Wuzhen is divided into four ancient blocks along the water systems in four directions, namely Dongzha, Xizha, Nanzha and Beizha.
Nanzha is the last undeveloped area in Wuzhen. Its quaint narrow alleys are filled with old houses and shops with wooden doors. Most of the people living here are locals.
The old houses, buildings, streets and bridges of Nanzha are still in their original state, making it an ideal place for photography enthusiasts.
Attractions Location: About 86 meters southwest of the intersection of Xinhua South Road and Shangmao Road, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province
Tickets: free
Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Time reference: 1-3 hours
This one-day itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to explore the historic water town of WuZhen Nanzha, its canals, bridges, and cultural heritage in a single day.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in local boutique hotels or inns inside WuZhen Nanzha. Breakfast at hotel, lunch at town restaurants, dinner at hotel or nearby eateries.
Souvenirs: Handcrafted silk, blue-and-white porcelain, traditional lanterns, local snacks, water town-themed souvenirs.
This two-day itinerary combines WuZhen Nanzha with the nearby Xizha Water Town to fully experience the historical water town culture.
Accommodation/Food: Stay at hotels in WuZhen Nanzha or Xizha. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at local eateries, dinner in water town restaurants.
Souvenirs: Handmade silk, local handicrafts, blue-and-white porcelain, lanterns, teas, and Wuzhen snacks.
This three-day itinerary combines historical exploration of WuZhen with nearby scenic and cultural attractions around Tongxiang.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in WuZhen boutique hotels or Tongxiang city hotels. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots, dinner at local restaurants.
Souvenirs: Silk fabrics, water town-themed trinkets, handicrafts, local snacks, tea leaves.
This four-day itinerary combines water town exploration with local cultural experiences and scenic river cruises.
Accommodation/Food: Stay at boutique hotels in Nanzha or Xizha. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic area restaurants, dinner at water town restaurants or hotels.
Souvenirs: Silk fabrics, lanterns, handcrafted trinkets, local snacks, water town-themed art and postcards.
This five-day itinerary allows for a deeper cultural and historical experience, including workshops and exploration of surrounding towns.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Nanzha or Xizha boutique hotels. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic area or town restaurants, dinner at hotel or scenic restaurants.
Souvenirs: Handmade silk, blue-and-white porcelain, lanterns, traditional crafts, local snacks, water town-themed artwork.
This six-day itinerary offers a comprehensive experience of WuZhen Nanzha and Xizha, combined with cultural workshops, surrounding towns, and river exploration.
Accommodation/Food: Boutique hotels in WuZhen or Xizha. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots, dinner at restaurants or hotels.
Souvenirs: Silk fabrics, lanterns, porcelain, local snacks, handicrafts, calligraphy, water town-themed art.
This seven-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the history, culture, and scenic charm of WuZhen Nanzha and surrounding areas.
Accommodation/Food: Boutique hotels in WuZhen Nanzha or Xizha. Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at scenic spots or local restaurants, dinner at hotels or water town restaurants.
Souvenirs: Silk fabrics, lanterns, blue-and-white porcelain, handicrafts, calligraphy, water town artwork, traditional snacks, postcards.
Nanzha is the last undeveloped area in Wuzhen. The old houses, buildings, streets, and bridges remain as they were in their original state, and most of the residents here are still locals. There are two old residences in Nanzha, accessible for 1 yuan: the Zhang Family Residence and the Zhu Family Residence. On both occasions, the Zhu Family Residence was locked, so I missed it. Inside the Zhang Family Residence is Wuzhen's only remaining brick gatehouse, a five-story structure: four below the eaves and one above. Two grass dragons flank the top floor. Because the dragon was a symbol of the emperor at the time, locals could only use grass dragons, and these were incomplete, with only the head but no body or tail. Fuchang Bridge in Nanzha, known locally as Floating Lan Bridge, is Wuzhen's oldest bridge and features a single-arch stone arch. The southern section of South Street is particularly weathered and precarious. Experience the vicissitudes of time in Nanzha.
Wuzhen has East Gate, South Gate, West Gate and North Gate.
Nanzha is not a scenic spot, but the area where local people live. It is the most original and does not charge admission.
Xizha is a scenic spot that is operated by a travel company, including food and accommodation. It has standardized management, the best scenery, the best tourist experience, and of course the most commercialized, with no residents.
Dongzha is also a scenic spot, but it is located between Nanzha and Xizha. It has indigenous residents and the shops and accommodation in the scenic area are run by local people.
There is nothing to do in Beizha except the Beizha Silk Factory.
One of the four gates, more artistic and suitable for taking photos.
Nanzha is a relatively authentic place in Wuzhen. Many of the residents there are locals. You can see the most original scenery of Wuzhen here and it is a place worth visiting.
Nanzha is very small, with some shops, but not many people walking around, so we just looked around casually.
While the East and West Scenic Areas are bustling with activity and bustling with tourists, the South Scenic Area is relatively quiet and rarely visited. This area, undeveloped, retains the authentic flavor of Wuzhen, a Jiangnan water town.
This is the only area in Wuzhen that has remained in its original state. It's a photography paradise, and many photographers adore its authentic old streets, buildings, houses, and government offices. Old ladies and men stroll and bask in the sun—they are all native inhabitants, authentic locals who have lived here for generations. Wuzhen Nanzha, a breathtaking, living ancient town!
We had high-speed rail tickets for 3 o'clock, so we decided to go to Nanzha. The owner of the B&B said that there was no entrance fee for Nanzha and we could just walk around and kill time. Nanzha is next to Dongzha. Well, after visiting Dongzha and Dongzha, we had no interest in this pedestrian street.
Nanzha is an undeveloped scenic area, much smaller than both the West and East Scenic Areas. Walking through an old street, you'll find a more authentic Jiangnan water village feel. Various shops line the streets of Nanzha. If you have enough time in Wuzhen, you can explore Nanzha along the old street.
I went there during the National Day holiday. There were many tourists but it was not too crowded.
If you are short on time, you don't need to go to Nanzha. The chrysanthemum tea and sister-in-law cakes sold here are relatively cheap, but there is nothing else to see.
The ancient Nanzha and the primitive water town life.
The first impression of Nanzha is indeed that it is untouched and rustic, but you can vaguely feel that it is well managed. There are also beautiful greenery on the river, the whole village is very clean and tidy, and there are also some scattered small shops. It is estimated that in the near future, this place will gradually be developed.
Before entering Nanzha, there will be a sign saying that Nanzha is not a tourist attraction and visitors are advised to enter with caution.
Nanzha is relatively suitable for framing and photographing people. The front half of Nanzha is basically a commercial street for local residents, selling snacks and Bodhi Baijiu, which is difficult to distinguish between real and fake. Nanzha also has some interesting attractions, all of which are old houses of locals. The entrance fee is one or two yuan, and they will also tell you where to take photos. The houses are generally small, but they are quiet and sparsely populated, so you can pose in any way you want. It is perfect for young women or young couples to take some classical photos. Wearing Hanfu will definitely fit the occasion.
The further inland you go, the quieter Nanzha becomes. You can hear the rustling of clothes along the road. The houses on either side are open, and you can glimpse wooden tables and chairs inside, where elderly people lean on chairs listening to the radio. This is the most pristine scenery of the ancient water town.
In addition, the small shops scattered throughout the small town of Wuzhen are also worth exploring.
Besides East and West Gates in Wuzhen, South Gate is a must-see. Unlike the polished tourist attractions of the tourist zone, South Gate's residential streets and small bridges and flowing waters embody the essence of authentic life. Not only is Wuzhen's only money exchange, the Zhang Tongren Residence, home to the area, but it also boasts the town's oldest Ming Dynasty stone bridge, the Fulan Bridge (now called the Fuchang Bridge). Its alleys are home to what residents call "two holes and three days," and roadside "old woodworking workshops." This is the scene I occasionally encountered during my childhood trips to the countryside. Fulan Bridge boasts a rare beauty chair, while its stone lions, unchanging for centuries, watch over the crosswater estuary below. Across the river, not far away, smoke occasionally rises from the courtyards of houses with mottled whitewashed walls.
After dinner, I strolled to Nanzha. Nanzha is really a residential area, with moss-covered roofs, walls, old black-sailed boats, old people talking at the foot of the wall, and a dog waiting for someone on the bridge... It is so beautiful.
I took a lot of photos, but this dog hardly moved. Maybe he is too old.
There are many human-powered tricycles on the street. At first they say ¥10/person, then ¥15/2 people, and they keep asking you, which is very annoying. But if you don’t want to walk, you can consider it. There will be a simple explanation. It may be because of their business. There are relatively few shared bicycles in Wuzhen, but Didi is still relatively convenient.
Nanzha is really a residential area, with mossy roofs, walls, old black-sailed boats, old men talking at the foot of the wall, and a dog waiting for someone on the bridge... It is so beautiful.
Nanzha is not big, and most of the shops are small shops run by local residents. We went there in the afternoon, and since it was not the peak season, there were not many people. The things they sold were similar, but the prices were still different.
It was my first time in Wuzhen. I played for three days and had nowhere else to go, so I accidentally came to Nanzha Old Street. The old street was very nice and quiet, without the noise of Dongzha and Dongzha. I like Nanzha Old Street very much. I can take some photos without having to squeeze in. At noon, I just found a restaurant by the river and ate Wuzhen food while watching the scenery. I ordered steamed white water fish, Wuzhen braised duck, and dried tofu and amaranth. The taste was delicious. I am from the north and have been in Wuzhen for three days. This is the dish that suits my appetite the most. I recommend that everyone who comes to Nanzha Old Street can come to "Linshui Renjia Local Cuisine Restaurant" to taste the authentic dishes of Wuzhen. Their boss is a local. I will come again next time. The boss can take care of it.
In fact, I prefer the messy South Gate to the well-developed and crowded East and West Gates.
There are motorcycles parked on the roadside. As you walk, you will hear horns and shouts behind you, and you will accidentally come across a small shop that is messily planned but very gentle.
Life is far from being so orderly, but there are always surprises. There is life in Nanzha.
While East and West Scenic Areas are already must-see destinations for tourists, South Scenic Area remains relatively undeveloped and is home to many local residents. On the day we arrived, a sign on the wall read, "South Scenic Area is not a tourist area. Please exercise caution." The early morning light shone through the alleys, and the small taverns lined the streets. The dust particles in the air, reflecting the morning light, flickered like fireflies. It was truly beautiful. I highly recommend anyone visiting Wuzhen to visit South Scenic Area while it's still relatively untouched by commercialization.
I stumbled into it accidentally. It's very close to the bus station. It's very old and original. Many residents were chatting and cooking. Hahaha.
There's not much to do in Nanzha, but it's nice to just walk around. You can also see some traditional snacks and many shops selling Sanbai wine.
Nanzha is not very big and you can reach the end of it by walking slowly. Nanzha is the most ancient. Walking in the old streets and narrow alleys of Nanzha feels like living in this authentic water town.
Very simple, all are indigenous people, the scenery is also good, but it is a bit small
It's rather desolate, save for a few residents along the river and a few shops selling local specialties. Many houses are now uninhabited. Standing on the bridge, the wind is quite strong. The bridge has little protection and hasn't been repaired, so there aren't many tourists. Of course, perhaps some people prefer this past state.
Before my trip, I'd read online guides that all suggested visiting Xizha and Dongzha. I'd originally been there for the weekend, without any particular purpose. After arriving in Wuzhen at noon, I checked into my B&B and headed towards Xizha. Along the way, I met a man on a rickshaw (it was actually green... I'm not sure what it was called) who offered to be my guide. I was a little wary at first, but then he told me that Nanzha could be explored in 1-2 hours, so I took his advice. The rickshaw wasn't tiring at all.
Nanzha hasn't been turned into a scenic area, so there's no entrance fee. It's mostly just old houses, inhabited by local Wuzhen residents, giving it a vibrant atmosphere. While the houses are a bit run-down, the old-fashioned atmosphere is still quite charming.
I followed the young man through the streets and alleys. Nanzha also has a few small stalls. The prices are affordable, and they all feature local specialties, so you can choose what to buy. I bought some green plum rice wine (Wuzhen's specialty is Sanbai wine, but women don't tend to drink it, so green plum wine is much better. Each distillery has its own unique flavor, so you can try them all, as they're all free. But if you can't handle alcohol, don't try them!) and some black plums (a highly recommended fruit; I even bought some to take back afterward). And if you like stinky tofu, there's an old lady in an alley in Nanzha selling delicious stinky tofu. You can buy a whole portion or half a portion. Nanzha has a more local atmosphere, and the people are friendly. It's a great place to relax and unwind.
I also saw an old lady stringing beads in the alley. She used silk shells to string beads, and the words on them were written by her husband. I felt that such a day was actually quite beautiful.
Since I live outside Xizha, I often encounter rickshaw drivers on the road. They're all local guides, usually taking me to Nanzha. East and Westzha require a ticket to enter. Afterward, they dropped me directly at the entrance to Xizha Scenic Area. There was no sales pitch, and they even helped me take photos. They were very welcoming and truly excellent guides.
It is a very narrow street with a strong commercial atmosphere. It has lost its original environment. You can walk around. It is better to go to the bustling Xizha if you stay.
Nanzha is an ancient town, perfect for a stroll. The local black plums are grapes soaked in medicine, which is really shameful.
Different from the hustle and bustle and refinement of East and West Gates, the underdeveloped South Gate has a stronger sense of history and the atmosphere of life in an ancient town, which is worth savoring slowly!
I went there after seeing reviews saying it was great and free. I ended up walking past Nanzha and wasn't sure until I asked a shopkeeper. It seemed like a narrow alley with lots of shops. I've been to many ancient towns, but this one was completely unremarkable.
On the recommendation of the innkeeper, we came to Nanzha, which has not been developed into a scenic spot and is still where local people live.
If Xizha is a high-end model house with fine decoration, then Nanzha is like a small house that has been lived in for a long time, retaining the traces and breath of life. It’s a pity that I only have time to come here in the evening.
Nanzha is an unexpected bonus during your trip to Wuzhen. While Xizha boasts its elegance and splendor, Dongzha boasts its gentleness and tranquility, Nanzha offers a truly unadorned and unadorned beauty.
If you don't have a lot of free time, then you don't need to come.
Nanzha is currently under development and is currently free. It's very close to Dongzha. I recommend grabbing a bike after breakfast and riding around town. Wuzhen's bustling life lies within the gates, while the quiet outside offers the tranquility expected of an ancient town. Once you reach Nanzha, you can browse the small shops and alleyways. Here, things are relatively affordable and the shopkeepers are friendly.
Nanzha is filled with such a vibrant atmosphere that it felt like I was in a residential area. The people I met along the way were all very friendly, and time seemed to pass very slowly.
I stumbled into Nanzha by pure accident... Having been to Wuzhen before, and this time during the National Day rush, I didn't want to squeeze in. So, wandering around by myself, I stumbled into Nanzha. Compared to the commercialized management of Xizha, Nanzha has a more lively atmosphere. The houses of the thousand-year-old town, though in disrepair and without commercial management and maintenance, clearly show the signs of age. Compared to the well-maintained Xizha, Nanzha's mottled walls and dilapidated wooden staircases give you a stronger sense of the town's historical continuity. If it weren't for the modern lifestyle, you'd feel like you've been transported back to the ancient times.
Wuzhen Nanzha is not actually a scenic spot, but just a commercial street. The buildings are all from the late 1980s. Apart from the name, it has nothing to do with the Wuzhen scenic area. It is not recommended to visit.
It is recommended to come early, otherwise you can only take pictures of people's heads if there are too many people. There are still ancient buildings and houses here, and the atmosphere of life is very strong.
Nanzha is the authentic Wuzhen. The pedicab driver said locals buy local specialties in Nanzha because they're cheaper. Nanzha is small and can be walked around in half an hour. Compared to the commercialized Xizha, Nanzha seems less organized, but more down-to-earth, with a lively atmosphere.
Friends who come to Nanzha, please pay attention. Don't buy fruits in the scenic area. The so-called black plums are black grapes. I searched on Baidu and found that they have been on the news. There are also green plums that have been soaked in something and the stems are all green. There are also some ice candies that are plums and are particularly sour. Everyone should be calm and don't be fooled. The fruit stall where I bought the fruit was under a stone bridge. The seller's Alipay name is Zhu Xinyuan. Everyone, please pay attention and don't be fooled again.
Nanzha is not strictly a scenic spot. There is no entrance fee, and it is relatively sparsely populated with locals. It is relatively quiet and suitable for strolling around. There is also a postcard posting service inside, which is quite good. It is a good place to have a cup of coffee, write postcards, and sit quietly.
We were planning to visit the paid attractions at Dongzha, but the hotel receptionist told us to go to Nanzha instead, which is free. We went there with the idea of giving it a try, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Dongzha, Xizha, and Nanzha are all relatively close together. Those with good legs are advised to walk and avoid being scammed by rickshaws. Although Nanzha hasn't been fully commercialized yet, most of the residential areas along the street have been converted into shops. Some prices are inflated, so don't rush to pay when buying. Just walk around and explore; there are only a few things on sale along the street anyway.
I recommend two off-site attractions: the Zhang Family Residence and the Zhu Family Residence. Both cost one yuan. The Zhang Family Residence is more impressive, with exquisite carved beams and painted rafters, but it's derelict and shabby. The Zhu Family Residence is still inhabited and has a lively atmosphere, but after visiting the Zhang Family Residence, I found it rather ordinary. Still, it's only one yuan, so it's worth a visit. I wonder if it'll be marked as a paid attraction next time I visit.
After wrapping up our trip to Dongzha early this morning, we continued on to Nanzha. By noon, we were exhausted from the sun and didn't want to continue. We happened to come across a rickshaw on the side of the road. The driver wasn't very polite. He started out asking for fifty yuan, but after some haggling, he finally agreed to twenty. Haha, I didn't hesitate.
We chatted with the driver on the bus, and he told us that Nanzha's free admission offer would only last for one year. Construction had already begun on the surrounding fence, and next year, it would be a closed scenic area with an admission fee. When we got near Nanzha, the white walls were truly an eyesore. We suspected that Nanzha would become similar to Dongzha and Xizha, and we wouldn't be able to experience its original beauty.
Nanzha's main attraction is its pristine environment, but there are also several ancient bridges and old houses to explore. The Zhang Family Residence was the first house we saw, tucked away in a side alley. If it weren't for the red arrow painted on the outside, few would have noticed the sign proclaiming "Zhang Tongren's Residence." A single elderly man guarded the residence, charging a one-yuan entrance fee. He was incredibly energetic, constantly explaining the unique character of the house to one visitor and then running off to another to advise on the best photo opportunities. When someone couldn't even stand at his designated spot, he insisted they set their camera to live view, offering his enthusiastic advice. The Zhang Family Residence, apparently no longer inhabited, appeared rather dilapidated. The second floor was sealed off from view, the windows were often chipped, and the decorative paintings on the door panels were mostly blurred. It's a formidable prospect, and the house will soon be deteriorating. I wonder if it will be renovated as a tourist attraction after Nanzha is closed next year. If the old house can really be restored to its original appearance, it would be a good thing.
After leaving the Zhang family's old house, we strolled around Nanzha. Although it is known as the original ecological area, in fact, most of the houses facing the street have been built into shops. Whenever tourists pass by, many merchants will shout to solicit business. If you want to find the original ecological area, you can only go deep into the alleys to see some.
We spotted the Zhu family's old house and went in to take a look. Admission was still 1 yuan, presumably the market price. The Zhu family's house was still inhabited and much better maintained than the Zhang family's. The door paneling suggested it was once a dyeing workshop. There were probably many family-run dyeing workshops like this in Wuzhen, but now there's no trace of a dyeing workshop in the old house. As we entered, the owner pointed out the small garden behind the house, planted with various flowers and plants, all in full bloom. It seemed like a garden the owner was very proud of.
Nanzha is not big and can be walked through in about an hour. Since it took quite a while to get from Dongzha to Nanzha by rickshaw, we had the illusion that Nanzha was far away from Xizha. Only after asking the locals did we know that it only takes about ten minutes to walk back to Xizha from Wuzhen Bridge.
Nanzha in Wuzhen really exceeded my imagination. I originally thought that Wuzhen's commercialization had changed it beyond recognition, which is also what people have always criticized. People come to Wuzhen to see the most original Jiangnan water village. But Nanzha has preserved the most original Jiangnan water village scenery. You can walk along the river, see the old houses with blue bricks and white walls, and see the simple Jiangnan life. In the alleys, there are small shops selling local cigarettes, postcards, and stinky tofu. If you come in April, you must try Tongxiang's seasonal specialty: malt cakes. In short, Nanzha really exceeded my imagination❤️
The most common ones are those selling alcohol, and there are also some old houses that cost 1 yuan.
An authentic ancient town. Dongzha and Xizha are too crowded with tourists, so why not go to Nanzha?
I did some quick online research before going, and since Nanzha is undeveloped and relatively pristine, I decided to go. Indeed, the beautiful scenery lived up to expectations. This realistic scene is where I took my photo.
Nanzha is not as crowded as Xizha and Dongzha. There is an old street inside with small shops run by local residents.
Nanzha is full of narrow alleys, flanked by residential buildings, inns, and small shops. It seems there are very few tourists here. However, while we were at Nanzha, a gentle snowflake began to fall! I say "mini" because, while you could see it falling, the snowflakes were incredibly small, like dust particles, and it only lasted about a minute.
South Gate is accessible without a ticket. Perhaps this is the undeveloped area of Wuzhen, preserving its traditional atmosphere. Opposite North Gate, it can be reached by heading south along the river. The area bears the marks of time: ancient stone bridges, aging houses, old factories, and vintage advertisements from the 1980s—all testament to different eras. South Gate also has some shops selling souvenirs and bamboo carvings, but the prices are much lower than in West Gate. Far fewer tourists than in East and West Gates, this area offers a quiet opportunity to savor the authentic Jiangnan ancient town.
Nanzha is really super "natural", it has never been developed, and the buildings are very old, but it is very charming.
Nanzha is an undeveloped area, a true waterside destination. While this area has its pros and cons, the scenery isn't as impressive as Xizha, but the waterside atmosphere is far more pronounced, reflected not only in the architecture but also in the food. If you're curious about the best snacks in Nanzha, check out my Wuzhen travelogue.
Nanzha is actually the street behind Mao Dun's former residence in Dongzha. In fact, it is mostly a residential area. There is a sign that specifically says "Nanzha is not a scenic area and tourists are prohibited." Maybe they don't want to be disturbed by the hustle and bustle.
Nanzha is the scene before Wuzhen's East and West Zha were regulated, a reflection of its original water town. But upon arriving, I didn't feel like a water town; I felt only like my childhood. In just a couple of hours in Nanzha, I felt like I'd traveled back in time. The tangled wires, the wooden doors and stone slabs, the white house numbers on the blue iron sheets, the narrow alleys—all felt familiar. This was my grandmother's home as a child, a place we once traversed. But now, it's no longer what it once was. "Number 19, Dang Lane," locked in memory, a bygone era that will never return.
Nanzha is undeveloped commercially, like the old houses in the small towns back home. The so-called commercial street is just a patchwork of small shops selling local specialties. However, I was particularly amused to see a talking starling. I finished this "commercial street" in 20 minutes.
The locals live in the area, you can go there if you have more time.
Xizha is huge. At first glance, it really feels like Wuzhen. I heard that the original residents are gone. Although businesses have moved in, it seems to be well managed and still relatively simple. People just open shops and don't take business too seriously. It's still quite nice. The scenery is absolutely great, whether it's day or night. Of course, the night view is really beautiful. I want to sit and watch the sun rise. The food inside is also very reasonable, not overpriced, and they even provide free tap water. Haha~
Nanzha is an unprotected old street. Although it is dotted with various shops, it still gives people the feeling of authentic old street life. Of course, it also fully retains the chaos of life. At the same time, Nanzha is just a narrow street, unlike the blocks like Dongzha and Xizha with small bridges, flowing water and houses.
I personally prefer to see the local people's lives without any commercial atmosphere. However, there are many dogs in Nanzha, so I don't recommend going too deep.
From West Gate to East Gate and then to South Gate, it is like traveling from modern times to ancient times.
Nanzha is the real Wuzhen, and Xizha is the Wuzhen after opening up.
The underdeveloped area of Nanzha still has a dilapidated and lonely feel, which makes it look very simple and natural.
When we come to Nanzha, we want to visit the old houses. We have limited time.
I only entered one house, and the ticket cost 1 yuan. The old houses are all going to be demolished and rebuilt.
Many residents have moved away, but some still live in the courtyard.
Nanzha is not actually a scenic spot. It is just a street with some vendors. I personally don’t think there is any need to look for it specifically.
A forgotten town, only a few elderly people and their dogs remain, perhaps unwilling to leave the houses they've lived in all their lives. On a sunny afternoon, a few elderly women sat chatting on the street. As I walked past, I saw space and time seemingly frozen...
Compared with Dongzha, Wuzhen Old Street has not been developed yet and retains its original flavor. It is good for taking photos with few people, but there is not much else to see.
Here are two photos first. I'm so tired. I need to take a break before I do it again...
The scenery is good, with a special small town feel.
"Holding an oil-paper umbrella, I wander alone in the long, long, lonely rainy alley. I hope to meet a girl who is as sad as the lilac..."
Nanzha has not yet been developed into a scenic spot, and the original buildings are still preserved.
Nanzha is Wuzhen's undeveloped scenic area, and while it's certainly not as well-managed as Dongzha and Xizha, I personally prefer it. Here, vendors sell small items and delicious Nanhuaqiao mutton noodles; there's a hostess soliciting customers at the entrance of a B&B restaurant; a grandmother who's been making cloth shoes for decades; old men browsing the market; a traditional barbershop; and a dog perched on the doorstep. Here, you can feel the pace of life truly slow down; this is the ancient town's most pristine beauty. Plus, there's no entrance fee; it's best to take a tricycle for a more immersive experience, haha!
Because it has not yet been developed, Changfeng Street and South Street are often collectively referred to as Wuzhen Old Street. Many old wooden houses are preserved here, but many modern buildings made of reinforced concrete have also been added, so it looks like a mix of ancient and modern times. Water bamboo planted by local residents can be seen everywhere along the river, tender yellow rape flowers, and some wild flowers and grasses that cannot be named grow wantonly between the stone walls and tiles. The air is filled with the fresh smell of soil, and it feels like a piece of countryside far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also various snack shops, small shops and pubs in Nanzha. Although it cannot be compared with Dongzha and Xizha in terms of grade and scale, it retains the characteristics of the original flavor, the price is more affordable, and it may even be better in taste and workmanship. Walking on the streets of Wuzhen, you can often encounter rickshaw drivers who attract tourists to take tricycle tours by saying that there is no entrance fee to the old street. Although I heard that Nanzha is currently included in the government's demolition plan, it will be transformed into a scenic spot in the near future. But from what we have seen on the ground, there seems to be no sign of large-scale development.
In fact, the Nanzha Scenic Area is relatively primitive, but there is a young man there who makes delicious cakes.
It's undeveloped and basically a residential area. But there is an old Zhang family house inside that I recommend visiting. The movie "Oranges Are Red" was filmed there. It takes about 7 minutes to walk from Nanzha to Wuzhen Bus Station, so if you have extra time, you can go and see it. It will take about an hour.
Nanzha doesn't require an entrance fee, and the architecture is truly unique. The locals are incredibly welcoming. I remember entering a clothing store called "Wind in the Willows." The owner was incredibly welcoming. We were nearly broke and couldn't afford to buy clothes, so we were about to leave. Unexpectedly, the owner let us try on clothes for free. She said, "If I can't afford to buy, can I still afford to wear them?" She happily let us try on the clothes for free, leaving us with no regrets. We had dinner in Nanzha, near Mao Dun's former residence. It was quite cheap and delicious. I remember the tomato and egg soup was incredible. The locals are incredibly welcoming. That afternoon, I wanted to buy a mask but didn't know the way, so I asked a local for directions. To my surprise, one of them immediately dropped what they were doing and took us to the pharmacy. I also have to say that if you're looking for souvenirs, clothes, or food, it's best to go to Nanzha. Prices are much cheaper there because the shops there are owned by locals in their own homes and don't have to pay rent, so prices aren't too high.
Nanzha is much quieter than Xizha and Dongzha. It's mostly residential and has many restaurants. Walking down the street, you'll often hear friendly waitresses introduce their specialties. Food here is also relatively cheap. I bought some chrysanthemum tea, which was incredibly fragrant.
You can go to Nanzha to buy things. It is cheaper than Xizha and more down-to-earth!
Nanzha is pretty average, mainly because the houses are dilapidated and there are few shops.
It belongs to the original residential area, with old bridges, old roads and old houses. Shopping is super cheap. If you want to see the ancient style, you can go there.
This is not the ancient town I like, because the tranquility that should belong to it is full of commercialization. Perhaps, these quaint places are full of commercialization.
Nanzha, adjacent to Dongzha, is an area yet to be developed into a tourist destination. Its quaint narrow alleys are lined with old houses and wooden-paneled shops, and the area is still largely inhabited by locals. The town's old houses, streets, and bridges have been preserved in their original glory, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Nanzha is typically not included on tour groups, offering little commercial atmosphere and lower prices than Dongzha and Xizha. Its beauty lies in its pristine environment. The architecture here is relatively well-preserved, with notable examples including the brick-carved gatehouse of Zhang Tongsheng's residence and the ancient stage, where local theatrical performances are sometimes showcased. Residents along the streets have also opened small shops selling local trinkets, and the sizzling local snacks lining the streets are a delightful sight.