Shen’ao Village (深澳村) is nestled amidst hills in Tonglu County, with a landscape that slopes higher in the south and lower in the north. Facing the village is the picturesque Xuan Mountain, while Lion Rock stands proudly behind it. The village is rectangular in shape, with a historic old street running through its center, extending for over 500 meters with a width of approximately 3 meters. The street is paved with cobblestones and features hidden channels known as “ao,” which provide a steady flow of clear water, giving rise to the village’s name, Shen’ao.
On either side of the street are three alleyways, forming a pattern resembling the Chinese character “非” (fei). In the 1980s, new streets were constructed along the northern end of the village, forming a “韭” (jiu) shape when combined with the old street. Shen’ao Village boasts a dense population and is the largest village in Tonglu.
Shen’ao Ancient Village holds ancestral ties to the Shen family lineage. With its ancient culture, rich history, unique geographical setting, and well-preserved cultural relics, it has become a renowned example of a traditional Jiangnan village in Tonglu, showcasing the region’s enduring heritage.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shen’ao Village
- Other Attractions in Tonglu
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0571-64291058 |
Location and Transportation
Shen’ao Village is located in Jiangnan Town, Tonglu County, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. It sits at the northern foot of Tianzigang on the southern bank of the Fuchun River, approximately 16.5 kilometers west of Tonglu County.
Travelers can first take a high-speed train from Hangzhou to Tonglu. From Tonglu, you can transfer to a bus bound for Jiangnan Town and disembark at Shen’ao Village.
Highlights of Shen’ao Village
Ancient Architecture
The village is adorned with over 40 traditional hall and courtyard style buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among them, the Nine Generation Hall and Rulin Hall stand as the oldest structures, while the Zhoucheng Hall, Zhicheng Gate, and Yiyen Gate exhibit distinctive artistic styles. To the east lies the Qingyun Bridge, a crucial thoroughfare connecting Tonglu to Fuyang, with its name originating from the Ming Dynasty poem “Records of the Qingyun Bridge” by Yao Kui. The current stone beam bridge was constructed during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty. Additionally, in the southeast of the village, stands a monument commemorating the resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II. In 1940, over a thousand villagers from Shen’ao and neighboring villages joined the 235th Regiment of the 79th Division of the National Revolutionary Army to block the Japanese invaders at Jingshan Ridge. The battle resulted in the death of 156 Chinese soldiers, marking a significant victory in the region’s history.
Various Temples
Nestled beneath the southwestern foothills of Jizhu Peak lies Tianxiang Temple, built during the Yuan Zhizhi era. Despite its partial ruins, the temple remains a serene retreat amidst picturesque surroundings. In the northeast, on the slopes of Huangshan Hill, lies the tranquil Yun Temple, housing the Shen Nong Hall. Initially dedicated to a natural stone formation, the temple was later adorned with a camphor wood statue during the Republican era, and in 2012, a clay sculpture replaced it, with Guanyin Bodhisattva now enshrined in the side hall. In the northwest corner of the village stands the Huangcheng Temple, formerly a local land deity shrine shared by eight neighboring villages. Traditionally, on Lantern Festival and October 21st, each village would take turns hosting theatrical performances to honor the deity. In 1954, the temple was converted into a grain station, but the autumn festival evolved into a village-wide celebration, complete with lively performances and birthday blessings.
