Nanxun! I regret coming so late! A millennium-old town that's permanently free of charge.
by MiikaKoskinen
Mar 14, 2025
π Transportation Guide
Self-driving: Navigate to "Nanxun Ancient Town South Gate Parking Lot" (5 yuan/hour), about 1.5 hours from Hangzhou.
π High-speed Rail: From Huzhou Station, take bus route 101 directly to the scenic area (1.5 hours total).
Shuttle Bus: Free shuttle buses are provided by the scenic area, scan the QR code to check specific routes.
βοΈ Recommended Routes
πΉ Classic One-Day Tour
Morning (7:30-10:30):
π Xiaolian Garden: Private garden of wealthy merchant Liu Yong, fewer people in early morning, perfect for traditional photo shoots (hanfu/qipao recommended).
π Jiaye Tang Library: One of China's three major ancient libraries, scan QR codes to view digitized ancient books.
π Zhang Shiming's Former Residence: Chinese-Western fusion architecture, must-see Western-style ballroom with stained glass and spiral staircase.
π Liu's Ladder Company: Red brick Baroque-style building, take vintage photos at the archway.
Noon (11:00-13:00):
π Zhuangyuan Tower Double-Topped Noodles: Crispy fish + tender meat toppings (22 yuan/bowl), local time-honored brand.
π Long Street Tea Stall: Smoked bean tea with green rice balls for 5 yuan/person, enjoy tea by the riverside in the sunshine.
Afternoon (13:30-17:00):
π Hundred Room Building: Ming-Qing dynasty building complex, lanterns reflect on water at dusk, free admission and less crowded.
π Rowing Boat Experience: Guanghui Bridge β Xiaolian Garden one-way trip 160 yuan/boat (seats 8), listen to boatwomen singing folk tunes.
π Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: Jili Lake Silk Workshop silk reeling (sessions at 14:30/16:00), make your own silk bookmark.
Evening (17:30-20:00):
π Guanghui Bridge Light Show: Water Kunqu Opera performances every Friday/Saturday night (reservation required via mini program).
π Nandong Street Night Market: Freshly made osmanthus sugar lotus root and Dingsheng cake, silk face masks make great souvenirs.
π Budget-Friendly Route (Suitable for Students/Budget Travelers)
Morning: Free visit to Hundred Room Building, 5 yuan smoked bean tea, take reflection photos.
Noon: Eat Lianshi lamb noodles (15 yuan) + double-topped noodles (12 yuan) in the alleyways, about 30 yuan per person.
Afternoon: Take bus 203 (2 yuan) to Hefu Yang, enjoy the natural scenery of mulberry-fish ponds for free.
π Must-Try Food Recommendations β
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Double-Topped Noodles: Crispy fish + tender meat toppings with secret savory broth.
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Dingsheng Cake: Sweet dessert from the Southern Song Dynasty, 3 yuan each, symbolizes good fortune.
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Three-Course Tea: Wind-dried tea, smoked bean tea, and clear tea, distinctly Jiangnan style.
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Xun Pork Trotters: Auntie Zhou's secret recipe, tender and flavorful.
π Accommodation Suggestions
Luxury Hotels: Hilton, Kaiyuan Mingting Resort Hotel.
Boutique Homestays:
Hundred Room Building Area: ZhijiΒ·Nanlou Chunxiao, Calligraphy and Painting Academy Inn (waterfront location).
Value Options: Wujian Fang Homestay, TingjianΒ·Nanxun.
π Practical Tips
πΈ Photography Spots:
Low-angle shots from stone steps under Guanghui Bridge capture boats and reflections; wear plain-colored long dresses at Liu's red building.
Hundred Room Building in morning mist (before 7:00) looks like a Chinese ink painting from drone shots.
β οΈ Tips to Avoid Scams:
Don't trust "discounted guide tickets" at the scenic area entrance, official channels are more reliable.
Wear non-slip athletic shoes as stone paths are uneven.
βοΈ Seasonal Highlights:
Summer (June-August): Lotus flowers bloom in Xiaolian Garden; Autumn: Golden rice waves at Hefu Yang.
π This "summer," set off with this guide! The everyday charm and Jiangnan elegance of Nanxun Ancient Town await your exploration.
Post by GIDEON GOODWIN | May 6, 2025






















