My travels to Nanxun ancient town
by _TI***n5
May 29, 2025
**Nanxun Ancient Town Travel Guide – A Low-Key Luxurious Jiangnan Water Town**
Located in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, Nanxun Ancient Town is **one of the six major ancient towns in Jiangnan**. Compared to the commercialization of Wuzhen and Xitang, Nanxun is more tranquil and affluent, often referred to as the **"Jiangnan Aristocratic Ancient Town."** It preserves a wealth of mansions, gardens, and ancient bridges blending Chinese and Western styles, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy cultural deep-dive experiences.
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**1. Basic Information**
- **📍Address**: Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
- **🎫Ticket**:
- **Combo Ticket 95 RMB** (includes Xiaolianzhuang, Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence, Liu’s Ladder House, and other attractions)
- **Free Entry**: After 17:00 (attractions require separate tickets)
- **⏰Opening Hours**: 8:00-17:00 (the town is open all day, but attractions close at 17:00)
- **🚗Transportation**:
- **High-Speed Rail**: Huzhou Station → 40-minute taxi ride (~80 RMB) or take Bus 101
- **Self-Drive**: ~1.5-2 hours from Hangzhou/Shanghai/Suzhou
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**2. Must-Visit Attractions**
**1. Xiaolianzhuang (Private Garden of Nanxun’s Richest Family)**
✅ **Highlights**: A late Qing Dynasty Jiangnan garden, most beautiful when lotus flowers bloom in summer. Also features the Liu Family Ancestral Temple and a library.
**2. Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence (Jiangnan’s No.1 Mansion)**
✅ **Highlights**: A grand mansion blending Chinese and Western styles, with Baroque carvings and French stained glass, showcasing aristocratic opulence.
**3. Liu’s Ladder House (Red House)**
✅ **Highlights**: A fusion of European architecture and Chinese courtyards, named for its red exterior walls—perfect for photos.
**4. Baijianlou (Original Water Town Dwellings)**
✅ **Highlights**: A 400-year-old riverside architectural complex, most picturesque at dawn and dusk.
**5. Jiaye Library**
✅ **Highlights**: One of China’s top three private libraries, a must-visit for ancient book enthusiasts.
**6. Guanghui Palace (Millennium-Old Taoist Temple)**
✅ **Highlights**: One of Nanxun’s oldest buildings, with thriving incense offerings.
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**3. Unique Experiences**
- **🛶 Evening Gondola Ride**: Cruise at dusk to see Baijianlou’s lights reflected on the water (40-60 RMB/person).
- **📸 Republic-Era Photo Shoot**: Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence and Liu’s Ladder House are perfect for vintage-style photos.
- **🍵 Riverside Tea Time**: Sip Huzhou’s "Three Teas" (sweet, salty, and plain) at Baijianlou’s teahouses.
- **🎭 Traditional Performances**: Occasional Yue Opera and Pingtan shows on weekends.
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**4. Food Recommendations**
1. **Shuangjiao Noodles** (Nanxun specialty with crispy pork and braised fish toppings)
- Recommended: Zhuangyuan Lou, Wufu Lou
2. **Xun Ti** (Rich soy-braised pork, melts in your mouth)
3. **Dingsheng Cake** (Auspicious glutinous rice cake)
4. **Xiuhuajin Greens** (Local Nanxun vegetable, fresh and crisp)
5. **Huzhou Zongzi** (Try Zhulaoda’s egg yolk and pork zongzi)
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**5. Accommodation Recommendations**
**1. Riverside B&Bs (Near Baijianlou)**
- **Blossom Hill·Qiushuli** (Boutique Republic-era hotel)
- **Nanxun Chenxiang Club** (Renovated ancient mansion, serene ambiance)
**2. Luxury Hotels**
- **Nanxun Boyang New Century Resort** (Close to the ancient town, well-equipped)
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**6. Itinerary Suggestions**
**1-Day Trip (Compact Version)**
Xiaolianzhuang → Jiaye Library → Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence → Liu’s Ladder House → Baijianlou → Evening Cruise
**2-Day Trip (In-Depth Version)**
**Day1**: Xiaolianzhuang → Jiaye Library → Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence → Guanghui Palace → Overnight at Baijianlou
**Day2**: Liu’s Ladder House → Jili Silk Museum → Nanxun Cultural Park → Departure
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**7. Tips**
1. **Best Seasons**: April-May (spring vibes) and September-October (crisp autumn), though summer offers stunning lotus blooms.
2. **Avoid Crowds**: Weekends and holidays are busy; weekdays are better.
3. **Footwear**: Wear comfortable flats for the cobblestone paths.
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**8. Viral Social Media Captions**
- 🌿 **"Fewer crowds than Wuzhen, more low-key than Xitang—Nanxun is the real Jiangnan!"**
- 🏮 **"2D1N Nanxun Guide: Explore the Lavish Mansions of Jiangnan’s Richest!"**
- 📸 **"Baijianlou in Nanxun—I Found the Water Town from ‘A Dream of Splendor’!"**
- 🍜 **"5 Must-Try Nanxun Foods! I Ate 3 Bowls of Shuangjiao Noodles!"**
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Nanxun Ancient Town blends the gentleness of Jiangnan water towns with the grandeur of aristocratic mansions, perfect for slow travelers, photography lovers, and foodies! ✨
Post by BRIANNA DAY | Jul 30, 2025


















