunny day for the best light and shadow effects👍. 5. If you have enough time, you can combine visits to nearby attractions such as Moganshan for an even more enjoyable experience😎. 🎊Friends, come to Xinshi Ancient Town for an unforgettable journey through time, and you're sure to fall in love with this place🎊