Come to Zhejiang’s “Vacation Ancient Town,” where the lively atmosphere and time-honored shops are all here

Autumn has arrived, and the colorful ambiance fills every moment of life. Taking some time to choose a destination and go on a vacation trip is definitely worthwhile and can greatly relieve physical and mental fatigue! So, the question is, where should you go for a stroll? We recommend Zhejiang’s “Vacation Ancient Town,” where the lively atmosphere and time-honored shops coexist, offering a world like that in books. If you like it, come and explore! We are talking about Xinzheng Ancient Town in Zhejiang, a place without excessive commercialization or noisy crowds, no cookie-cutter buildings, and no overwhelming throngs of people. Instead, you’ll find family-run pastry shops with open wooden doors, and the air filled with the faint scent of pastries and tea—very natural and welcoming, full of warm everyday life! Unlike other ancient towns, Xinzheng Ancient Town is more low-key, a rare gem in the Jiangnan water town area. The bluestone slabs seem to hide stories, each whispering tales of the past. The morning bell chimes softly, as if traveling back to old times. The exquisite stone and wood carvings are historical imprints that captivate the heart! For first-time visitors, you can follow this route: Xinzheng Christian Church [optional] — Wensong Bridge — Xiaopenglai Park — Xinzheng Mu Yilin Silk Painting Art Museum — Millennium Ginkgo Garden — Nengren Temple — Xinzheng Ancient Town Old Street — Jiayuan Xinzheng Central Plaza Among these, Xinzheng Christian Church is open on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, where you can experience the church’s heritage and charm! Xiaopenglai Park is known as a “fairyland on earth” and is the setting in Mr. Jin Yong’s novel "The Legend of the Condor Heroes." It is filled with ethereal mist and emerald streams. Looking around, you’ll find winding paths, dense trees, and memories cherished by generations of Xinzheng residents. Highlights include Pingti Yanliu (willows by the levee), the Twelve Zodiac Taihu Stones, small bridges connecting railings, the southern courtyard’s bamboo grove, winding water corridors, and the wisteria gallery! Xinzheng Mu Yilin Silk Painting Art Museum is a very niche art museum where you can appreciate the heritage of “silk paintings”! The Millennium Ginkgo Garden is famed as one of Zhejiang’s top ten most beautiful ginkgo tree sites. In late autumn, golden ginkgo leaves fall like scattered gold, covering the ground and creating a charming scene alongside the upturned eaves of the Penglai Pavilion, composing a long-lasting Jiangnan painting. Nengren Temple, founded in the second year of the Tianjian era of the Later Liang dynasty in the Five Dynasties period (503 AD), is nearly 1,500 years old. The temple gate bears the inscription “Nengren Temple” by Master Hongyi. Walking through it, you can feel the serene mood of “emptiness as if I am the only one in the world”! Xinzheng Ancient Town Old Street refers to “Penglai Road.” This short street is home to time-honored shops that have been open for decades, offering a full range of delicious foods such as various pastries, marinated delicacies, pan-fried buns, salted egg yolk cakes, and soy sauce duck! Jiayuan Xinzheng Central Plaza is a lively modern commercial street in Xinzheng Ancient Town, a comprehensive urban-rural market complex where you can experience the local life vibe, with tasty and affordable food! After a full tour, many will be attracted by the profound heritage of Xinzheng Ancient Town. Although it is less famous than some popular ancient towns, Xinzheng embodies “truth, goodness, and beauty,” with a simple lifestyle atmosphere where you can feel the quiet accumulation of time! Interestingly, the ancient town has completely preserved its original appearance, with a strong sense of old architectural clusters. The locals living in the town weave a vivid picture with their real stories, filling every corner with warmth and poetry, blending the lively atmosphere with the aroma of time-honored shops! Photography enthusiasts should focus on “Xiaopenglai Park” and “Nengren Temple.” The former offers a large area and rich atmosphere, while the latter has a long history and great photo opportunities, like a warm corner hidden in the misty Jiangnan rain! Transportation By car: Navigate to “Xiaopenglai - North Gate Ground Parking Lot,” which has plenty of parking spaces. By bus: Take the high-speed train to “Jiaxing Station,” then transfer to bus routes [22 → 261, about 1.5 hours] or take a taxi for about 35 minutes. Practical information about Zhejiang Xinzheng Ancient Town: Free admission, open all day, located at 792 Penglai Road, Xinzheng Town, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province. Self-driving is recommended. So, what do you think? Are you interested in Zhejiang Xinzheng Ancient Town? Feel free to leave a comment and discuss!