Tonglu: The 'Chinese Painting City' That's Always Trending
Recently, and not long ago, Tonglu, with its innate ability to trending, once again topped the hot search lists on major websites. This time, the model couple of the travel circle, Deng Chao and Sun Li, visited Tonglu, checking in at the major scenic spots of this 'Chinese Painting City' known for its 'unparalleled wonders of mountains and waters.' For a time, 'bumping into Deng Chao and Sun Li in Tonglu' surged to the top of all hot search charts. So, this time, I followed the hot search to visit Tonglu, the place that's always trending, to see what stunning scenery it has to offer.
Recently, a county town has been flooding many people's screens. Yes, this small Jiangnan town with a natural trending quality, was not long ago selected by the U.S. magazine National Geographic as the recommended top travel destination for 2021, becoming the only city in China to make the list. This Jiangnan town made it onto hot search lists on major websites, drawing global attention. By now, I believe everyone knows which Jiangnan town it is—yes, that's right, it's Tonglu, the 'Chinese Painting City' situated in the northwest of Zhejiang Province, at the core of the 'Three Rivers and Two Lakes' golden tourism route, where peaks compete in beauty and rivers race, with its 'unparalleled wonders of mountains and waters.'
"When the Qiantang River ends at Tonglu, the water is so green and mountains so blue that no painting can compare." The Fuchun River is the section where the Qiantang River flows through Tonglu and Fuyang. Its most scenic stretch lies from Qililong in Tonglu to Meicheng in Jiande, consisting of three parts: Longmen Gorge, Ziling Gorge, and Zixu Gorge, spanning 24 kilometers. Along the way, green mountains embrace the spring river, with scenery so exquisite and spectacular that it forms an unparalleled Chinese landscape painting. This area best interprets Tonglu's 'unparalleled wonders of mountains and waters.' The beauty of the Lesser Three Gorges of the Fuchun River has been praised since ancient times. As early as the Eastern Han Dynasty, the noble scholar Yan Ziling, captivated by the stunning landscapes along the Fuchun River, repeatedly declined Emperor Guangwu's invitations, choosing to live in seclusion and fish here, leaving behind the Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace, which ranks first among the top ten 'fishing terraces' in the nation. Even more familiar to us is the Yuan Dynasty painter Huang Gongwang, who, obsessed with the early autumn scenery along the Fuchun River, created the masterpiece 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.'
We all know about karst cave landscapes in China, but they are mainly found in Guangxi and Guizhou, rarely in East China. Of course, there are some karst caves in East China, but they are not well-known. However, the Yaolin Wonderland scenic area in Tonglu, a top global travel destination, is a cave attraction in East China not to be missed. Moreover, it is grouped with 'Guilin's Reed Flute Cave, Jiangle's Yuhua Cave, and Beijing's Shihua Cave' as one of the 'Four Great Caves of China,' and enjoys the reputation of 'the crown of all caves in the country.' Yaolin Wonderland extends about 1,000 meters deep with a total area of nearly 30,000 square meters. Inside, the cave is filled with countless stalactites, resplendent and colorful, illuminated by lights, exuding magical charm. You can truly feel the 'secluded, deep, strange, and beautiful' cave scenery and the enchanting subterranean world. Painter Ye Qianyu praised it as 'rare in China, seldom seen in the world.'
Known historically as 'the Number One Mountain of Jiangnan,' Daqi Mountain is a perfect spot in Tonglu to ascend and take in the views, with its 'unparalleled wonders of mountains and waters.' Located on the southern bank of the Fuchun River, Daqi Mountain features endless rolling hills, bizarre rocks, quiet deep gorges, crystal-clear green pools, babbling streams, and majestic waterfalls. It is famous for being 'grand, perilous, strange, beautiful, and vast,' and has been hailed as 'the Number One Mountain of Jiangnan' since ancient times. As the representative of Tonglu's 'remarkable mountains,' the Daqi Mountain National Forest Park is a comprehensive forest park that combines Jiangnan landscapes with grassland scenery. It, together with Tongjun Mountain, Qili Yangfan, the Lesser Three Gorges of the Fuchun River, and Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace, forms the Fuchun River tourism area.
Shen'ao Ancient Village is located at the northern foot of Tianzi Gang on the southern bank of the Fuchun River in Tonglu County, Zhejiang. It is an old village hidden among the green mountains and waters of western Zhejiang. Compared to other members of the Jiangnan ancient village cluster, Shen'ao is the largest ancient village in Tonglu, making it look more like an ancient town. Shen'ao Ancient Village is famous for its water system, a drainage system from a thousand years ago that is still in use today, with an 800-meter culvert running through the entire village. Shen'ao Old Street stretches over 200 meters from north to south, about 3 meters wide. The buildings on both sides are mostly from the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period, well preserved, and many are shops, still serving as the commercial center of the area. The ancient village still preserves over a hundred traditional buildings covering nearly 40,000 square meters, including more than forty Qing Dynasty buildings. Hence, it is known as 'the Number One Village of the Southern Song Dynasty.'
——Travel Guide——
Plane: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. High-speed train: 1. Tonglu Station 2. Hangzhou Station (if no direct train to Tonglu, you can transfer at Hangzhou)
2021/04/12 Huainan South —— Tonglu Station —— Fuchun River · Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace
2021/04/13 Yaolin Wonderland —— Daqi Mountain National Forest Park
2021/04/14 Shen'ao Ancient Village —— Return
Yaolin Wonderland Ticket: 116 yuan
Daqi Mountain National Forest Park: 65 yuan
Fuchun River · Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace: 125 yuan
Shen'ao Ancient Village: Free entry
Tips: You can get ticket discounts by purchasing through online platforms, don't miss out!
Only food cannot be missed. Naturally, it's the same in Tonglu. Tonglu cuisine belongs to Zhejiang cuisine, and because it has abundant aquatic products, this is especially highlighted in the dishes. Although the schedule was relaxed, since I wasn't staying in the county center, I couldn't search for Tonglu flavors in the old alleys. However, I didn't regret it, because I chose to stay at Tonglu Red Lantern Small Wooden House Resort, and another reason was its restaurant - Red Lantern Restaurant, where I could also taste Tonglu flavors, and it didn't disappoint. For two nights, dinner was here; not only was the taste authentic and portions generous, but the prices were also quite reasonable.
For travel, accommodation is also very particular. First, value for money: within your budget, choose the hotel most suitable for this trip. Second, location is quite important; after all, travel time is limited, so I'll choose a hotel not far from the scenic spots. Third, whether there is also scenery that cannot be ignored. This time, the Tonglu trip was two days one night, relatively relaxed, but the distances between scenic spots are large, so when arranging the itinerary, hotel location is crucial. Finally, I chose Tonglu Red Lantern Small Wooden House Resort, which has an excellent location, moderate price, and its own scenery.
Tonglu Red Lantern Small Wooden House Resort is located in the Red Lantern Village Home Scenic Area, with an excellent location. It is adjacent to the Tianmu Stream Rafting scenic spot, and only 2 kilometers from the 'Crown of All Caves in the Country' Yaolin Wonderland. Moreover, it is itself a tourist site and a resort for leisure. Far from the city's hustle and bustle, the environment is quiet and cozy. Over 50 small wooden houses are rustic and elegant, with a quaint earthy charm. So I stayed here for two nights of this trip.
Luggage and Photography Equipment
1. Packing luggage: a. Change of clothes and personal toiletries. b. In early April, Tonglu's weather is comfortable, with gentle breezes and no extreme heat. At noon, when the sun comes out, it's a bit hot, but there's a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so you need a jacket. c. Since the itinerary involves climbing, prepare hiking shoes, climbing clothes, etc. d. Try to bring your own toiletries to be environmentally friendly.
2. Photography equipment: a. Sony A7M2 with 24-70 lens, Nikon P510 b. GoPro Hero 4 c. Tripod d. Spare batteries e. iPhone X f. DJI Mavic 3 drone
3. In this era of progress, payment methods have dramatically changed; Alipay and WeChat Pay bring great convenience to our travels. Basically, you needn't carry much cash; a smartphone suffices.
A semi-literary older young man who loves life, travel, music, reading, and writing. Global traveler, travel video expert, Sina Weibo contracted self-media, travel self-media. Please contact the author for reprinting, respect the author's hard work. (Without written authorization from the author, all forms of reproduction are strictly prohibited.)
——Travelogue Main Text——
Day.01
The first day's itinerary: Fuchun River · Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace. The reason is simple: after arriving at Tonglu Station by high-speed train at 1:30 PM, it was a half-hour drive to the scenic spot, leaving only half a day, which perfectly allowed time for the Fuchun River Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace. The time was ample.
Fuchun River · Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace
For centuries, the saying 'Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou' has been widely spread. 'Paradise on Earth' is still a laudatory name for Hangzhou among people at home and abroad. Connecting the West Lake of Hangzhou, known as 'Paradise on Earth,' and the Yellow Mountain in Anhui, known as 'No need to see other mountains after returning,' the Fuchun River, supremely beautiful in the world, flows like a green ribbon among the mountains. This is the Fuchun River in Tonglu, the 'China's Most Beautiful County' and painting city.
Endless Fuchun landscapes, inexhaustible poetic and painted Tonglu. When talking about Tonglu, the Fuchun River is definitely an unavoidable scenic spot. It is the actual setting of the renowned Yuan Dynasty landscape master Huang Gongwang's painting 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.' The Fuchun River is famous for its 'unparalleled wonders of mountains and waters.' The painting depicts the early autumn scenery on both banks of the Fuchun Mountains in Zhejiang. Huang Gongwang spent three to four years painting the long scroll 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains,' capturing the most beautiful stretch of the Fuchun River's landscape in eternal time.
Tonglu is located at the golden section of the 'Three Rivers and Two Lakes'—Xin'an River, Fuchun River, Qiantang River, and West Lake and Qiandao Lake. Its profound culture and serene, beautiful scenery have earned it the name 'Chinese Painting City.' The Fuchun River lies in the middle reaches of the Qiantang River. The section from Fuyang eastward to Tonglu is called the Fuchun River, stretching 110 kilometers. It boasts majestic mountains, powerful rocks, spiritual water charm, and graceful forests. The continuous green hills and emerald river waters intertwine to form a landscape painting with Chinese Zen aesthetics. Such poetic scenery naturally attracts the footprints of literati. 'The best landscape under heaven, past and present, is the Fuchun.' The Yuan Dynasty poet Wu Huan praised the Fuchun River's beauty with this line. 'Not the Li River, but better,' is the modern evaluation, ranking it alongside the Yangtze Three Gorges and Guilin's Li River as one of China's three most famous river scenery routes. It has both beautiful natural scenery and rich historical allusions.
Ziling Gorge, Zixu Gorge, plus Longmen Gorge, are collectively called the 'Lesser Three Gorges of the Fuchun River.' The Lesser Three Gorges is the most scenic section of the Fuchun River. It stretches 24 kilometers, with water as green as jade, like green brocade flowing. Longmen Gorge runs from Qililongkou to Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace; inside, the mountains are high and valleys deep, peaks face off, the river broadens, and the current is gentle. Ziling Gorge is the deepest, most beautiful, and longest touring gorge among the three; the two mountains rise sharply from the water, with steep cliffs on both sides. Zixu Gorge extends from Zixu Ferry to the confluence of three rivers, 8 kilometers long, named because during the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu Zixu ferried across to escape disaster. The waterway here is deep and winding, ancient trees stand tall on the mountains, green bamboo rustles, mountains shape the water's sentiment, and the water enhances the mountain's beauty.
The banks of the Fuchun River are graced with green mountains and clear waters. Wandering in this natural world, you can fully appreciate the wonderful metaphor: 'If you want to tour the Lesser Three Gorges, you don't need to go to the Yangtze.' Leaving aside the historical and cultural depth, simply considering the landscape charm, the water here is especially clear. Sailing downstream on a boat gives a profound sense of 'going to where the water ends, sitting and watching clouds rise.' Both banks are verdant and lush, the air intoxicating, as if you are traveling through a painting. Boating on the river evokes the poetic feeling of 'people walking in a clear mirror, birds flying past a screen.'
With its 'unparalleled beauty in Southeast China,' the Fuchun landscape has attracted many literati to compose magnificent poems. Southern Dynasty writer Wu Jun praised the Fuchun River highly in his 'Letter to Zhu Yuansi': 'From Fuyang to Tonglu, about a hundred li, the mountains are wondrous and waters extraordinary, unmatched under heaven.' As the foremost of the top ten 'fishing terrace' historical sites, Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace is a major attraction on the Fuchun River and a place where literati through the ages have lingered. Many cultural celebrities—Li Bai, Su Shi, Lu You, Fan Zhongyan, Meng Haoran, Li Qingzhao, Zhu Xi, Kang Youwei, Yu Dafu, Zhang Daqian, Guo Moruo, Ba Jin, and others—have visited the terrace, composing splendid pieces about the Fuchun River and Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace, leaving behind many wonderful poems and essays.
Looking back, Huang Gongwang, one of the four great masters of the Yuan Dynasty, lived in seclusion along the Fuchun River and spent several years painting 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains.' This historical masterpiece has endured much hardship, nearly being burned as a funerary object for a rich man. Today, the painting, split into two sections, is housed in museums on the mainland and in Taiwan. The beautiful natural scenery and brilliant cultural relics complement each other. Here you can be immersed in history and culture while enjoying a thousand-year-old landscape. If you have the leisure, you can even hold a bamboo rod and fish in the Fuchun waters, experiencing the mind-set of Yan Ziling, who returned to plow and fish by the Fuchun River.
Day.02
This visit to Tonglu was quite relaxed, with a full day. The itinerary was easy, so the second day's schedule was fuller: in the morning, visiting Yaolin Wonderland, known as 'the crown of all caves in the country'; in the afternoon, visiting Daqi Mountain, historically called 'the Number One Mountain of Jiangnan.' This arrangement was just right!
Crown of All Caves in the Country · Yaolin Wonderland
In East China, there is a small county that is the 'most beautiful county' in the hearts of the people, a 'delivery empire' that shocks foreign friends, and an internationally recognized 'International Garden City.' With picturesque landscapes and poetic ambiance, it is the 'elegant Tonglu' described by Fan Zhongyan. Tonglu's scenery has been famous since ancient times, often mentioned in many poets' works, such as Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace, the Lesser Three Gorges of the Fuchun River, and more. Among them, there is a must-visit check-in spot: a legendary playground for immortals, depicted by poets as a 'fairyland,' 'Penglai Island,' or 'Peach Blossom Spring.' The old versions of 'Journey to the West' and 'Investiture of the Gods' were filmed here. That is Yaolin Wonderland, hailed as 'the crown of all caves in the country.'
We know that karst caves form in limestone areas through long-term dissolution by groundwater. China has the widest distribution of karst landforms, mainly in provinces like Chongqing, Guizhou, and Yunnan, but not so much in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region. World-famous caves like Zhijin Cave, Furong Cave, and Shuanghe Cave mostly arise in the southwest. Yet, in fact, Zhejiang's Tonglu, known for its beautiful landscapes, seems specially favored by nature, hosting over 20 limestone caves within this small county, even called a 'Kingdom of Caves.' Among these caves of varying sizes and shapes, the most famous is Yaolin Cave, commonly known as 'Yaolin Wonderland.'
'The fairyland and the mortal world are only inches apart; inside the gourd is another universe.' Yaolin Wonderland, located in Yaolin Town, Tonglu County, Zhejiang, is a typical karst cave scenic area, together with Guilin's Reed Flute Cave, Jiangle's Yuhua Cave, and Beijing's Shihua Cave, known as the 'Four Great Caves of China.' The entire cave lies deep underground, about 1,000 meters deep with an area of nearly 30,000 square meters. Its terrain is unique, with magnificent rock formations, mystical and varied, a feast for the eyes. It is a representative of karst caves in the subtropical humid region of central East China's coastal area. Painter Ye Qianyu praised it as 'rare in China, seldom seen in the world.' It is one of 'China's Top 40 Tourist Destinations' and one of 'Zhejiang's Top 10 Tourist Attractions,' and a national 4A scenic area.
According to relevant data, the Yaolin area was just a shallow sea hundreds of millions of years ago. Through the long passage of time and after multiple orogenic movements like the Variscan and Himalayan, the present landform took shape. Yaolin Wonderland is world-famous for its winding cave topography and the colorful, diverse rock formations. Like a brilliant underground art palace, it leaves people mesmerized. As early as the Song Dynasty, poet Ke Yuezhai likened it to a fairyland. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the 'Tonglu County Annals' recorded it as a place where immortals enjoyed themselves.
Yaolin Wonderland contains seven halls of various sizes, each with stunning and unique scenery. For example, the 'Galaxy Waterfall' in the first hall, the 'Sky-High Jade Pillar' in the second, the 'Thirty-Three Heavens' in the third, and more. Each is truly rare and spectacular, making one marvel at nature's miraculous creation and uncanny workmanship.
Besides the exquisite, fantastical, and thought-provoking landscapes, Yaolin Wonderland also features a dreamy mythological experience platform set up with modern high-tech lighting and sound. Additionally, many cultural relics have been found here, such as Zhou Dynasty ashes, Han Dynasty pottery shards, ancient coins from the Five Dynasties and Northern Song, and cliff inscriptions from various dynasties. These further highlight the profound heritage of Yaolin Wonderland and enhance its cultural charm. With planned and principled development and construction by the local government in recent years, Yaolin Wonderland, both inside the cave in its original state and outside in its ecological environment, has been improving. I believe more and more tourists will be willing to visit just to witness its legendary splendor.
The Number One Mountain of Jiangnan · Daqi Mountain
When talking about Jiangnan landscapes, we often think of the bright and gentle poetic imagery: green mountains with emerald hues, clear waters with wondrous qualities—just as Su Shi described, 'The shimmering water is lovely when the sky is clear; the misty mountains are magical even in rain.' When mentioning grassland scenery, what often comes to mind is the vast desert frontier in the north, boundless and bold, like Yang Wanli's poem: 'Endless green expanse for sheep to graze, a horse galloping with song into the blue sky.' However, on this trip to Zhejiang, I discovered something unexpected: within Tonglu, the 'China's Most Beautiful County' that has gained popularity for its picturesque landscapes, I found a 'leisure paradise.' It combines the gentleness of Jiangnan scenery with the ruggedness of northern grasslands. Though lesser-known, it is undoubtedly an excellent place to relax and return to nature. That is Tonglu Daqi Mountain National Forest Park.
'When the Qiantang River ends at Tonglu, no painting can match the green water and blue mountains.' Speaking of Tonglu in Zhejiang, many people associate it with the beautiful and expansive Fuchun River, whose graceful charm and extraordinary scenery have enchanted countless literati through the ages, earning endless praise. In fact, Tonglu, as an 'International Garden City' surrounded by mountains and embraced by clear waters, boasts many well-known attractions, such as Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace, Yaolin Wonderland, Tianmu Stream Rafting, Shen'ao Ancient Village, and more. In comparison, Daqi Mountain on the southern bank of the Fuchun River may not be as famous, but it is a comprehensive tourist area that combines northern and southern scenery, ancient and modern culture, and modern technology. Here, you can climb mountains, play in water, watch waterfalls and admire flowers, experiencing nature's gifts. You can also camp, vacation, explore historical sites, and seek seclusion, enjoying a relaxed and comfortable charm.
Historically known as 'the Number One Mountain of Jiangnan,' Daqi Mountain may not match the grandeur of nearby Guanyin Peak or the profound heritage of Tongjun Mountain, but it has an excellent location, with superb scenery for climbing and taking in views, boasting beauty no less than the former. Daqi Mountain, with its back to Wuni Hill and facing the Fuchun River, has two peaks jutting out to the left and right, looking from a distance like a lotus throne, hence it is also called 'Zhaiji Mountain,' meaning a place to set up camp. Climbing up and looking far, you can see the beautiful waters of Tonglu, a typical Jiangnan scene of small bridges, flowing streams, flat lakes, and green fields.
Of course, as a national forest park, the most enchanting scenery is the natural landscape dominated by forest resources. Daqi Mountain has an excellent ecological environment, elegant beauty in all seasons, and is known for being grand, perilous, strange, beautiful, and vast. The mountain features overlapping peaks, deep gorges, murmuring streams and waterfalls, and dense, secluded forests. The lush green bamboo groves, the deep and abundant Tianchi Lake, along with the scattered odd pines, weird rocks, flowing springs, and cascading waterfalls, all appear even more ethereal and immortal-like under the drifting morning mist and evening haze.
With a forest coverage rate as high as 97%, Daqi Mountain is a veritable 'natural oxygen bar' and an excellent summer retreat for nearby residents and tourists. Visitors can not only enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Daqi Mountain but also explore legendary ancient sites. At the foot of the mountain, Golden Ox Pond is said to be the bathing pond of the golden ox that dug out the Fuchun River. On the west side of the Golden Ox Pond scenic area, there are yurts scattered among green bamboo and pine trees, allowing you to experience boundless grassland scenery without going to the northern frontier.
The Daqi Temple, rebuilt during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, now only has ruins left, but it is said that the bodhisattva of Daqi Mountain is very efficacious—perhaps this is what people commonly say, 'Buddha is in the heart.' On the mountain top, there is a spring, recorded on a stone tablet as an inexhaustible holy spring that clears the mind and cures ailments. The water is sweet, pure, and refreshing, perfect for brewing the bitter gourd tea that Daqi Mountain produces. Additionally, the scenic area has a well-equipped modern outward-bound base where tourists can experience thrilling activities like climbing ropeways, crossing suspension bridges, flying through the jungle, and playing live CS. You can also stroll through the fruit orchards paved with pebbles, filled with fruity fragrances, enjoying the rural scenery of birdsong and flowers.
Day.03
Since I had to return on the afternoon of the third day and there was only one direct high-speed train for my return trip, I chose to arrange the last morning's itinerary at Shen'ao Ancient Village, known as 'the Number One Village of the Southern Song Dynasty.' It's only a half-hour drive from Tonglu High-Speed Train Station, so the schedule was very relaxed. I could fully explore Shen'ao Ancient Village and experience the antique charm of 'Zhejiang's Most Beautiful Ancient Village'!
The Number One Village of the Southern Song Dynasty · Shen'ao Ancient Village
When talking about ancient village scenic areas with deep cultural heritage, distinctive architecture, and top-notch scenery, many people probably first think of the ancient villages in southern Anhui, with the most representative Hongcun and Xidi even listed as World Cultural Heritage sites. In fact, besides those, there is a Jiangnan ancient village in Tonglu, Zhejiang—a composite of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, formed by five uniquely styled ancient villages lined up along a stream called Yingjia Creek, all roughly maintaining their village layout since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, let's step into the largest and most famous Shen'ao Village in the Jiangnan ancient village group and see why it is called 'Zhejiang's Most Beautiful Ancient Village'!
'Green stone winding paths, distant gateways; clear water, deep culverts, and hidden pools. Old tales remain, simple relics preserved; a thousand years unchanged, ancient customs mellow.' Shen'ao Ancient Village is situated at the northern foot of Tianzi Gang on the south bank of the Fuchun River in Tonglu County, Zhejiang. Hidden among the green mountains and waters of western Zhejiang, it is an ancient village. Compared to other members of the Jiangnan ancient village cluster, Shen'ao is the largest ancient village in Tonglu, thus looking more like an ancient town. The village was formed by blood-related clans, a typical clan settlement, so most villagers bear the compound surname Shentu, with a few other surnames. As early as the early Southern Song Dynasty, the Shentu ancestors moved from Shentu Mountain in Fuyang. After nearly a thousand years of reproduction, farming, and scholarship, the Shen'ao Shentu family has flourished to this day.
We know that what makes Hongcun in Anhui most distinctive is its scientific and rational 'ox-shaped village' water system design. In this respect, Shen'ao Village shares a similar ingenuity. It is said that in flood-prone Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Shen'ao Ancient Town has never been damaged by floods, thanks to its unique water system. This system consists of culverts, open ditches, karez (underground channels), ponds, and streams, somewhat similar to modern urban planned water systems, primarily for collecting rainwater and draining wastewater. When the Shentu ancestors planned the village, this was the first thing they designed. To this day, this underground water system, originating in the Song and taking shape in the Ming Dynasty, still serves the villagers' daily lives. Locals call the culverts 'ao,' and since the ao are usually deep underground, the village was aptly named Shen'ao (Deep Culvert) Village.
Built in the Southern Song Dynasty, Shen'ao Ancient Village is the most famous Jiangnan ancient village in Tonglu and a nationally recognized historic and cultural village, reputed as 'the Number One Well in Jiangnan, the Number One Village of the Southern Song.' It is not far from Tonglu county town, surrounded by verdant hills and beautiful scenery. Beyond the unparalleled mountains and waters, the village's unique underground water system, vast ancient architectural complex, and rich clan culture are highlights not to be missed.
Currently, the village has over 200 ancient buildings predating the Republic of China, outwardly simple but inwardly exquisite, with beautifully executed carvings. Among them, more than 40 hall houses were built during the Ming and Qing dynasties and remain well-preserved, a true rarity. The mottled old walls, cobblestone-paved ancient lanes, along with the well-arranged horse-head walls and the karez scattered throughout every corner of the village, make Shen'ao look so distinctive, so rich in ancient charm and dignified elegance.
In Shen'ao Ancient Village, there is no crowding like in Wuzhen or Xitang; there is only the local tranquility and purity. You can walk through ancient lanes and old streets in a light drizzle, reminiscing about fleeting time, or bask alone in the warm afternoon sun, enjoying the peacefulness. You can also visit ancestral halls and traditional shrines to understand the time that has frozen into a picture, or go to 'Yunxi Shen'ao Li' to feel the pervasive petty-bourgeois sentiment...
End. Tonglu, see you again on the hot search next time.
Not long ago, the model couple Deng Chao and Sun Li, known as the epitome of a model couple in entertainment, visited popular spots in Tonglu. At the same time, the topic 'bumping into Deng Chao and Sun Li in Tonglu' shot up the hot search charts. Tonglu, with its built-in trending quality, once again dominated screens! Walking among the landscapes of Tonglu, which always seem to be trending, the most common thing you encounter are ancient poems praising its scenic beauty. With its 'unparalleled wonders of mountains and waters,' it was selected by National Geographic magazine as the recommended top travel destination for 2021, the only city in China to make that list. This time, I came to Tonglu following the hot search; next time, Tonglu, see you on the hot search again!
