In the south of the Yanyu River, ancient towns are like pearls, among which Wuzhen, Zhouzhuang, Xitang and so on are well-known ancient towns. However, among these ancient towns, there is an ancient town known as "the first Confucian town in the south of the Yangtze River", and it is Qiantong Ancient Town. This ancient town does not have a strong commercial atmosphere, but the scenery is not inferior to Wuzhen, giving people a unique tranquility and beauty.
Qiantong Ancient Town, located in the southwest of Ninghai County, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, is an ancient town with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It was built at the end of the Song Dynasty and flourished in the Qing Dynasty, and there are still more than 1,300 ancient houses of all kinds. Most of these ancient buildings were built in the Ming and Qing dynasties, with blue tiles and white walls, carved beams and painted buildings, full of simple and elegant atmosphere.
The reason why Qiantong Ancient Town is called "the first Confucian town in the south of the Yangtze River" is because it has a profound Confucian cultural heritage. According to legend, the local Tong family since the Southern Song Dynasty Shaoding years settled here after the diligent cultivation, the early Ming Dynasty Tong Boli twice invited Fang Xiaoru to lecture in the Shijing House, together laid the foundation of the famous poets. Since then, Qiantong Ancient Town has followed the virtues of water diversion and tree planting to optimize the environment, cultivating and reading, and cultivating future generations, and has produced many talents over the generations, forming a unique cultural style.
Walking on the streets of Qiantong Ancient Town, you will find that the streets here are unusually narrow and the buildings are extremely dense, and being in it is like walking in a labyrinth. In fact, the villages of Qiantong Ancient Town are laid out according to the nine palaces and gossip style of the word "Hui". According to the principle of gossip, the ancestors of the Tong surname introduced the white stream water into the village, and the gurgling stream flowed from house to house, everyone could wash vegetables and clean clothes in the stream, and every house was connected to the flowing water bridge, and every household was open to the pebbles, so walking here would inevitably give people a labyrinth-like feeling. The houses, academies, and ancestral halls here have their own style and characteristics;The old streets, pavilions and archways complement each other, and are known as the reputation of "Lijiang in eastern Zhejiang".
Compared with those famous ancient towns, Qiantong Ancient Town is still an undeveloped ancient town, so there are relatively few tourists here, and it is more peaceful. The folk customs here are relatively well preserved, less invaded by the commodity economy, and better show the original appearance of the ancient town.
The scenery of Qiantong Ancient Town is unique, there is no strong commercial atmosphere, and there is no "surging" crowd. Here, you can feel the perfect tranquility and unique cultural atmosphere. Walking in the deep alleys of the old town, you may even see domestic pigs, or ducks and geese playing in the water. Although there is less invasion of the commodity economy, the folk customs are better preserved.
In Qiantong Ancient Town, you can experience a different rhythm of life. In the early morning, when the first rays of sunlight shine on the bluestone pavement of the ancient town, the streets and alleys begin to be lively. The cries of hawkers, the laughter of residents, and the sounds of children are intertwined to form a beautiful symphony. Here, you can taste authentic Jiangnan snacks, such as tofu brain, xiao long bao, etc., and you can also try some local specialties, such as glutinous rice cakes, braised noodles with dried bamboo shoots, etc. These delicacies are not only delicious, but also affordable and unforgettable.
Walking through the streets and alleys of the old town, you will meet some craftsmen from time to time. They weave bamboo, carve wood, or draw paper-cuts, passing on ancient crafts with their own hands. These handicrafts are so beautiful that they are full of art and history, and you can't help but stop and admire them.
In addition to food and handicrafts, Qiantong Ancient Town has many attractions worth visiting. For example, you can visit the Tong Clan Ancestral Hall to learn about the history and culture of the Tong familyYou can also visit the Stone Mirror Essence House and feel the charm of Confucian cultureYou can also climb the observation deck of the ancient town to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire ancient town.
At night in Qiantong Ancient Town, you can feel a different kind of tranquility. When night falls, the lights of the ancient town gradually turn on, and the ancient buildings on both sides of the street look more simple and elegant under the reflection of the lights. You can stroll along the stone road and enjoy the night view of the ancient townYou can also enjoy a cup of tea or wine in a teahouse or bar to feel the leisure and comfort of Jiangnan.
The charm of Qiantong Ancient Town lies not only in its history and culture, but also in the simplicity and enthusiasm it carries. Here, you can feel the warmth and friendliness of the local residents. They will take the initiative to introduce you to the history and culture of the ancient town, and take you to taste local delicacies and special snacks, so that you can feel the warmth of home.
In addition, Qiantong Ancient Town also pays attention to ecological environmental protection and sustainable development. In the development of tourism, the ancient town has always adhered to the principle of "protection first, development secondary", and paid attention to the protection of the natural and cultural landscapes of the ancient town. At the same time, Guzhen also actively promotes green travel and low-carbon life, encouraging tourists to use public transportation and environmentally friendly materials to reduce their impact on the environment.
Overall, Qiantong Ancient Town is a thousand-year-old town full of charm and vitality. It has a rich history, a rich cultural heritage and a unique atmosphere of quaint tranquility. As an ancient town without a strong commercial atmosphere, it pays more attention to the protection of natural and cultural landscapes, so that tourists can feel the most perfect tranquility and unique cultural atmosphere here. If you like the tranquil scenery of the ancient town and the profound cultural heritage, then Qiantong Ancient Town must be a place worth visiting. Here, you can feel the beauty and charm of this thousand-year-old town in Zhejiang, and you can also experience a different rhythm of life and cultural atmosphere.