Which Jiangnan ancient town is the most worth visiting? Is Nanxun Ancient Town fun? Nanxun Ancient Town Travel Guide
Preface
The most distinctive beauty of the Jiangnan water towns is actually the ancient towns with a long history. The six most famous ancient towns: Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Luzhi, Xitang, Wuzhen, and Nanxun are all unique in the world and well-known both at home and abroad for their historical and cultural heritage, water town style, and folk customs. There are thousands of ancient towns in Jiangnan, so why do I love this ancient town so much?
Where is Nanxun Ancient Town?
Nanxun, located east of the urban area of Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, bordering Wujiang City, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, was the most prosperous ancient town in the Jiangnan region during the Republic of China. It's been said that if Xitang is compared to a beautiful girl from a small family and Wuzhen is a lady from a prominent family, then Nanxun is like the returned Thirteenth Aunt after studying abroad. Its elegance and grandeur are tempered by a touch of rebellion, embodying a fusion of Chinese and Western values. Furthermore, this Jiangnan town, steeped in millennia of cultural heritage and history, offers a variety of delicious traditional delicacies. The popular food variety show "12 Tastes of Feng Wei" even dedicated an episode to "Xun Pig's Hoof." Come to Nanxun Ancient Town to experience authentic Jiangnan snacks.
Is Nanxun Ancient Town fun? (Tell you how to play in three minutes)
Xiaolianzhuang
Xiaolianzhuang was the private garden of Liu Yong, leader of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty. Liu Yong, the leader of the "Four Elephants" (picture of an elephant), was rumored to have a fortune exceeding 20 million taels of silver, earning him the reputation of "Liu's Silver" among the Four Elephants. The Nanxun F4 was known as "Liu's Silver, Zhang's Talent, Pang's Reputation, and Gu's House."
Xiaolianzhuang, named after the "Lotus Manor" in Huzhou by the Yuan Dynasty calligrapher and painter Zhao Mengfu, is a typical Jiangnan garden. Comprising an outer garden, an inner garden, and the Liu Family Temple, it is renowned as a "garden within a garden." Seeing a mountain of Taihu rocks makes one want to call it "Daddy."
Jiayetang Library
When Liu Yong became wealthy, he felt deeply that his ancestors had lacked education. Despite their wealth, they lacked official status and were not considered high-ranking. Therefore, he devoted himself to educating his son and preparing him for the imperial examinations. This resulted in his eldest grandson, Liu Chenggan. A remarkable family breeds remarkable individuals. Liu Chenggan built the Jiayetang Library, a masterpiece of modern Chinese private libraries, ranked among the four great libraries in Jiangnan. Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, presented him with a nine-dragon gold plaque inscribed with the inscription "Qin Ruo Jiaye."
Former Residence of Zhang Shiming
The former residence of Zhang Shiming, also known as Yide Hall, is a large mansion built by Zhang Shiming, the grandson of Zhang Songxian, a wealthy man in Jiangnan and one of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun. Zhang Shiming's mansion was so luxurious that later generations used the term "Four Wonders" to describe it.
The first unique feature is the Dongyang wood carvings that can be found throughout the old house. Only imperial palaces like the Forbidden City could afford to use them, but in Zhang Shiming's mansion, even a window is crafted using Dongyang wood carving techniques.
The second unique feature is brick carving. A simple blue brick, when intricately carved with designs, becomes more valuable than just a brick. At Zhang Shiming's former residence, some of the corridor windows are adorned with exquisite brick carvings. The designs depict folk myths, heroic figures, and more, making each brick a precious work of art.
The third unique feature is Huizhou stone carving. Due to the limitations of the material, stone carvings lack the sophistication of wood and brick carvings, but the craftsmanship is more complex. At Zhang Shiming's former residence, the stone carvings primarily feature simple auspicious themes such as fortune, longevity, and the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea. These adorns the corridors and walls, weathering the elements and remaining clearly visible to visitors.
The fourth unique feature is the stained glass carvings imported from France. Many of the windows in Zhang Shiming's former residence feature glass made from imported French materials. The combination of glass reliefs and colors creates a vibrant world of color. Such bold architectural features are rare in the semi-feudal society of the Jiangnan waterside towns.
It is said that at the end of the last century, a French architect came to Zhang Shiming's old house. The scene in front of him stunned the architect. He said that this was completely a French Toulouse-style architecture. He never thought that he could see it in a Jiangnan water town in the far East. It was really a miracle.
Liu's ladder number
From the outside, the Little Red House boasts a typical Jiangnan water town architectural style, but upon entering, one discovers Western architecture. Liu's Ladder House, also known as Chongde Hall and more commonly as the Red House, was the residence of Liu Ansheng, the third son of Liu Yong, the richest man among Nanxun's "Four Elephants." The architectural style and artistic expression of Liu's Ladder House are the result of the expansion and expansion of Nanxun silk merchants and their engagement with foreign countries. It embodies a quintessential fusion of Chinese and Western civilizations.
The entire house is constructed of red bricks and tiles, and the windows are designed in a standard European style. This makes the Liu's Tihao stand out in the ancient town of Nanxun, a place with a thousand years of history. Entering the main hall from the red house reveals the interior design, layout, and decoration, all in traditional Chinese style. Thus, the Liu's Tihao is a perfect blend of Western European exteriors and Chinese interiors, truly remarkable.
Jilihu Silk
In the beautiful scenery of the south of the Yangtze River in Nanxun, you can trace the amazing historical past written by Jili Lake Silk in the long river of history, and explore the wonders and charm of Zhejiang silk merchants and the fine Lake Silk products.
Former Residence of Zhang Jingjiang
Visit Zhang Jingjiang's former residence and experience the legendary history of this business tycoon, known as the "Lü Buwei of the Republic of China," who used business to advise the government and generously supported the National Revolution of Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek.
Hundred Houses
Built by Ming Dynasty Minister of Rites Dong Fen for his wives and servants, the Baijianlou (Hundred-Room House) boasts a history of over 400 years. Initially comprising approximately 100 rooms, it was nicknamed the "Hundred-Room Houses." It is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty riverside residential complexes in the Jiangnan region. Built alongside the winding river, the Hundred-Room Houses, along with their reflections in the water, create a captivating scene of Jiangnan's floating dwellings.
Ditang Old Road
A tour of the Ditang Old Channel, along the south bank of Taihu Lake, allows you to experience the grandeur of this ancient water conservancy project while also appreciating the development and evolution of the urban form and streetscapes of Nanxun, an ancient Jiangnan water town. On June 22, 2014, the Grand Canal of China was inscribed on the World Heritage List, making Nanxun the first World Heritage site in Huzhou City and the first Jiangnan ancient town in China to be designated a World Heritage Site.
Best season to visit
Nanxun's spring, with its warm waters, blooming flowers, and bright sunshine, is the perfect time for a water tour of the ancient town. In autumn, with its cool breeze, strolling along the ancient town's narrow stone pavements, you'll be captivated by the quaint, warm beauty of the Hundred Houses.
Both summer and winter offer their own unique attractions. Summer is the best time to admire the lotus blossoms in Xiaolianzhuang, where the blooming lotuses fill the pond and nestle among the ancient houses and pavilions, creating an indescribable beauty. In winter, the lively atmosphere of the ancient town during the Spring Festival and the rich cultural atmosphere exuded by the ancient buildings will make you linger.
Travel Guide
Opening hours
Summer time: 7:30-17:30;
Winter time: 8:00-17:00.
Ticket price
100 yuan/person (Xiaolianzhuang, Library, Zhang Shiming's Former Residence, Liu's Tihao, Jilihu Silk Museum, Guanghui Palace, Zhang Jingjiang's Former Residence, Baijianlou).
Photo: Nanxun Ancient Town
How to get to Nanxun?
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The most convenient way to get there by train is to transfer at Huzhou Railway Station. There are two options: 1. Take bus No. 40 or No. 101B to the Zhejiang North Passenger Transport Center, then take the Huzhou-Nanxun express bus (2 yuan for the bus and 8 yuan for the express). 2. Take bus No. 101B directly to Nanxun, purchasing tickets in sections for the entire journey (8 yuan).
2. Nanxun has frequent buses and minibuses connecting to other parts of Jiangsu and Zhejiang
. For travelers from Beijing, Guangzhou, and other cities, the most convenient route is to transfer in Huzhou or Jiaxing.
Must-eat delicacies in Nanxun Ancient Town
Xunti
It is cooked using traditional folk techniques and was originally the favorite dish of Nanxun people during the New Year and other festivals. It has a rosy color and is fragrant but not greasy.
Steamed Mandarin Fish
Mandarin fish is tender and boneless, and is delicious steamed or braised. In the Nanxun dialect, "mandarin fish" is pronounced "ji" (fish), which sounds like "memory," so children are often given a piece of fish before school in the hope that they will have better memory and study skills.
Stir-fried embroidered brocade
A specialty of Nanxun Town, it cannot survive outside of Nanxun. It is completely native to Nanxun and can only be found there. It is said that an emperor was so pleased after eating it that he gave it the name "embroidered brocade vegetable."
Wind Window
People in Nanxun call wok-ci (glutinous rice crust) "fengxiao." Fengxiao soup is made by adding sugar to boiling water.
Dingsheng Cake
Dingsheng cake is soft, fragrant, and sweet. To make it, place rice flour into a Dingsheng cake mold, press it down, and smooth the surface with a knife. Steam it over high heat for 20 minutes, until the cake is firm and cooked. Remove the cake and turn it over on a chopping board.
Orange Cake
"Wild Water Chestnut" orange cake is a traditional specialty of Nanxun, with a history of over a hundred years. "Wild Water Chestnut" orange cake is soft but not sticky, with a pink color, a mellow orange flavor, and is fragrant and delicious.
Conclusion
In the inky Jiangnan, holding an oil-paper umbrella, walking quietly and slowly between the ancient alleys with gray walls and black tiles, on the bluestone road after the rain, you can see that despite thousands of years of vicissitudes, the six ancient towns in Jiangnan still preserve the original Jiangnan characteristics of "small bridges, flowing water, and houses". When you are among them, every frame seems like a dream, so beautiful that people can't help but sigh that the years are quiet and good!
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