Not Wuyuan, but exploring the lesser-known ancient villages in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai—Shen'ao Ancient Village

After getting off at Tonglu East Station, it's just over ten minutes by taxi, where a historic millennium-old village—Shen'ao Ancient Village—is hidden. ▶️This ancient village got its name from the water system that existed over a thousand years ago, and still retains a complete drainage system today. The mirror-like ponds, majestic archways, and ancestral halls are all breathtaking. The ancestors here designed an independent drainage system when building the village, consisting of streams, weirs, underground channels, open ditches, and ponds. ▶️These water systems not only provide convenient domestic water for the villagers but also serve the function of flood control and drainage. There are also many artisan workshops, where folk artists showcase their crafts, such as bamboo weaving, paper-cutting, guqin, and sugar figurine making, representing a rich intangible cultural heritage. ▶️The village is not crowded with tourists, but there are quite a few attractions to visit, preserving the authentic essence of the ancient village. Wandering around gives a special feeling of traveling back to a thousand years ago, and even the few village dogs are robust and strong. ▶️There is no admission fee🎫 for the village and parking is convenient. It is also very accessible as it's directly off the highway. The architecture of the houses here is unique, with white walls and black tiles, simple and bright, exuding a sense of historical depth. Each house's eaves are carved with exquisite patterns, lifelike, all showcasing the superb skills of the ancients. ▶️There are several nice homestays in the village, which are really exquisite and blend well with the ancient architectural complex. It's worth experiencing next time.