Nanxun Water TownNanxun Ancient Town is not as famous as other water towns in South China, such asZhouzhuang,Tongli, andWuzhen．It is thanks to this that Nanxun has managed to retain itsoriginal features and traditional culture．It is recognized as the mostauthentic and tranquilwater town.
有1400多年的历史,城里来了to prominence during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) due to its prospering silk industry. In the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it was one of the important commercial centers.
- Chinese:南浔水乡 Nánxún Shuĭxiāng /nan-sshwnn shway-sshyang/ 'South Xun (river name) Water Town'
- Location:1½ hours from Hangzhou, 2 hours from Shanghai
- Highlights:bridges, lanes, ancient buildings, rich cultural heritage
- Activities:seeing ancient buildings, boating, walking, photography
- Recommended stay:1–2 days
- Admission fee:人均100元
Why Nanxun
An ancient bridge in NanxunNanxun Water Town shares the typical features of other southern water towns: arched bridges, canals, narrow lanes, and old houses. But, forseveral reasons, Nanxun is the pick of the crop.
- Nanxun is one of the relativelyleast visitedwater towns in the area. Youwon't find the huge人群that swarm Zhouzhuang, Tongli, or Wuzhen. You can visit it at your own pace.
- This town isless commercializedthan many of its competitors. It is more authentic and soulful. You will see local people washing clothes, sipping tea, or playing cards beside the water.
- The town has an interesting mix ofEuropean styles, which makes this place a little different from other water towns.
- Besides sightseeing, you will be provided with arich cultural experience, such as making Chinese writing brushes.
The Highlights You Should Not Miss
Walking alongside the canal in the old town, you will feel like you arewalking into China's past．In addition to average houses, there are a few big family houses that accommodated well-known wealthy families. These houses often combine traditional Chinese styles with Western influences.
Little Lotus Garden
You can learn how to make a Chinese writing brush in Little Lotus Garden.Little Lotus Garden (小莲庄) was a private garden of Liu Yong who was once the richest person in Nanxun. It is a fascinating mix of a garden, lake, pavilion, rockery, trees, and lotus flowers. It isone of the five most famous classic gardensin Nanxun.
The best time to visit the garden isin summerwhen the lotus pools are full of blooming flowers.
Besides enjoying its idyllic beauty, you will have a chance to see the traditional procedure formaking Chinese writing brushes, and even make your own one.
Baijianlou
Baijianlou (百间楼), or the "100 houses complex", is a perfect place to see thewell-preserved traditional residential buildings．
Built 400 years ago, the houses extend along the canal for a length of 400 meters (1,300 feet). They are not restored and have kept theirancient and local charm．The Chinese old town lifestyle still exists there and can be seen along the canal by small numbers of tourists.
Liu's Family Compound
You can learn Chinese block printing at Nanxun.Liu's Family Compound (刘氏梯号) or Red House is a good example of the Chinese imitation of Western styles. It features a classical portico and a red-brick residence with French balconies and stained glass in the windows.
In this residence, you will have a chance to learnChinese block printing, an old type of technology used for making books. You can try your hand at printing and use your own brush to write your name in Chinese.
Zhangshiming's Former Residence
Zhangshiming's Former Residence (张石铭旧宅) is known as the "top private residence of the Jiangnan (southern part of the Yangtze River) region", and is one of the few such residences remaining that retains their original appearance. It offersa unique mixof Western ballrooms and Confucian family altars.
Wedding Performance on the Water
Wedding performance on the waterApart from historical sites, you will be impressed by a wedding show on the water. The boats are decorated with red flowers and ribbons, the bride and groom are dressed in the traditional Chinese style, and traditional music is played on ancient instruments. All of these depicthow a traditional wedding was conductedin the ancient water town.
If you like, you can take part and play the bridegroom!
How to Get to Nanxun Water Town
There are many shuttle coaches running fromShanghai,Hangzhou, andSuzhouto Nanxun.
From Shanghai
- Bus stations:Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station, Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station, Pudong East Bus Station
- Cost:about 50 yuan per person each way
- 旅行时间:about 3 hours
An authentic and tranquil townFrom Hangzhou
- Bus station:Hangzhou North Bus Station
- Cost:about 45 yuan
- 旅行时间:about 2 hours
From Suzhou
- Bus stations:Suzhou South Bus Station, Suzhou West Bus Station
- Cost:about 25 yuan
- 旅行时间:about 1½ hours
The Best Time for a Visit
March to Mayis the best time to visit Nanxun when the weather is comfortable and the spring scenery is beautiful.
Fallis also a good season to travel Nanxun for the cool weather and clear sky.
Winter is quite cold (above freezing) in Nanxun, but driest, and you can enjoy a less-crowded time there. If you visit it in the heat of summer, avoid the midday crowds, and be careful of heatstroke.
You'd betteravoid weekends and Chinese public holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1 to 7) and National Day (October 1 to 7), when Hangzhou is always crowded with Chinese people.
Tour Nanxun Water Town with China Highlights
If you are tired of the commercial atmosphere, crowds, and noisy megaphones in Zhouzhuang and Tongli, you should pay a visit to Nanxun Water Town. Here are our most popular tours including Nanxun:
OurShanghai Watertown Tourtakes you to visit the most unique water town – Nanxun Ancient Watertown.
查看更多Hangzhou tours．我们的旅游成本的mizable - tell us your interests and requirements and we will help you totailor-make a Hangzhou tour．
