Nanxun Ancient Town is a book that can never be finished reading.

Nanxun Ancient Town is a book, one that everyone wishes to read but can never complete. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, China's first modern town, and a national 5A-level scenic area, Nanxun Ancient Town in Huzhou offers countless stories. During my visit, I was particularly intrigued by the following highlights—are you curious too? 1. **Founding of Nanxun Ancient Town** Established in 1252 during the Southern Song Dynasty, the town was initially named "Xunxi" due to its riverside location. By the reign of Emperor Lizong (1225–1264), records described it as "a prosperous settlement south of the river, renowned for its agriculture and silk." As commerce flourished in the southern area, it became known as "Nanlin." In 1252, the town was officially named "Nanxun," combining the first characters of "Nanlin" and "Xunxi," and a town magistrate was appointed. 2. **Rise as a Commercial Hub** From the Ming Wanli era (1573–1620) to the Qing Kangxi and Qianlong periods, Nanxun grew into a vital commercial center in Jiangnan. Its famed "Jili Silk" gained international acclaim, transported via waterways and boosting trade. With Shanghai's opening as a treaty port in the Qing Dynasty, Nanxun's raw silk exports surged, further cementing its economic prosperity. 3. **Geographical Advantages** - **Water Network**: Nestled in the heart of the Hangjiahu Plain, Nanxun's crisscrossing rivers facilitated transportation, trade, and daily life, making it a key commercial hub. - **Transport Hub**: Bordering Suzhou's Wujiang District and close to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, its strategic location fostered cultural and economic exchanges. - **Flat Terrain**: The low-lying, even landscape supported expansive architecture and agriculture, laying a natural foundation for development. 4. **Baijianlou: Past, Present, and Future** - **Origins**: Built by Ming Dynasty official Dong Fen for his servants, Baijianlou ("Hundred Rooms") stretches along the river with over 100 chambers. Some attribute its expansion to Dong's grandson during the Wanli era. - **Today**: The well-preserved Ming-Qing structures feature white walls, black tiles, and intricate carvings, reflecting a classic water-town charm. Nearby shops and teahouses attract tourists. - **Future**: Enhanced preservation and tourism planning aim to maintain its historical essence while boosting local economy and culture. 5. **Notable Figures and Legacies** - **Liu Yong**: A rags-to-riches silk merchant, Liu became Nanxun's wealthiest "Four Elephants" magnate, funding public works and philanthropy. - **Zhang Jingjiang**: A revolutionary and industrialist, Zhang backed Sun Yat-sen's campaigns and invested in modernization. His family's Xiaolianzhuang Garden remains a key attraction. - **Pang Yuanji**: An industrialist and art collector, Pang's "Xuzhai" collection houses national treasures, enriching China's cultural heritage. Their entrepreneurial spirit, epitomized by the "Four Elephants and Eight Bulls," remains a timeless legacy for Nanxun's modern development. 6. **Balancing Preservation and Growth** My visit revealed stronger progress in "development within preservation" than vice versa. To build a tourism powerhouse, Nanxun should: - Prioritize meticulous restoration of key areas, balancing grandeur with detail. - Standardize hotels and homestays, creating a unique lodging culture that enhances the town's charm. - Add guided signage at major intersections to improve visitor navigation. 7. **Exploring and Staying in Nanxun** For the best experience, focus on the two ends—Xiaolianzhuang (south) and Baijianlou (north)—while savoring the central district's tales. At night, Baijianlou's illuminated canals, clinking glasses, and boat rides create unforgettable moments. For stays, the **Sanjuke Baijianlou Riverside House** stands out—flawless amenities, easy parking, and steps from the iconic Lianjie Bridge. Nanxun’s story continues to unfold, page by page.