Chongren Ancient Town (崇仁古镇), located to the west of Shengzhou in Zhejiang Province, is a historical town with nearly a millennium of history. Originally named Xinghua Village, it was renamed Chongren during the Xining period of the Northern Song Dynasty when the Qi family, honored by imperial decree, relocated from Wuzhou to this area. Inspired by the virtues of benevolence and righteousness, the Qi family named the place Chongren.
The architectural style of the ancient town is dignified and exquisite, with elaborate carvings on windows being a notable feature. These carvings depict legends, flowers, birds, and other rich artistic themes. For example, the Dao Bei Tai Gate is surrounded by intricately carved doors and windows, featuring numerous lifelike figures. Meanwhile, the beams of the Bai Lu Tai Gate are adorned with 99 differently posed deer carvings, complemented by a central stone deer, creating a harmonious visual balance.
In Chongren Ancient Town, visitors can explore the Chongfu Temple, one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town. Inside the temple, there is a thousand-year-old ancient pagoda, one of the oldest surviving brick pagodas in southern China. Additionally, the town boasts a collection of ancient Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, including ancient residences, government offices, and city walls, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Jiangnan region. The Longshan Ancient Temple and the Chongren Ancient Bridge are also worth visiting, with the former being a Zen Buddhist temple and the latter serving as a major transportation route in ancient times, both retaining their Ming and Qing dynasty charm.
Apart from its ancient architecture, Chongren Ancient Town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and folk activities. The town has produced scholars and continues to uphold traditional cultural practices such as Yue opera and the game of Go. Visitors can also participate in local folk activities such as lion and dragon dances, providing an opportunity to experience the vibrant local culture.
In Chongren Ancient Town, visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as tofu, rice noodles, and dumplings, savoring the pleasures of local cuisine. Notable specialties include the Chen family stewed duck, which has a history of 150 years since the Qing Daoguang period, and the Xiqing tofu skin, which boasts a splendid history of over 300 years.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Location and Transportation
Chongren Ancient Town is situated approximately 11 kilometers northwest of Shengzhou City in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, near the Fuzhi Mountain Scenic Area. It is nestled against the Five Dragon Mountain and is traversed by the Changshan Creek, adding to its scenic charm and historical significance.
To reach Chongren Ancient Town, one can take a high-speed train to Shengzhou Xinchang Station. From there, transfer to bus 503, 506, or 508 and get off Chongren Bus Station. The entire journey takes approximately thirty to forty minutes. Upon arrival, you can easily walk to the ancient town from the bus station.
The traditional opera stage, exquisite carvings, and the lively atmosphere of the ancient town. Although there isn’t anything particularly remarkable to see, just an ordinary residential area, it gives off a peaceful and harmonious feeling.
Ancient Towns Filled with Local Charm
The preserved buildings are still inhabited.
This season may not be the most beautiful, but it is indeed tranquil. I went a bit too late; it would have been better to go when there was sunlight. Taking my time allowed me to notice more details. There were really few people around.
The beauty of Chongren isn’t found in the number of ancient buildings or the delicious dishes like stewed duck and rice dumplings, but rather in taking the time to relax and immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage that has spanned thousands of years.
This is a quaint little town that retains its original flavor. Although it is located in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, the architecture embodies the elegant and understated style of Hui architecture. The various wood carvings and stone engravings are extremely exquisite. However, I’ve heard that starting this year, Chongren Ancient Town will undergo renovations and residents will be relocated. I suspect that it will likely be turned into a tourist attraction, with an investment of 1.7 billion yuan! I can’t imagine how… Read more »
Chongren Ancient Town in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, once reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty, but is now unusually quiet, with hardly any tourists around. The historical courtyard houses still display protective plaques, yet inside, many are either abandoned or already occupied. Despite this, if one approaches with an appreciative heart, it’s still possible to sense the exquisite details in some aspects of the town.
Chongren Ancient Town is quite small, probably considered a small village with few people, mostly elderly residents and visitors from self-driving trips and tour groups. The main attractions in the ancient town are various ancestral halls, each with a stage. The overall architecture feels crowded, similar to an alley. We finished exploring in less than half an hour and didn’t feel like it was particularly worth it to come specifically for this ancient town. However, the scenery on the way… Read more »
I arrived on Friday afternoon and there were hardly any tourists, so it was very peaceful. I’m not sure how crowded it gets during holidays. The place is quite far from the urban area of Shengzhou, so it’s more convenient to drive there. It may not be worth a special trip, but if you are passing by, it’s worth a visit.