13 Minutes to Unlock the Jiangnan Ancient Town with Lively Charm!

🚄 Transportation Guide High-speed Rail: Hangzhou → Deqing Station (13 minutes), then take Bus 202 for a 1-hour direct ride to the ancient town. Self-drive: About 1.5 hours from Hangzhou/Shanghai. Navigate to "Xinshi Ancient Town Parking Lot." Free Shuttle: Xinshi Ancient Town Holiday Hotel offers paid pick-up/drop-off service from Deqing Station (reservation required). 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations International Flair: Xinshi Ancient Town Holiday Hotel (IHG brand, canal-view rooms + family rooms). Local Charm: Juehaiyu Homestay (riverside carved wooden beds, lulled by flowing water at night). 🍜 Must-Try Food List Tea Cake: Guangfuzhai’s meat filling (locals’ favorite) / Tongde Tea Cake’s red bean filling (tourist version). Lamb Noodles: Old shop at Xiantan Market (signature red-broth lamb + yellow wine pairing). Plum Blossom Cake: Ling Aniang’s (CCTV-recommended, crispy outside, chewy inside). Duck Noodles: Huangmao Duck Noodles (rich broth, generous toppings). 📅 Itinerary Day 1 Morning: Arrive by high-speed rail → bus to ancient town → Guangfu Bridge for retro waterside photos. Noon: Xiantan Market lamb noodles + tea cake combo. Afternoon: Wupeng boat ride at Xihekou (¥30/person), pray at Juehai Temple. Evening: Cat café at Penguin Coffee, lantern-lit canal stroll. Day 2 Dawn: Teahouse street for Pingtan storytelling, savor slow living. Morning: Shen Quan’s former residence + Folk Art Museum (free entry). Afternoon: Short trip to Moganshan (40-minute drive, summer retreat). 💡 Tips Outfit Tip: Hanfu outfits = ultra-photogenic! Pitfall Alert: Some exhibits charge separately—check opening hours in advance.