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.
Understand
[edit]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.
Climate
[edit]Nanxun has a classic Jiangnan water town climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with frequent rain, while winters are cold and damp. The most comfortable seasons are spring and autumn, especially April May and September-October, when temperatures are pleasant and the scenery is at its best. In summer (June-August), be prepared for heatstroke and the plum rain season; in winter (December-February), endure the damp and cold indoors without heating.
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Get in
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By plane
[edit]The nearest airport with many connections is Hangzhou. The next international hub is Shanghai.
By train
[edit]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
[edit]Most tourists will arrive in Nanxun by bus. The 1 bus 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
[edit]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 1.5-2 hours.
Get around
[edit]You can walk in town. The ancient water town is not too big. Auto-ricksaws are available as well (¥10 for a trip in town).
See
[edit]Temples
[edit]- 1 Guanghuigong Temple (Guanghui Palace, 广惠宫) (beside the Guanghui bridge). A Taoist temple that was built during the Northern Song Dynasty, around 1066 CE. It is one of the earliest Taoist palace temples in Nanxun. It was 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.
Buildings
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- 2 Jiaye Library (嘉业堂藏书楼). 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.
- 3 Former Residence of Zhang Shiming (张石铭旧居). 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.
- 4 Former Residence of Liu Ansheng (刘氏梯号). 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.
- 5 Former Residence of Zhang Jingjiang (南浔张静江故居). 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 reflects the era's style.
- 6 Qiushuli Villa (求恕里). 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.
- 7 Jili Natural Silk Exhibition Hall (南浔商会旧址). 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.
- 8 Baijianlou (百间楼) (along the river in the northeastern part of the ancient town (about a 10-minute walk from the main street of the ancient town along East Street)). Open all day. Baijianlou was built by Dong Fen, the Minister of Rites during the Ming Dynasty, as a riverside residence for his servants. It was named for its initial number of about one hundred rooms. The buildings meander along the river, with arcade style corridors, arched gates, and firewalls arranged in a harmonious and orderly manner. It is the best preserved and most vibrant water town area in Nanxun, especially suitable for morning or evening strolls and photography. Free admission.
- 9 Jiayetang Cangshulou (嘉业堂藏书楼), ☏ +86 572 3012123. 08:30-16:30, closed Mondays. A famous private library in modern China, built by Liu Chengan in 1920, renowned for its collection of rare and ancient books. The architecture is a blend of Chinese and Western styles, with gardens and rockeries outside. The layout of the library is well preserved, making it an important place to understand the book collecting culture of Nanxun. Included in the ancient town's combined ticket.
Bridges
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- 10 Tongjin Bridge (通津桥). 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.
- 11 Hongji Bridge (洪济桥). 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.
- 12 Guanghui Bridge (广惠桥). 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.
Parks and gardens
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- 13 Little Lotus Garden (Xiaolianzhuang) (小莲庄) (within the ancient town, within walking distance), ☏ +86 572 3012335. 08:00-17:00. It is the most worthwhile private garden in Nanxun Ancient Town, renowned as the "First Private Garden in Jiangnan." It was built as 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 tranquility. The 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.
Do
[edit]- 1 Nanxun Ancient Town Scenic Area (南浔古镇景区) (in the heart of the town (you can take bus routes 101 or 103 to Taian Road Station, walk about 500 m to enter the town; or take the free shuttle bus)), ☏ +86 572 301 6999 (for inquiries). The ancient town area is open 24 hours, with paid attractions open from 08:00 to 17:00 in summer and from 08:00 to 16:30 in winter. Nanxun Ancient Town is one of the six great ancient towns in Jiangnan, renowned as the "Land of Culture" and the "Hometown of Poetry and Books". The scenic area fully preserves the residences, gardens, streets, and water systems from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with major attractions including Xiaolianzhuang, Jiaye Tang Library, Zhang Shiming's old residence, and Liu Family Ladder. You can take a boat tour of the city river and experience the water town scenery.
- 2 Nanxun Night Tour and Boat Ride (南浔夜游与乘船) (at various wharves in the ancient town (main wharves are located near Guanghui Bridge and Xiaolianzhuang)). Night tour lighting hours: approximately 18:00-21:00; boat operation hours: 08:30-17:00 (night tours vary depending on the season).. Nanxun at night, illuminated by lights, possesses a unique charm, with the outlines of riverside buildings clearly visible and their reflections picturesque. You can take a hand rowed boat or an electric boat to cruise under the ancient bridges, experiencing a tranquility and poetic beauty different from the daytime. Daytime boat tickets are approximately ¥80 per boat (shared boats are possible), while nighttime boat prices are slightly higher.
Buy
[edit]Nanxun has several distinctive cultural and creative shops.
- 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.
- 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.
Eat
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Featured dishes
[edit]• 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.
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.
Drink
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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.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Volks Mehood Hotel (沃克斯美豪酒店), NO.1, Zhenxun Rd, Nanxun District, ☏ +86 139 49614920. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: up to 17:00. from €50.
- 2 Yuemutang Villa Hotel (南浔悦木堂别墅酒店), West Str., ☏ +86 572 2900117. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. from €80.
- 3 Shangyuge Eaglewood Hot Spring Hotel (赏玉阁温泉会所), No.100, South East St, ☏ +86 572 3018000. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. from €150.
Connect
[edit]- Wuzhen: about 30 km east, it is one of China's most famous and well developed ancient water towns, divided into East gate and west gate.
- Xitang: about 50 km northeast, it is famous for its covered corridors and ancient alleys, and boasts a vibrant nightlife.
- Huzhou city: explore the Feiying pagoda and the Taihu Lake Tourist Resort.
- Suzhou: about 70 km north, explore classical gardens and Pingjiang road.
Cope
[edit]- 1 Tourist Service Center (游客服务中心), ☏ +89 572 3016999.