1-Day Anchang Ancient Town Tour: Canals, Bridges, and Artisan Life from Hangzhou

Tour Itinerary

Upon your arrival, our professional guide will be waiting at the airport holding a clearly marked “Your Way Holiday” sign. You will be warmly welcomed and assisted with your luggage before being comfortably transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. During the drive, your guide will introduce you to the highlights of the upcoming journey and share insider tips on how to enjoy a local, authentic experience. From the moment you land, our personalized service ensures you travel stress-free, with every detail thoughtfully arranged to offer you a relaxing and immersive beginning to your trip.

Your exploration starts at Anchang Ancient Town, a hidden gem known for its authentic Jiangnan charm and tranquil waterways. As one of the four major ancient towns in Shaoxing, Anchang is famous for its well-preserved canals, old stone bridges, and traditional black-awning boats. Your guide will lead you through the narrow cobbled lanes, explaining the historical importance of Anchang as a merchant town and its ongoing commitment to preserving traditional crafts. Along the way, you will encounter local artisans, taste famous Shaoxing snacks, and witness a slower pace of life. With your guide providing historical context and personal stories, you will experience Anchang not just as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest in a living heritage town.

Your first stop in Anchang is the Ancient Opera Stage, a beautifully preserved wooden theater that has served as a community gathering place for centuries. The open-air stage features a high gabled roof, carved supporting beams, and intricate wooden details reflecting classic Jiangnan craftsmanship. Your guide will explain the significance of local operas and folk performances, once essential parts of town festivals and ceremonies. You will have time to admire the structure up close, photograph its elegant design, and if you’re lucky, enjoy a local opera rehearsal. This visit connects you to the vibrant cultural traditions that have shaped Anchang’s community life for generations.

Next, you will visit Ancient Opera Stagetriking stone arch bridge crossing the serene canal. The bridge, with its graceful arc and moss-covered stones, is a perfect example of Ming-Qing era civil engineering. Your guide will share stories of how the bridge connected trade routes and local neighborhoods, and explain the craftsmanship involved in its construction without the use of modern materials. You can pause at the top of the bridge for stunning views of the waterway, where you might see boats gently gliding beneath. With guidance on photo angles and local history, this becomes more than a scenic stop—it’s a window into the daily life of old Anchang.

A highlight of the tour is the Renchang Soy Sauce Workshop, one of Anchang’s most renowned traditional businesses. Here, you will see large clay fermentation jars lined in neat rows, producing naturally brewed soy sauce using century-old techniques. Your guide will explain the meticulous process, from ingredient selection to the natural fermentation stages that last several months. You will have the opportunity to sample freshly made soy sauce and learn how it influences Shaoxing cuisine. This visit offers a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and patience behind simple ingredients, allowing you to appreciate the cultural importance of traditional food-making.

Your final stop is the Old Site of the Bank of China, a building that blends Western architectural elements with traditional Jiangnan style. The brick facade, arched doorways, and classic signage reveal a period when Anchang served as a significant commercial hub. Your guide will take you through the history of the town’s economic development, the impact of modern banking in ancient settlements, and how this building remains a symbol of Anchang’s past prosperity. You will be encouraged to explore the surrounding area, discovering more stories about trade, wealth, and cultural exchange that shaped the identity of Anchang Ancient Town.

After your enriching exploration of Anchang Ancient Town, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel in comfort. Along the way, your guide will be happy to answer any remaining questions, share recommendations for evening activities, or suggest local restaurants where you can continue to enjoy authentic flavors. We make sure your return journey is smooth and relaxing, allowing you to unwind after a fulfilling day of cultural discovery. With our attentive service, you’ll end the day feeling refreshed and connected to the local heritage, ready for the next chapter of your travel experience.

Price Per Person in US Dollars