Nánxún Tested! This is What a Jiangnan Ancient Town Should Look Like, So Healing~ Who Understands! After Visiting Several Jiangnan Ancient Towns, I Finally Became a Big Fan of Nánxún! “
Nánxún Tested! This is What a Jiangnan Ancient Town Should Look Like, So Healing~
Who Understands! After Visiting Several Jiangnan Ancient Towns, I Finally Became a Big Fan of Nánxún! The saying "If you haven't been to Nánxún, you don't know Jiangnan" is really true. Here, there is no overly commercialized noise, only the lively atmosphere of streets and residential areas. The simple and honest local customs make you want to slow down your pace. This is exactly the ideal image of Jiangnan in my heart~
📍Key Information at a Glance
- Address: Nánxún District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The location is super convenient, easy to reach from surrounding cities.
- Opening Hours: Open all day! Whether you want to catch the morning mist early or stay until night to see the night view, it’s totally fine.
- Ticket Policy: Important! Public areas are free forever! Core streets like Baijian Building and Tongjin Bridge can be explored without spending a penny. For the five paid attractions—Xiaolian Manor, Liu’s Ladder House, Zhang Jingjiang Former Residence, Zhang Shiming Old House, and Yiyuan Garden—it’s recommended to buy a combined ticket for better value at 85 RMB per person. Buying single tickets is less cost-effective.
✈️Choose Any Transportation (with Time-saving Tips)
- High-speed Rail: The first choice! 30 minutes from Hangzhou, 43 minutes from Shanghai, and only 2.5 hours from Nanjing. Perfect for a weekend short trip.
- Self-driving: 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, 2 hours from Shanghai, 2.5 hours from Nanjing. The scenery along the way is nice, suitable for family trips. There are parking lots around the scenic area, very convenient.
- Airplane: If flying, it’s recommended to arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, then drive 1.5 hours to Nánxún, or transfer to high-speed rail at the airport for a more time-efficient trip.
🗺️Tested No-Backtracking Tour Route
South Gate Visitor Center → Jiayetang Library → Xiaolian Manor → Liu’s Ladder House → Zhang Shiming Old House → Guanghui Palace → Shizigang Wharf → Xiata East Street → Covered Bridge → Zhang Jingjiang Former Residence → West Street → Tongjin Bridge → Baijian Building → Guanghui Bridge Wharf
This route connects the main attractions without backtracking. It’s easy to walk and takes about 3-4 hours to cover the core area.
🖼️Must-Visit Attractions (Avoid Pitfalls Guide)
1. Jiayetang Library: The largest private library in modern China. Walking in, you’re surrounded by the scent of books. The architecture is simple and elegant. History and culture lovers must visit. Great atmosphere for photos.
2. Xiaolian Manor: The private garden of Liu Yong, the leader of Nánxún’s “Four Elephants” in the late Qing Dynasty. The lotus pond, pavilions, and towers complement each other beautifully. The elegance of Jiangnan gardens is fully displayed here, especially stunning when lotus flowers bloom in summer (autumn and winter have their own charm).
3. Zhang Shiming Old House: Known as the “No.1 Mansion in Jiangnan.” The most special feature is the combination of traditional Chinese halls and French-style buildings, creating a unique aesthetic. The interior decoration is exquisite and worth savoring.
4. Baijian Building: The essence of Nánxún Ancient Town! Be sure to wait until sunset to the blue hour. The old houses along the river light up warmly, and the lights reflect on the water, shimmering beautifully. This moment truly reveals the meaning of “If you haven’t been to Nánxún, you don’t know Jiangnan.” Perfect for photos.
🛶Boat Tour Guide (Maximize Experience)
1. Water Bus: Best value! 3 RMB per person per ride, operating from 9:00 to 16:00. The route is from Silk Wharf to Shizigang Wharf, with a boat every 30 minutes. Suitable for those who want a low-cost water town experience.
2. Night Cruise: The ultimate atmosphere! Operating from 17:00 to 20:30. Adults 50 RMB, children 20 RMB. Enjoy the ancient town’s night view from the boat, with dazzling lights and gentle evening breeze. Super romantic.
3. Rowboat: A private custom experience! You can share a boat with friends or rent one privately. The boatman slowly rows through narrow waterways, letting you feel the local life up close. Perfect for those who like a slow pace.
💡Practical Tips (All Tested Personally)
✅ Avoid holidays! Nánxún is quieter and more peaceful on regular days, allowing you to better enjoy the charm of the ancient town. Holidays are crowded and affect the experience.
✅ Dress suggestion: Wear light-colored, cotton or linen clothes, paired with a straw hat and silk scarf. Matches perfectly with the ancient town scenery and looks great in photos.
✅ Food recommendation: Be sure to try Nánxún’s special snacks like Shuangjiao noodles, Dingsheng cake, Orange-red cake, and Xun pig’s trotters. They taste great and many local shops near West Street and Baijian Building offer good value.
✅ Photo tips: Baijian Building’s blue hour, Tongjin Bridge’s morning mist, and Xiaolian Manor’s pavilions and towers are excellent photo spots. Go early in the morning when there are fewer people and better light for stunning shots.
✅ Other notes: The ancient town has many stone-paved roads, so wear comfortable flat shoes. The signal inside the scenic area is good, no worries about navigation. If you buy the combined ticket, pay attention to the opening hours of attractions to avoid missing out.
Nánxún Ancient Town is like a gentle Jiangnan lady, low-key yet full of charm. Free beautiful scenery, simple local customs, authentic food—it’s really worth a special trip. Quickly invite your friends and come here to experience the slow life!