Unlock the Secrets of Jiangnan! A Deep Dive into Nanxun Ancient Town, Free Access to Water Town Slow Living

"Exploring ninety-nine Jiangnan towns is no match for a stroll through Nanxun!" Tucked away in northern Zhejiang, this gem among the six great ancient towns of Jiangnan blends delicate poetic charm with authentic local vibes. Eschewing the over-commercialization of tourist crowds, it embodies the romance of a Jiangnan water town in its purest form—and best of all, it's free to enter! Save this ultimate guide for an immersive experience of Nanxun's timeless tranquility👇

🚗 Transportation Guide

- By High-Speed Rail: After arriving at Huzhou Station, take a taxi directly to Nanxun Ancient Town or hop on Bus 101 (approx. 1 hour). Pro tip: The upcoming Nanxun High-Speed Rail Station, set to open by year-end, will make access even easier!
- By Car: Around 1.5 hours from Hangzhou and under 2 hours from Shanghai, with scenic routes perfect for kicking off vacation mode.

🗺️ Must-Visit Spots & 2-Day Itinerary

🌟 Top 5 Attractions

1. **Xiaolianzhuang**: The top private garden of Nanxun's "Four Elephants," featuring pavilions, lotus ponds, and winding paths that epitomize Jiangnan elegance.
2. **Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence**: A fusion of Chinese courtyards and French Renaissance style, with intricate carvings and stained glass that dazzle.
3. **Jiaye Library**: A Sino-Western garden-style layout, one of China’s top three private libraries, exuding centuries of scholarly charm.
4. **Liu’s Ladder House**: Red walls and black tiles infused with Roman architectural elements, aka the "Red House," a photogenic retro masterpiece.
5. **Zhang Jingjiang’s Former Residence**: A Qing-era three-courtyard mansion housing rare artifacts and stories of Nanxun’s luminaries.

🌆 2-Day Immersive Route

**Day 1**: Stroll Yiyuan Garden → Ride the water bus from Silk Wharf → Snap pics at Cross Harbor Wharf → Savor street food on West Street → Explore Nanxun Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall → Dine by the river at Baijianlou for stunning night views.
**Day 2**: Reflect at Zhang Jingjiang’s Former Residence → Admire Hongji Bridge → Wander East Street → Visit Tongjin Bridge → Sample snacks on South-West Street → Boat from Guanghui Bridge Wharf → Marvel at Liu’s Ladder House and Zhang Shiming’s Residence → Unwind in Xiaolianzhuang (Jiaye Library).

🏡 Stay Like a Local

**Jiangnan Fu Garden Hot Spring B&B** comes highly recommended!
✅ **Private Hot Spring Rooms**: Second-floor suites face Yiyuan Garden—soak, sip tea, and soak in the views.
✅ **Versatile Common Areas**: A courtyard with water features, plus a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Evening open-air movies add romance.
✅ **Gourmet Breakfast**: Complimentary 40 RMB/person voucher for local and Western breakfasts to start your day right!

🍜 Food & Must-Try Experiences

- **Baijianlou Riverside Dining**: Under centuries-old eaves, relish steamed white fish and embroidered greens (50 RMB/person).
- **Water Bus**: Runs 9:30 AM–4:00 PM, 3 RMB/stop, every 30 mins—a unique perspective of the town.
- **Sunset Photography**: Tongjin Bridge + dusk = magic. Don’t miss it!

⚠️ Pro Tips

1️⃣ **Admission**: Free entry! Some attractions charge 10–25 RMB.
2️⃣ **Dining**: Slightly pricier inside the town, but teahouses and cafés are perfect for breaks.
3️⃣ **Best Experience**: Stay overnight! Mornings bring misty waterways; nights glow with lantern-lit bridges—see both sides of Nanxun.

Escape the crowds and embrace Nanxun’s dreamy Jiangnan allure. Here, time slows, and every step feels like poetry. 💖