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Anchang Ancient Town in Shaoxing. [Photo/Shaoxing News]

Anchang Ancient Town in Keqiao district of Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, has been selected as one of the first 100 Beautiful China Check-in Spots, a list unveiled at the 2026 China Ecological Culture Forum in Guangzhou.

Dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127), Anchang is one of Shaoxing's four famous ancient towns. Renowned for its picturesque canals, traditional residences, stone bridges, and centuries-old workshops, the town embodies the charm of a classic Jiangnan water town. Black-awning boats glide along the waterways, while the aroma of locally made cured meat fills the narrow lanes, creating a unique blend of heritage and everyday life.

In recent years, Anchang has embraced a development philosophy centered on ecological conservation, cultural preservation, and tourism innovation. The town has strengthened river and environmental management while revitalizing old factories and warehouses into creative cultural spaces. A newly developed tourism hub, Anchangli, now offers visitors cultural experiences, leisure activities, and modern amenities within a historic setting.

Anchang is also known for preserving local traditions. Its annual Winter Flavor Festival showcases hanging sausages and cured ducks, traditional temple fairs, folk customs, and traditional performances. Distinctive water-town weddings and local opera performances further enrich the visitor experience.

The new recognition highlights Anchang's success in integrating ecological protection with cultural and tourism development, ensuring that its thousand-year-old heritage continues to thrive in the modern era.