A Serendipitous Encounter with Nanxun Ancient Town: One-Day Itinerary

Nanxun Ancient Town, located in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, is one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan with over 750 years of history. Renowned for its water-town charm, fusion of Chinese and Western architecture, and rich cultural heritage, here’s a detailed travel guide to help you explore Nanxun! ❤️ 📍 **1. Basic Info** - **Address**: No. 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang - **Opening Hours**: - Summer (Apr–Oct): 8:00 AM–5:00 PM - Winter (Nov–Mar): 8:00 AM–4:30 PM - **🎫 Tickets**: - Combo Ticket: ~¥95 (includes Xiaolianzhuang, Jiaye Library, Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence, etc.) - Night Ticket (after 5:00 PM): Free entry to some areas, but attractions close. 📍 **2. Transportation** - **🚗 Drive**: ~1.5–2 hours from Hangzhou/Shanghai. Navigate to “Nanxun Ancient Town Parking” (¥10–20/day). - **🚌 Public Transport**: - **🚅 High-Speed Rail**: Take to “Huzhou Station,” then transfer to Bus 101 to Nanxun (~1.5 hours). - **Bus**: Direct buses from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, etc. 📍📍 **3. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Xiaolianzhuang**: Private garden of Nanxun’s wealthiest family, Liu Yong. Best in summer with blooming lotuses, blending Jiangnan and Western styles. 2. **Jiaye Library**: Largest private library in modern China, ideal for culture lovers. 3. **Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence**: “No.1 Mansion in Jiangnan,” featuring lavish Sino-Western architecture with ballrooms and Roman columns. 4. **Baijian Lou**: Free-access Ming-Qing riverside houses, perfect for sunrise/sunset photos. 5. **Liu’s Ladder House (Red House)**: Stunning contrast of European red-brick and Jiangnan styles, great for photos. **4. Unique Experiences** - **Gondola Night Cruise**: ~¥50/person at dusk to admire lights and reflections. - **Water-Town Wedding Show**: Traditional performances during holidays (check schedule). - **Handicrafts**: Try making Huzhou brushes or Jili silk-reeling. **5. Food Recs** - **Must-Try Snacks**: - **Shuangjiao Noodles**: Fish + braised pork toppings (try at “Zhuangyuan Lou”). - **Xunti**: Braised pork trotters, tender and flavorful. - **Dingsheng Cake**: Pink rice cake symbolizing luck. - **Xundou Tea**: Local savory tea. - **Restaurants**: - **Changxingguan**: Old-school spot for steamed white fish and bamboo shoots. - **Xiaoxiao Restaurant**: Budget-friendly homestyle dishes. 💒 **6. Stay Options** - **Boutique Inns**: - **Shangyuge Chenxiang Inn**: Riverside courtyard with antique charm. - **Lixiang Sanxun Inn**: Artsy vibe, photogenic. - **Hotels Outside Town**: E.g., Nanxun Giant Narada Hotel (10-min walk to town). **7. Itinerary Ideas** - **Day Trip**: Xiaolianzhuang → Jiaye Library → Zhang’s Residence → Lunch (Shuangjiao Noodles) → Baijian Lou → Red House → Night Cruise. - **📍 2-Day Trip**: - **Day 1**: Main sights + overnight in town. - **Day 2**: Digang Ancient Village (20-min drive, free rustic water town). **8. Tips** 1. Wear comfy shoes for uneven stone paths. 2. Bring mosquito repellent in summer. 3. Combo tickets valid for one day—arrive early. 4. Avoid crowds on holidays. Less commercialized, Nanxun is perfect for those seeking tranquility. Stroll slowly and savor the poetic vibe: “Under Baijian Lou, water murmurs—I was born to dwell in Jiangnan.” ❤️❗️