By Nihit Anand
Step into the past and embark on a remarkable journey to the ancient town of Achang, nestled on the western side of Shaoxing in the Zhejiang Province of China. You will discover a town steeped in history, with a legacy spanning over a millennium.
My cousin said, ‘Let’s go back in time,’ and you won’t believe that we actually did some time travelling. I will always remember my visit to the ancient town of Achang, located to the west of Shaoxing in Zhejiang Province, China. It has a history of over 1000 years and was built during the North Song Dynasty. Though it was destroyed due to war, it was rebuilt by the Ming or Qing Dynasty.
I was astonished by the fact that how well they have preserved their traditional architecture. Overall about 17 differently styled stone bridges are constructed and out of these, some are arched and a few have pavilions. The main street is a riverside with a length of about 1747 meters long. Ancient alleys, traditional stores and houses dot this riverside. I remember visiting a workshop. They sell All kinds of famous Chinese pickles and sauces.
Talking about the food, the only thing I saw was raw meat. At first, I found it a bit creepy. But I got used to it as we went along. Sausages are the most prominent food item in the town. As you will walk along you will find many shops selling sausages, fish, and duck. Pulled white sugar is quite popular, too.
Wupeng Boat
My cousin told me about this unique boat called Wupeng, also known as the Black-Awning Boat. It has a black roof and the boatmen wear a traditional black hat. The boat tour is enchanting, for it takes you along the river, under bridges and along the residences. Especially in the rainy months from March to June and in September, this is a wonderfully refreshing experience, which gives you a true glimpse into local life. Not just Wupeng, you can opt for other small boats as well. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take a tour but you must take it.
Achang is elegant and serene. It may be mundane but once you experience it then you won’t find anything more exceptional than this. Its ancient charm has remained unchanged for centuries.
Team Travel Secrets Adds
Intrigued by Nihit Anand’s narrative, we researched Achang and realised that the town hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. Some of the prominent ones are as follows:
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival, which concludes the Chinese New Year celebrations, transforms Anchang Ancient Town into a riot of colour and happiness. The night sky is illuminated and a magnificent ambience is created. The streets come to life with elaborate lantern displays. Visitors can take in traditional foods and performances while admiring exquisite lantern designs and participating in lantern-making classes.
Dragon Boat Festival
The traditional custom of the Dragon Boat Festival is fervently observed in Anchang. The Liangshan River is transformed into a vibrant scene of dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival. To the beat of drums, teams paddle ferociously in an exhilarating display of strength and cooperation. Fans can support their preferred teams while taking in the festive atmosphere.
Ancestral Worship Festival
Anchang Ancient Town celebrates its rich history each year at the Ancestral Worship Festival. Visitors can learn more about the town’s ancestral worship practises by attending this significant event, which highlights customs and rituals from the past. Families gather during this time to pay respect to their ancestors by praying and making offerings at ancestral temples.
Mid-Autumn Festival
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Anchang Ancient Town glistens with happiness and moonlit celebrations. Mooncakes are a sign of reunion and peace. Friends and family share mooncakes to observe the full moon. The colourful lanterns that line the streets create a joyful atmosphere. Various cultural performances enrich the festivities. Also, there are dragon dances and traditional music.
Festival of Water Splashing
As the summer heat rises, Anchang Ancient Town embraces the Water Splashing Festival, bringing relief and merriment to locals and visitors alike. This festival, inspired by the Dai ethnic group’s traditions, involves joyous water fights and blessings for good luck and prosperity. Water splashing events, parades, and cultural performances make this festival an unforgettable experience.
(Additional inputs by Vaidehi Nanivadekar, based on online research)
