千燈古鎮

Gazing upon Qiantan Old Town, one can almost hear the echoes of millennia past. Neolithic artifacts unearthed from nearby Shaoshan Mountain reveal human activity here dating back four to five thousand years. Fast forward to 221 BC, during the Qin Dynasty, and this area became part of the Kuaiji Commandery. Centuries later, in 507 AD, under the Liang Dynasty, Kuaiji transformed into the Xin’an Prefecture, further solidifying Qiantan’s place in history. Jump ahead to the Song Dynasty, specifically 1217. Qiantan fell under the jurisdiction of both Songjiang and Quanwu prefectures. This ancient town witnessed the ebb and flow of power, remaining under their control until the late Qing Dynasty. The winds of change swept through Qiantan in 1910, during the late Qing Dynasty, when the Nantang Township was established. This marked a shift from ancient commanderies and prefectures to a more modern administrative system. Years later, in 1928, Nantang Township was officially designated as Nantang Town, reflecting its growing importance. But the story of Qiantan doesn’t end there. Amidst political and administrative changes, Nantang Town persevered. In 1938, it reverted back to Nantang Township during the Republic of China era. Then, in 1941, it regained its town status. These shifts reflect the turbulent times China faced during this period. Finally, in 1966, Nantang Town was renamed Qiantan Town, the name it proudly bears today. Qiantan Old Town stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this historic place. From Neolithic settlements to modern times, it has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the evolution of administrative systems, and the resilience of its people. Qiantan Old Town is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a living embodiment of Chinese history.