Tired of the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, then don’t miss the opportunity to experience the green and simplistic life in China’s rural villages. Recently, the 2017 list of the Most Beautiful Ancient Village has been published, and whilst Zhejiang has 14 villages included, two of these are in Hangzhou. The two are Tonglu Shen’ao Village and Jiande Xinye Village, both of which boast picturesque scenery and strong culture.

Shen’ao Village, Tonglu County

Shen’ao Village is built over water which, in turn, gives it the most fascinating charm. Formed in the Ming Dynasty, it is named after the closed conduits deeply hidden underground known as Ao. Until now, the water has supplied generations of Shen’ao villagers and has cultivated many folks and customs. For example, the houses in the villages were specially distributed according to the local geomancy in Ming and Qing dynasties and the Republic era of China.

Here, it is as if time has been trapped in every corner of the village, from its old trees, quiet ponds, deep lanes to its antique temples and many dappled gray walls. All the pathways in the villages are paved with pebbles, leading tourists to an array of attractions.

Rambling along the old streets, you can easily see the vague traditional Chinese characters in the antique shop signs and the western-style balustrades on the second floors. There are several charming shops for you to reminisce the olden times, such as Memory of Republic era of China Coffee Bar and Yunxi Shen’aoli.

Flowers are also popular here, and even in winter you can witness many floral creations having been cultivated by the locals. The scenery here, addictive in many senses, adorns the village with both color and fragrance.
 
Address: Shen’ao Village, Jiangnan Town, Tonglu County
 

Xinye Ancient Village, Jiande City

Originally built during the period of Emperor Jiading in Southern Song Dynasty, Xinye Ancient Village is a typical village of Jiangnan style and still preserves 16 ancient ancestral halls and temples, and more than 200 ancient residences. Thus, it is reputed as the open museum of Chinese architecture of Ming and Qing dynasties both at home and abroad.

There is profound knowledge in the distribution of the houses here. The houses, which are high and closed, are scattered according to the five Chinese elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth) and nine palaces. Therefore, the narrow lanes connecting families are extended in all directions, making the village an organic and orderly maze. In other words, you don’t have to worry about losing your way. Or, if you do, according to the villagers you can always find your way along the river.

Apart from the distribution of the houses, Tuanyun Tower is another monument that helps to trace the village’s traditional culture. It is a geomantic tower that is usually seen in the south, and it gets its name from a traditional book, containing the best wishes for posterity.

Spring is the best season for the ancient village, as this is when the golden rape flower blooms across acres of field embracing the surrounding black architecture with several farmers.
 
Address: Xinye Ancient Village, Daciyan Town, Jiande City
 

Other villages of Zhejiang on the list:
a.Shantouxia Village in Fucun Town, Jinhua
b. Siping Village in Tangxi Town, Wucheng District, Jinhua
c. Sanmenyuan Village in Longyou County
d. Xujia Mountain Village in Ninghai County
e. Daji Village in Songyuan Town, Qingyuan County
f. Zhuoxie Village in Jidong Town, Shaoxing
g. Guodong Village in Wuyang Town, Wuyi County
h. Yuyuan Village in Wuyi County
i. Gaoqian Village in Baita (White Tower) Town, Xianju City
j. Yubei Village in Yantan Town, Yongjia County
k. Houwu Village in Qiancang Town, and Yongkang City