Nanxun! I regret coming so late! A millennium-old town that's permanently free of charge.
Nanxun, this hidden pearl of the Jiangnan water towns, is like a gentle poem, a slowly unfolding ink painting, quietly telling stories of a thousand years.
Stepping into Nanxun is like stepping back in time. The gently flowing river is the lifeblood of the ancient town. Its clear waters reflect the ancient buildings and swaying green trees on both banks. Covered boats glide slowly by, their oars stirring ripples, and the creaking sound of the oarlocks is the most moving melody of the water town.
Nanxun not only boasts gentle water town scenery but also a profound cultural heritage. The Jiayetang Library, once one of the four major libraries in Jiangnan, houses countless precious books. Strolling through it, the faint scent of ink fills the air, as if you can hear the echoes of history and feel the respect and dedication of our ancestors to knowledge.
This is also a place where many famous people were born. Zhang Jingjiang, a remarkable figure of the Republic of China, and Zhang Shiming, one of the founders of the Xiling Seal Society... They all came from Nanxun and left their mark in different fields, imbuing Nanxun with a spirit of resilience, openness, and inclusivity.
As night falls and the lights come on, Nanxun takes on another charming face. The lights reflected in the river create a dreamlike scene, as if the Milky Way has fallen to earth. At this time, find a riverside teahouse, savor a cup of fragrant tea, watch the passing boats, and feel the tranquility and beauty of the ancient town at night. It's both comfortable and relaxing.
Nanxun doesn't have the hustle and bustle of a big city, but it has the tranquility and warmth that can soothe the soul. It's a treasure precipitated by time, waiting for every destined person to unveil its mysterious veil, listen to its stories, and immerse themselves in its gentle water town dream. I thought Wuzhen was beautiful enough, until I visited Nanxun Ancient Town.
Location📍: Nanxun Ancient Town
Navigation🧭: 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
Transportation🚉
🚄: High-speed rail directly to "Huzhou Nanxun Station," a 1️⃣5️⃣-minute taxi ride to Nanxun Ancient Town (South Gate).
🚗: Self-driving, navigate to "Nanxun Ancient Town No. 1 Ground Parking Lot," capped at 25r for 12h, 35r for 24h (If Parking Lot No. 1 is full, you can navigate to Parking Lot No. 3, the price is similar, but the tour route needs to be changed).
Recommended Attractions🏠:
📍Xiaolianzhuang|Tickets🎫25r
The private garden of Liu Yong, the head of the "Four Elephants" in the late Qing Dynasty, features an imperial archway, plaques, and a stele gallery. The scenery in the garden is beautiful, and you can also appreciate the exquisite layout of Jiangnan gardens. It's a great place for taking photos.
📍Zhang Shiming's Former Residence|Tickets🎫20r
Known as the "Grandest Mansion in Jiangnan," the architecture blends traditional Jiangnan style with European style. The brick, wood, stone, and glass carvings are known as the "Four Wonders." Here, you can experience the beauty of the collision of different cultures.
📍Baijianlou|Free
Legend has it that it was built by Dong Fen, Minister of Rites during the Ming Dynasty. Built along the river, with white walls and black tiles, it has the charm of a typical Jiangnan water town. It's even more beautiful at sunset! Highly recommended‼️
🍜 【Food Recommendations】
🔥 Zhuangyuanlou: Double-Crossing Noodles + Fried Eel Noodles, freshly stir-fried toppings with a smoky flavor.
🔥 Wushilin Pastry: Dingsheng Cake, steamed and sold fresh, the rose filling is amazing.
🔥 Guanye Sugar Water Shop: Peach Gum Coconut Milk Pudding + Sweet Fermented Rice Balls with Osmanthus.
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Tour Route🗺️:
Enter from the South Gate: Xiaolianzhuang➡️Jiayetang Library➡️Zhang Shiming's Former Residence➡️Liu's Ladder House➡️Shizi Port Pier⛵️Take the water bus➡️Silk Pier➡️Baijianlou🔚
Water Bus⛴️: 9:00-16:00, 🎫3r/person
"If you ask where Jiangnan is, follow the south road to Nanxun."
Take advantage of the off-season in Nanxun Ancient Town when there are fewer people.