I prefer this hidden ancient town in southern Anhui to Wuzhen!

I thought I had seen all the ancient towns in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, but I didn't expect southern Anhui to be more like a Jiangnan ink painting. Zhaji Ancient Town is hidden in Taohuatan Town, which is known for the "thousand-foot deep water" of Taohuatan (Peach Blossom Pool) in Li Bai's poem. It is one of the largest ancient residential complexes in China. Due to inconvenient transportation and underdeveloped commerce, it is more primitive than Hongcun. The ancient Hui-style buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties are well-preserved, and you can visit them all by walking along the stream. Zhaji is more suitable for those who like cultural exploration, and you will see many sketchers painting along the way. However, those who prefer well-developed ancient towns may find it boring. Whether the ticket is worth it depends on the individual. I am used to paying for tickets to large ancient towns in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, so I can understand the CNY 53 ticket price for Zhaji. The biggest drawback is the inconvenient transportation, so it is suitable for self-driving. During the off-season, the homestays in the ancient town cost just over CNY 100. For those who like to relax, enjoy a slow-paced life, and take photos of ancient buildings and culture, Zhaji is a good choice.