I've returned from Nanxun, let me share some honest truths...



🚘 Transportation Guide
Self-driving: Navigate to "Nanxun Ancient Town South Gate Parking Lot" (5 yuan/hour), about 1.5 hours from Hangzhou.

πŸš„ 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.


⭐️ Recommended Routes
πŸ”Ή Classic One-Day Tour
Morning (7:30-10:30):
πŸ“ Xiaolian Garden: Private garden of wealthy merchant Liu Yong, fewer people in early morning, perfect for traditional photo shoots (hanfu/qipao recommended).
πŸ“ Jiaye Tang Library: One of China's three major ancient libraries, scan QR codes to view digitized ancient books.
πŸ“ Zhang Shiming's Former Residence: Chinese-Western fusion architecture, must-see Western-style ballroom with stained glass and spiral staircase.
πŸ“ Liu's Ladder Company: Red brick Baroque-style building, take vintage photos at the archway.

Noon (11:00-13:00):
πŸ“ Zhuangyuan Tower Double-Topped Noodles: Crispy fish + tender meat toppings (22 yuan/bowl), local time-honored brand.
πŸ“ 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):
πŸ“ Hundred Room Building: Ming-Qing dynasty building complex, lanterns reflect on water at dusk, free admission and less crowded.

πŸ“ Rowing Boat Experience: Guanghui Bridge β†’ Xiaolian Garden one-way trip 160 yuan/boat (seats 8), listen to boatwomen singing folk tunes.

πŸ“ 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):
πŸ“ Guanghui Bridge Light Show: Water Kunqu Opera performances every Friday/Saturday night (reservation required via mini program).

πŸ“ Nandong Street Night Market: Freshly made osmanthus sugar lotus root and Dingsheng cake, silk face masks make great souvenirs.

😍 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.

πŸ˜‹ Must-Try Food Recommendations βœ…
βœ… Double-Topped Noodles: Crispy fish + tender meat toppings with secret savory broth.
βœ… Dingsheng Cake: Sweet dessert from the Southern Song Dynasty, 3 yuan each, symbolizes good fortune.
βœ… Three-Course Tea: Wind-dried tea, smoked bean tea, and clear tea, distinctly Jiangnan style.
βœ… Xun Pork Trotters: Auntie Zhou's secret recipe, tender and flavorful.

πŸ’’ 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.

πŸ“Œ Practical Tips

πŸ“Έ 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.

⚠️ 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.

⭐️ Seasonal Highlights:
Summer (June-August): Lotus flowers bloom in Xiaolian Garden; Autumn: Golden rice waves at Hefu Yang.

😍 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

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