"Like an Arcadian ancient village"

In this ancient village, one will discover a world frozen in time. The houses of Shishe Village stand proudly against the backdrop of towering mountains, silently guarding the memories of yesteryears. From afar, the village resembles an ink painting, blending seamlessly with towering trees, clear streams, and lush valleys. Immersed in this setting, one feels as if they have stepped into a utopian paradise. Shishe Village in Tonglu, Hangzhou, is an ancient settlement with a long history that can be traced back 400 years. In the early years, the area was rich in distinctive stones, which the local villagers utilized to build stone houses in the mountainous region, taking advantage of the abundant resources. These stone houses are not only unique in appearance but also effectively resist natural disasters such as landslides and mudflows. Hence, the village was named Shishe Village. The natural environment surrounding Shishe Village is exceptionally beautiful. Encircled by mountains on three sides and water on all four, the verdant hills, clear waters, ancient trees, and bamboo add to the village's rustic charm. These advantageous factors also provide the village with a natural barrier. Upon entering Shishe Village, you will be captivated by the ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These old structures are an important feature of Shishe Village, exuding a charm of simplicity and solemnity. The Houzai Hall, Jinyi Hall, and Cunren Hall stand majestically, forming the Shishe ancient architectural complex with a total area of over 3000 square meters. They stand steadfast in the heart of the village. As witnesses of time, they still maintain their intact appearance, embodying the vicissitudes of history and are precious heritage of local culture. Through the thick stone walls of Houzai Hall, you can feel the solemnity and nobility of the ancient family. Jinyi Hall radiates a brilliant glow, as if narrating glorious stories of the past, while the tranquil atmosphere of Cunren Hall immerses one in peace and contemplation. No matter how many years these buildings have weathered, they still stand tall, witnessing the changes of history. Strolling among the ancient buildings of Shishe, one can imagine the grandeur of the past. These ancient buildings carry the memory of Shishe Village and are the embodiment of people's inheritance and promotion of traditional culture. Travel tip: It is recommended to take a walk along the river, with green mountains and waters on one side, and exquisite shops and homestays on the other. You can also visit the ancient Ma Ling trail across the river, from where you can see the panoramic view of the entire village. In summer, you can play in the water under the bridge. Food recommendation: Grey Soup Zongzi is a traditional delicacy of Shishe Village. Its uniqueness lies in its grey-black color after cooking, hence the name "Grey Soup Zongzi". The Zongzi has a soft and delicate texture. During the preparation of Grey Soup Zongzi, a special step is required where the glutinous rice is soaked in straw ash water, giving the Zongzi its grey-black appearance. This unique cooking method endows the Zongzi with a distinctive appearance and taste. Transportation guide: Self-driving navigation address: Shishe Village, Admission: Free, Public transportation: There are buses from the high-speed rail station directly to Shishe Village at 10:40, 13:40, and 16:30 daily.