Nanxun Ancient Town｜Fewer Crowds, Beautiful Scenery, and Home to the "Number One Mansion in Jiangnan"

If you find other Jiangnan ancient towns too crowded, you must come to Nanxun! Here, you’ll find the gentle charm of small bridges and flowing water, as well as the luxurious mansions of the "Jiangnan tycoons" from back in the day. It’s easy and rewarding to explore, a hidden gem you’ll want to recommend once you visit~

🔥 Must-visit Attractions (You’ll know how to play after reading)

- Zhang Shiming Former Residence: Known as the "Number One Mansion in Jiangnan," and it’s no exaggeration! Inside, there are exquisite Chinese wood and brick carvings, plus imported French stained glass and a Western-style ballroom. This "East meets West" blend from a century ago still looks super stylish today!

- Baijian Building: Over a hundred old houses lined up along the river, with black tiles and white walls winding along the water. When the lights come on at dusk, their reflections in the water look like a painting. Visit in the morning or evening when it’s less crowded for amazing photos.

- Xiaolian Manor: The private garden of the Liu family tycoons, the garden is huge with lotus ponds, pavilions, and towers. There’s also the Liu family ancestral hall where you can learn about the stories of Nanxun’s "Four Elephants and Eight Bulls" families (basically, there were a lot of wealthy people here back then).

💰 How to Buy Tickets for the Best Value

- Regular Ticket (enter the ancient town but not the attractions): Free! But you can only stroll the old streets and enjoy the water town scenery.

- Combo Ticket (a must-buy!): 100 RMB, grants access to Zhang Shiming Former Residence, Xiaolian Manor, Jiayetang Library, and 8 other core attractions. Buying tickets individually costs dozens each, so the combo saves you half the price—definitely worth it!

🚗 Transportation: The Most Convenient Ways to Get There

- High-speed Rail: Take the train to Huzhou Station, then take bus 101 right outside the station for 5 RMB. It takes about an hour to reach Nanxun Ancient Town.

- Driving: Navigate to "Nanxun Ancient Town Parking Lot." Parking costs 20 RMB per day, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from the lot to the ancient town—super convenient.

🏠 Where to Stay Comfortably and Affordably

- Want to experience the water town vibe: Choose a riverside guesthouse near Baijian Building. Open your window to the river and fall asleep to the sound of water at night—full atmosphere! Prices range from 200-400 RMB per night.

- Want to save money or prefer quiet: Stay at hotels outside the ancient town, like Vienna or Hanting, for 150-300 RMB per night. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the ancient town.

🍜 Local Food You Can’t Go Wrong Ordering

- Shuangjiaomian: Nanxun’s top noodle dish! Noodles topped with crispy pork and braised pork, with a broth made from bone stock that’s incredibly flavorful. A bowl costs 15 RMB and is very filling.

- Dingsheng Cake: Sweet and glutinous rice cake stamped with the characters "Dingsheng," symbolizing good luck. Perfect as a souvenir or a snack on the go, 5 RMB each.

- Xunti: Braised large pig’s trotters with tender skin and meat, rich in sauce flavor. About 30 RMB per piece, pairs perfectly with rice—you’ll want two bowls!

🤫 Local Secret Tips

- Early morning stroll: Enter the ancient town before 7 AM, no ticket needed, very few people. Capture the small bridges and flowing water in the morning mist—it feels like traveling back in time.

- Ride a rowboat: Spend 80 RMB, and the boatman will leisurely row while singing local folk tunes. Seeing the ancient town from the water feels even gentler.

- Visit creative shops: There are a few creative stores in the ancient town selling bookmarks and postcards printed with Nanxun scenery. You can buy a bunch for 10 RMB—great souvenirs.

Nanxun is a rare ancient town with fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and rich stories. Before it gets overwhelmed, make sure to plan your visit!