Anchang Ancient Town

Historical Overview
Anchang’s history dates to 1012 when it was established as a market town. During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it became a regional commercial center, with merchants constructing grand residences and bridges. The town declined in the late Qing Dynasty but revived in the 1980s as a cultural tourism destination. Key revivals include the 1997 restoration of Ruili Hall (a merchant’s mansion) and the 2006 establishment of the China Sausage Museum. Today, over 300 families continue Traditional Crafts like soy sauce brewing and bamboo weaving.

Town Layout
Anchang follows a "one river, two streets, three bridges" layout:

1. Xianheng River: The 2km-long canal with U-shaped stone locks, used for transporting goods.
2. Main Street: A 500m cobblestone lane lined with shops, teahouses, and sausage workshops.
3. Ancient Bridges: Notable spans include Fuyi Bridge (1573), Xianguang Bridge (1628), and Ruili Bridge (1702).
4. Residential Zones: Ming-Qing era dwellings with courtyards, such as the Chen Family Ancestral Hall (1725).

Major Attractions

1. China Sausage Museum: Traces the 1,000-year history of Anchang’s signature air-dried sausages, with live demonstrations.
2. Ruili Hall: A 16th-century merchant’s mansion featuring carved wooden beams and a private theater.
3. City God Temple: A Taoist temple rebuilt in 1725, hosting Festivals during the Lunar New Year.
4. Ancient Bridges: Fuyi Bridge’s 12 arches and Xianguang Bridge’s lotus-shaped pillars.
5. Stinky Tofu Street: A lane dedicated to Shaoxing’s pungent fermented tofu, sold in clay pots.

Cultural Highlights
Anchang is famed for its "Three Treasures": sausages, soy sauce, and Huangjiu (rice wine). Local customs include:

• Waterfront Weddings: Brides arrive by boat, a tradition dating to the Ming Dynasty.
• Sausage-Making: Families stuff pork casings in December, hanging thousands from eaves.
• Bamboo Weaving: Artisans craft baskets and lanterns using techniques from the Qing Dynasty.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Culture Tour (2 hours):
   Entrance → Main Street → Fuyi Bridge → China Sausage Museum → Ruili Hall → City God Temple → Exit
   Highlights: Sausage craftsmanship and Ming-Qing architecture.

2. Culinary & Canal Tour (3–4 hours):
   Entrance → Stinky Tofu Street → Xianheng River Cruise → Bamboo Weaving Workshop → Ancieng Bridge → Evening Sausage Feast
   Includes: Food tasting and craft demonstrations.

3. Photography & History Tour (Full Day):
   Early Morning: Ancient Bridges (sunrise) → Main Street (morning light) → Ruili Hall → Afternoon: Soy Sauce Brewery Visit → Evening: Waterfront Wedding Reenactment
   Best for: Photographers and cultural enthusiasts.

Ticket Purchase

• Free Entry: The town core is open to the public, but attractions like Ruili Hall and China Sausage Museum require tickets.
• Combo Ticket: ¥80 (includes Ruili Hall, Sausage Museum, and river cruise).
• Online Booking: Available via WeChat mini-program "Anchang Cultural Tourism" up to 7 days in advance.

Transportation

• High-Speed Rail: Hangzhou/Shanghai → Shaoxing North Station (1hr), then taxi (30min).
• Public Transit: Shaoxing City Bus #806 → Anchang Town Stop (40min from downtown).
• Self-Drive: Hangzhou → Anchang (2hr via G92 Hangzhou Bay Ring Expressway).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: November–December (sausage-making season), March–May (blossoms).
• Avoid Crowds: Arrive before 10 AM; weekends see 70% more visitors.
• Essentials:
  • Cash for street food (some vendors lack mobile payment).
  • Portable fan (summer months are humid).
  • Empty suitcase (for sausage/soy sauce purchases).
• Prohibitions: No feeding river carp; drones require town approval.