Free and Fascinating Nanxun Ancient Town - A Hidden Gem in Jiangnan

📍 Location 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province Nanxun Ancient Town is a National Historic and Cultural Town, famous for its watertown scenery and Chinese-Western fusion architecture. It's renowned as one of the "Six Great Ancient Towns of Jiangnan." 🚗 Transportation Guide 1. By Car - From Nanjing: Take Ning-Hang Expressway or Hu-Yu Expressway, then transfer to Shen-Jia-Hu Expressway. About 2.5 hours. - From Hangzhou/Shanghai: Take Hu-Hang Expressway or Hu-Su-Hu Expressway. About 1.5 hours. - Parking lots: Multiple parking lots near town entrance, approximately CNY 10/day. 2. By High-Speed Rail + Bus - Nanjing South Station → Huzhou Station (1 hour by high-speed rail), then Bus 101 to Nanxun Ancient Town (1.5 hours). - Shanghai Hongqiao Station → Huzhou Nanxun Station (30 minutes via Hu-Su-Hu high-speed rail), then taxi or bus to scenic area. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Hundred-Room Building Complex - Ming-Qing dynasty buildings along the river, featuring white walls, black tiles, and Western-style carved windows. Perfect for morning or sunset walks. 2. Little Lotus Villa - Private garden of Liu Yong, Nanxun's wealthiest resident. Famous for lotus ponds, pavilions, and library. Most stunning during summer lotus blooming season. 3. Zhang Shiming's Former Residence - "Jiangnan's Greatest Mansion" combining Chinese and Western styles, featuring Chinese courtyards and European ballrooms with exquisite brick and wood carvings. 4. Jiaye Hall Library - Modern China's largest private library, housing 160,000 ancient books with rich cultural heritage. 5. Liu's Mansion - Roman-style red brick building meets traditional Chinese architecture, featuring beautiful interior carvings. Great for photos. 🎟️ Tickets - Town entrance: Free (2025 latest policy) - Attraction combo ticket: Around CNY 70 (includes Little Lotus Villa, Jiaye Hall, Zhang Shiming's Former Residence) - Traditional boat ride: CNY 60-150 per boat (price varies by route length) 💗 Additional Tips 1. Food Recommendations - Xun Braised Pork Knuckle: Century-old recipe with tender meat - Double-Topped Noodles: Smoked fish and crispy pork toppings in savory broth - Xiuhua Greens: Nanxun's special vegetable with fresh taste - Dingsheng Cake: Traditional glutinous rice dessert symbolizing good fortune 2. Accommodation - In-town guesthouses: Hundred-Room Inn, Lotus Villa Inn for authentic watertown experience - Upscale hotels: Nanxun Ancient Town Hotel with complete facilities and convenient location 3. Visit Duration - Best season: Spring-Summer (April-June) for lotus blooms; Fall-Winter for fewer tourists - Recommended stay: Minimum 1 day, overnight stay recommended for night views and peaceful morning 4. Important Notes - Summer: Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent - Winter: Pack warm clothing - Wear comfortable flat shoes for uneven stone paths - Some historic houses require separate tickets; plan combo ticket route in advance 🌟 Special Experiences - Night tour: Enchanting watertown night views, riverside dining, or evening boat rides - Handicraft experiences: Watch Hu brush making or silk cocoon painting, shop for silk products and traditional fans