Admiring the ancient beauty of Ouzhen, a town that has stood for a thousand years in China.

Ouzhen is one of the oldest towns in China, located in Zhejiang province. It is part of an area known as the 'Land of Civilization's Cradle.'

Ouzhen, a thousand years old

Ouzhen is renowned for its intricate canal system and ancient houses. These old houses reflect traditional Chinese architecture that has endured for a millennium. The town was founded around the year 872, making it 1152 years old today. It has preserved many traditional customs and cultural heritage. Visitors can experience the daily life of the locals, savor local delicacies, and explore artisanal craft shops.

This ancient town is divided into two main sightseeing areas: Dongce (the eastern district) and Xice (the western district). The eastern section is home to many historical structures, such as ancient homes, opera districts, and wine shops, lining the river. The eastern area is often referred to as the 'soul of Ouzhen.' The town stands out with its winding green canals. Spanning the waterways are delicate stone bridges, beautifully carved and arching over the water.

Despite enduring more than a thousand years of history, this ancient town has never changed its name. It was built on the principles of Confucianism and the aesthetics of ancient China. The phrase 'small bridges, flowing water, and family homes' encapsulates the essence of the town, where the little bridges and flowing rivers symbolize prosperity. From the main rooms of the houses, visitors can gaze upon the peaceful flowing river and enjoy the changing scenery of all four seasons.

Explore Ouzhen

Additionally, the layout of the rivers, streets, connecting bridges, and houses built on the water all merge to create a harmonious blend of waterways and bridges. The narrow, ancient cobblestone streets clearly showcase traditional Chinese architectural style. Here, the balance between architectural space and the inherent beauty of nature is evident. The East Street area charges an entrance fee of 150 yuan (approximately 526,000 VND), while the West Street costs 110 yuan (about 386,000 VND). The combined ticket for both areas is 190 yuan (666,000 VND).

Ouzhen still maintains the traditional division of its neighborhoods, consisting of six small districts: the craft village, ancient village, cultural village, food village, boat sales village, and the riverside market. One notable district is the Bạch Gia Tửu brewing area, famous for producing the renowned Tam Bạch wine. Additionally, don't miss the Hồng Nguyên dyeing workshop, famous for its indigo floral printed fabrics.

To reach Ouzhen, you can fly directly to Shanghai, Suzhou, or Hangzhou. From there, take a bus to East Street in Ouzhen. Once you arrive, you can easily explore the town either on foot or by boat. The town is designed for walking, allowing visitors to fully enjoy its tranquil beauty. You can opt for a boat ride along the streets for a fee ranging from 40 to 60 yuan (140,000-210,000 VND). Many visitors also choose to rent traditional attire to experience the town as if they were from another era, with rental prices around 500,000 VND.

According to Mytour.vn

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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide