Nanxun Ancient Town | The Poetic Charm and Liveliness of Jiangnan Water Town
| The Poetic Charm and Liveliness of Jiangnan Water Town. [Opening]:
"Jiangnan is so lovely, its scenery was once so familiar. At sunrise, river flowers bloom brighter than fire; in spring, river waters turn greener than blue. How can one not reminisce about Jiangnan?" Among the many ancient towns of Jiangnan, Nanxun Ancient Town shines like a hidden pearl, exuding unique charm. Today, follow this guide to explore Nanxun and experience its grace and poetry!
**Location**: Nanxun Ancient Town is located in Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Bordered by Taihu Lake to the north and adjacent to Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province to the east, it lies at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Its prime location endows it with the soft beauty of a Jiangnan water town while blending diverse cultural influences.
🌟 **Town Highlights**: With over 750 years of history, Nanxun Ancient Town is renowned for its "fusion of Chinese and Western architectural aesthetics" and rich merchant culture. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find not only the classic Jiangnan water town scenery—small bridges, flowing water, white walls, and black tiles—but also European-style buildings, reflecting Nanxun’s historical role as a commercial hub open to foreign influences. Strolling through the town feels like traveling through time, where the charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties meets traces of modern Western influences.
⛺ **Must-Visit Spots**:
1. **Baijian Lou**: Built over 400 years ago by Dong Fen, a Ming Dynasty Minister of Rites, for his female family members and servants, this riverside residential complex features rows of buildings along the river, connected by stone bridges. At dawn, mist shrouds the white-walled, black-tiled houses, creating a serene ink-wash painting; at night, red lanterns illuminate the scene, adding a romantic touch. Perfect for photography—every shot is postcard-worthy! Best of all, admission is free.
2. **Xiaolianzhuang (Little Lotus Manor)**: The private garden of Liu Yong, the wealthiest man in late Qing Dynasty, spans 27 acres. Named after the famous Lotus Manor of Zhao Mengfu, a renowned painter from Huzhou, it centers around a lotus pond surrounded by pavilions, rockeries, and towers. In summer, blooming lotuses sway gracefully against the backdrop of ancient architecture, making it an ideal spot for lotus viewing. Adjacent is the Jiaye Tang Library, the largest private library of modern China, housing 600,000 volumes (160,000 titles), including rare and unique editions. Admission: ¥25.
3. **Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence**: Dubbed the "Finest Residence in Jiangnan," this mansion belonged to Zhang Junheng, one of Nanxun’s four great bibliophiles in the late Qing and early Republic era. With over 240 rooms, it showcases exquisite artistry, folk architecture, and cultural relics. Its standout feature is the blend of Baroque and Chinese courtyard styles—floors, fireplaces, stained glass, and Corinthian columns reflect 18th-century European Baroque, while wood, brick, and stone carvings highlight traditional Chinese craftsmanship. The grand ballroom in the fourth courtyard, complete with a stage, dressing rooms, and imported French tiles, is a marvel. Admission: ¥20.
4. **Liu’s Ladder House (Red House)**: Built by Liu Tiqing, the third son of Liu Yong, this European-inspired red-brick mansion pairs Western architecture with Chinese gable walls. The backyard features bamboo-lined paths, creating a unique East-meets-West aesthetic perfect for neo-Chinese-style photography. Admission: ¥10.
5. **Yiyuan Light Show**: As night falls, Yiyuan Garden transforms into a dreamy spectacle with synchronized lights and music, casting its pavilions, ponds, and trees in dazzling colors.
6. **Tongjin Bridge Waterfall Light Show**: Lit up like a golden dragon spanning the river, Tongjin Bridge dazzles alongside a cascading waterfall that glows in vibrant hues, drawing crowds for its breathtaking display.
🛬 **Travel Tips**:
**Suggested Duration**: 1–2 days.
**1-Day Itinerary**:
- **Morning**: Enter from the South Gate, visit Xiaolianzhuang to admire lotus ponds and the French-style library, then explore Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence for its architectural fusion.
- **Afternoon**: Tour Liu’s Ladder House for photo ops, learn about silk culture at Jili Husiguan (Silk Museum), and visit Guanghui Palace, a millennia-old Taoist temple. End at Baijian Lou for waterfront views and a boat ride (optional). At night, enjoy the Yiyuan and Tongjin Bridge light shows.
**2-Day Itinerary**:
- **Day 1**: Architecture tour (Baijian Lou, Zhang Shiming’s Residence) + adrenaline (hot-air balloon/karting) + night market.
- **Day 2**: Hands-on experiences (Huzhou brush-making, silk dyeing) + film location exploration.
🏨 **Accommodation**:
1. **Baijian Lou Heritage Stays**: Sleep in Ming-era riverside homes (¥120–280/night).
2. **Waterfront B&Bs**: Like "Poetic Jiangnan Inn" or "Xunyi Homestay" (¥150–240/night).
3. **Modern Hotels**: "New Century Resort Nanxun" (¥790–990/night).
4. **Boutique Retreats**: "Jade Hot Spring Club" (book ahead) or "Liuyin Lu" (renovated mansion, ¥200–480/night).
🧡 **Tips**:
🍱 **Must-Try Foods**:
1. **Shuangjiao Noodles**: Signature dish with tender noodles, crispy pork, and fish in sweet broth.
2. **Xun Ti (Braised Pork)**: Slow-cooked in century-old marinade, melt-in-your-mouth.
3. **Three-Course Tea**: Symbolizing life’s stages—sweet, salty, and light.
4. **Dingsheng Cake**: Soft, sweet Huzhou pastry.
5. **Xiuhuajin (Local Greens)**: Unique to Nanxun, fresh and versatile.
6. **Qianzhang Bao**: Mini pork-stuffed bundles in savory broth.
🚗 **Transport**:
- **Train**: To Huzhou Station, then take a shuttle (50 mins) or taxi (¥50). From 2025, Shanghai visitors can take the Hushu High-Speed Rail to Nanxun Station + free shuttle.
- **Drive**: From Hangzhou (~1.5 hrs), park at South Gate (¥15/car, ¥20/bus).
- **Bus**: Huzhou city bus 101 (¥2) to the town.
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