Compared to Wuzhen, Jiaxing's free and lesser-known ancient town fascinates me more|||

|||. Shendang Ancient Town: A lesser-known gem in Yu Hua's writings, surpassing the tranquility of Wuzhen Among the many ancient towns in the Jiangnan water town region, Shendang Ancient Town may not be as famous as Wuzhen or Nanxun, but it has quietly become a haven for literature lovers with its unique charm. This is the birthplace of stories in Yu Hua's writings, and every scene here seems to have walked out of his literary map, carrying a faint sadness and warm joy. Following the footsteps of the 'Careless Puppy,' we stepped into this story-filled town, with our first stop being the Victory Restaurant. Located on Benhu West Road in Shendang Town, Haiyan County, unlike the restaurant of the same name on Beida Street, this place holds the warm memory of a plate of fried pig liver and two taels of warm yellow wine after Xu Sanguan sold his blood. Convenient transportation, easy to reach Whether driving from Hangzhou, which takes only 1.5 hours, or taking a high-speed train to Jiaxing South Station and then transferring to a taxi, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the Victory Restaurant and Shendang Ancient Town, making them so accessible. Shendang Ancient Town: Every step is a scene, every scene is a story Shendang Old Street: Stepping on the bluestone road, the Ming and Qing style buildings on both sides come into view. The shops sell handicrafts and authentic food, making one feel as if they have traveled back to the world in Yu Hua's writings. Victory Restaurant: Relive Xu Sanguan's story, order a plate of fried pig liver and two taels of yellow wine, and feel that simple yet profound satisfaction. Xuanhu Tang Cafe: Across the bridge, under the big camphor tree, a special 'soy sauce latte' makes the afternoon time particularly quiet and pleasant. Explore more, discover the beauty of the ancient town Shendang Clock Shop: With over sixty years of history, this is the 'timekeeper' of the ancient town. Guan Sauce Garden: The aroma of yellow wine seems to linger in the air, and the soy sauce drying in the big jars reminds one of Xu Sanguan tasting wine. Shendang Granary: The rebirth of the old granary, now a bookstore and cafe, and perhaps a bar in the future, is an excellent spot for taking photos. Exciting surroundings of Haiyan Haiyan Windmill: On summer evenings, the sea breeze gently blows, and the windmill dances with the sea, making sea-chasing fun endless. Nanbei Lake: Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea on one side, hiking, camping, and climbing allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of mountains, sea, and lake. Qiyuan: A classical garden hidden in the city, once a filming location for 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' poetic and picturesque, making people intoxicated. Guanhai Garden: At sunrise, the sea and sky are one, and the orange-red light spreads across the sea, an unmissable beautiful moment in Haiyan. Shendang Ancient Town, a place where one can forget the hustle and bustle, immersed in the intertwining of literature and scenery. Here, you can find your own peace and joy, experiencing a unique journey that surpasses Wuzhen.