Nanxun (南浔, Pinyin: Nánxún, south of the Xun river) is a small town in the Chinese province of Zhejiang. It's known for its ancient water town but not as crowded as the water towns like Tongli or Zhujiajiao that are mostly visited by travellers from Shanghai or Suzhou.
Nanxun Ancient Town, a more tranquil and vibrant water town in Jiangnan than Wuzhen, is renowned as "one cannot know Jiangnan until one visits Nanxun." There is no over-commercialization here, preserving the most authentic "small bridge and flowing stream" scenery.
The town's prosperity dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when it grew into a major silk production and trading center. Merchants amassed great wealth by selling the renowned “Jili Silk” via the extensive canal network, making Nanxun one of the wealthiest towns in the region. This legacy is reflected in its exquisite blend of Eastern and Western architecture, funded by successful silk merchants.
Key to its development was its strategic location within the intricate water network of the Yangtze River Delta. Situated at a confluence near Suzhou, Jiaxing, and Huzhou, and connected to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, water transport was the lifeblood of its commerce and daily life. The fertile land also supported mulberry cultivation and sericulture (silkworm raising), forming the foundation of its silk industry.
In the modern era, Nanxun's significance was such that it was once considered for designation as a city during the Republican period.
Nanxun's history can be traced back to the Southern Song Dynasty. Named "Nanxun" because of its proximity to the Xunxi River and its concentration of merchants, it flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During this period, Nanxun became the most important silk production and trading center in the country thanks to its high-quality "Jili Lake Silk," giving rise to a wealthy merchant group represented by the "Four Elephants, Eight Oxen, and Seventy-Two Golden Dogs." These silk magnates used their wealth to build their homes, creating numerous exquisite residences, gardens, and public facilities within the ancient town of Nanxun, and incorporating Western architectural elements to form a unique cultural landscape.
Compared to other water towns like Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, Nanxun is characterized by its tranquility and elegance, a relatively low commercial atmosphere, and extremely rich cultural connotations in its gardens and mansions.
The next airport with many connections is Hangzhou. The next international hub is Shanghai.
By train:
The town has no train station. The next station with fast trains is in Huzhou approximately 50 kilometres away. You can go there by bus or taxi.
By bus:
Most tourists will arrive in Nanxun by bus. The 30.887052120.4223981bus station is situated north of the river near the town center. The short ride with the auto-ricksaw (嘟嘟車) costs ¥10. There are busses from all surrounding bigger cities like Suzhou (¥25), Huzhou or Hangzhou (¥10).
By car:
Nanxun is easily accessible by car, situated at the intersection of several expressways: the G50 Huyu Expressway, S12 Shenjiahu Expressway, G25 Changshen Expressway (Hangzhou-Nanjing section), and S9 Su-Tai Expressway. Navigate to the "Nanxun Ancient Town South Gate Parking Lot" for direct access. The drive from Shanghai,Suzhou, or Hangzhou takes about 1.5-2 hours.
30.876836120.4266521Guanghuigong-Temple (广惠宫) (besides the Guanghui bridge). Taoist temple (updated May 2017)
This image showcases the exterior of Guanghui Palace, and visitors can get a general idea of it through this photo. This image showcases the exterior of Guanghui Palace, and visitors can get a general idea of it through this photo.The Guanghui Palace was built during the Zhiping period of the Northern Song Dynasty, approximately between 1065 and 1067, and has a history of over nine hundred years. It is one of the earliest Taoist palace temples in Nanxun. It was originally called the "Guanghui Shrine" and primarily worshipped the City God. After multiple renovations during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it gradually integrated into both Buddhist and Daoist cultures and became one of the most important faith centers in the ancient town.
30.871944120.4230562Jiaye Library (嘉业堂藏书楼). (updated May 2017)
The largest private library of modern China, constructed by the wealthy silk merchant Liu Chenggan. It is renowned for its vast collection of ancient books and its architectural significance. (updated May 2017)
This image showcases the interior of the Jiaye Tang Library, allowing visitors to get a general idea of what the legendary Jiaye Tang Library's interior looks like.
30.873443120.4265283Former Residence of Zhang Shiming (张石铭旧居). (updated May 2017)
A magnificent complex celebrated for seamlessly blending traditional Chinese courtyard architecture with ornate Western (particularly French) design elements, such as stained glass and fireplaces. It is often cited as a masterpiece of East-West architectural fusion in the region. (updated May 2017)
This image showcases the exterior of Zhang Shiming's former residence, allowing visitors to get a general idea of what it looks like. Its window design reflects the characteristics of contemporary dynasties.
30.875623120.4273894Former Residence of Liu Ansheng (刘氏梯号). (updated May 2017)
Commonly known as the “Red House” due to its exterior walls. It features a traditional Jiangnan-style facade while housing a European-style interior complete with Roman columns and a grand ballroom, showcasing the unique aesthetic of its era. (updated May 2017)
30.881974120.4290955Former Residence of Zhang Jingjiang (南浔张静江故居). (updated May 2017)
Also known as “Zunde Hall,” this residence was built in the late Qing Dynasty. It is significant as the former home of Zhang Jingjiang (1877–1950), a notable historical figure from Nanxun who played a role in early 20th-century China. The architecture itself reflects the era's style. (updated May 2017)
30.87464120.4262526Qiushuli Villa (求恕里). (updated May 2017)
A villa built in 1930 by Liu Chenggan, the owner of the famed Jiaye Library. Blending Eastern and Western architectural styles, it was named “Qiushuli” (“Seeking Forgiveness”) to reflect Liu's scholarly and reclusive philosophy. (updated May 2017)
30.876203120.4258427Jili Natural Silk Exhibition Hall (南浔商会旧址). (updated May 2017)
Housed in a representative early modern building that once served as the Nanxun Chamber of Commerce. The exhibition hall is dedicated to the history of Nanxun's most famous product, Jili Silk, which brought immense wealth and international renown to the town. (updated May 2017)
30.883995120.4263098Baijian Lou Houses (百间楼). (updated May 2017)
A well-preserved riverside residential complex dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties, representing classic Jiangnan water town architecture. The area is particularly picturesque at night when the buildings and lanterns are reflected in the water. (updated May 2017)
30.880278120.4255569Tongjin Bridge (通津桥). (updated Jun 2017)
A historic stone bridge with origins in the Song Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing periods, it was the bustling commercial heart of the Nanxun silk trade, with shops lining its banks. (updated Jun 2017)
30.881111120.42805610Hongji Bridge (洪济桥). (updated Jun 2017)
A single-arch stone bridge built in the Qing Dynasty. Notable architectural features include its “Wu Wang Lei” style railings. Sections of the railing bear cement repairs from damage sustained in 1937, preserved as historical testament. (updated Jun 2017)
30.876667120.42611111Guanghui Bridge (广惠桥). (updated Jun 2017)
Also known as “Zhangwang Temple Bridge.” A stone arch bridge with uncertain origins; the present structure dates from a 1866 reconstruction. It is associated with a local legend involving the late-Yuan rebel leader Zhang Shicheng. The bridge is a protected cultural relic of Huzhou City. (updated Jun 2017)Broad Prosperity Bridge
30.8692120.429512Little Lotus Garden (Xiao Lian Zhuang) (小莲庄). (updated Jun 2017)
Xiaolianzhuang is the most worthwhile private garden in Nanxun Ancient Town, renowned as the "First Private Garden in Jiangnan." It was originally a private garden developed by the Liu Yong family, the richest man in Nanxun during the late Qing dynasty, but it served not just as a garden, but also as a family temple, righteousness estate, and library. Walking in, you can clearly sense that "wealthy yet refined" demeanor: it exudes both the confidence of a businessman and the grace of a gentleman. Garden layout: A pool of lotus flowers, a garden of artificial hills, harmoniously blending movement and tranquilityLittle Lotus VillageThe core design of Xiaolianzhuang is simple yet classic—centered around a pool of lotus flowers, it forms two parts: the outer garden and the inner garden, each with its own unique flavor. The outer garden is spacious and serene, with lotus leaves spreading a fragrant aroma; the inner garden features artificial mountains and winding paths that lead to seclusion, more akin to a small paradise favored by scholars. Walking around, you'll feel that the aesthetic of "rich but not vulgar" is just right here.
The Hundred Houses in the morning and the ancient town illuminated at night offer two distinctly different beauties. The ancient town is quiet at night, with the lights reflected in the water, creating a unique charm.
Take a Rowboat Ride:
A classic way to experience the charm of a water town is to ride a hand-rowed wooden boat through the ancient town's waterways and listen to the boatwomen humming folk songs.
Visit a Silk Workshop:
Learn about the production process of Jili silk and purchase authentic silk products.
Enjoy Tea and Pingtan:
Find a riverside teahouse, brew a cup of Huzhou green tea, and listen to the traditional Jiangnan storytelling performance.
Nanxun has several distinctive cultural and creative shops:
Nanxun Special Cultural and Creative Produc
Cat's Sky City: A well-known concept bookstore and cafe located in a riverside wooden cottage on Nanxi Street. It is popular for its postcards and the “Letter to the Future” service, where you can write a postcard to be mailed at a designated later date. The shop also sells Nanxun-themed stationery and souvenirs.
Special Cultural and Creative Products
FLOATREE: Located on Dong Street near the East Gate, this store is a haven for stamp and postcard collectors. It offers a variety of postcards featuring elements of the ancient town, many with exclusive stamps. The second floor serves coffee and tea with a view of the passing boats.
Yuli: A small cultural shop tucked away at No. 82, Hedong Street in the Baijian Lou area. It is noted for its collection of creative stamps depicting local scenes like “Tongjin Bridge at Sunrise” and its hand-written postcards.
• Nanxun Braised Pork Knuckle: Glossy and reddish-brown, tender and flavorful, it's the local specialty.
• Embroidered Brocade: A type of green vegetable unique to Nanxun, with a soft, sweet, and savory texture.
• Stinky Tofu: Unlike Changsha stinky tofu, Nanxun's is crispier, with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Double-Topping Noodles: A soup noodle dish topped with crispy pork and fried fish, featuring a flavorful broth and chewy noodles.
• Steamed Whitebait: A specialty of Taihu Lake, with delicate and delicious flesh.
• Dining Locations: There are many restaurants along the river in the ancient town, allowing you to dine while enjoying the scenery. Near Baijianlou, there are also many small restaurants frequented by locals, offering more affordable prices.
McGee Milk Company is a new tea beverage brand specializing in "new Chinese sugary drinks." It's actually not about selling milk itself, but about building on it and adding various fresh ingredients every day to make healthier, lower-sugar sugary drinks. The overall style retains the comfortable taste of traditional sugary drinks while introducing a lighter, more contemporary category.
30.87918120.4165721Volks Mehood Hotel (沃克斯美豪酒店), NO.1, Zhenxun Rd, Nanxun District, 313000 Huzhou, ☏ +86 139 49614920. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: up to 17:00. from €50. (updated Jun 2017)
30.872296120.4272612Yuemutang Villa Hotel (南浔悦木堂别墅酒店), West Str., Nanxun, Huzhou, ☏ +86 572 2900117. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. from €80. (updated Jun 2017)
30.876413120.4271863Shangyuge Eaglewood Hot Spring Hotel (赏玉阁温泉会所), No.100, South East St, Nanxun, Huzhou, 313009, ☏ +86 572 3018000. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. from €150. (updated Jun 2017)
Wuzhen: Located about 30 kilometers east, it is one of China's most famous and well-developed ancient water towns, divided into East Gate and West Gate.
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