Dubbed the Most Beautiful Ancient Town by National Geographic – Just How Stunning Is It?

Nanxun Ancient Town, located in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, is one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan. Renowned for its profound historical and cultural heritage, a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, and serene water-town charm, here’s a detailed travel guide to help you explore Nanxun:

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**1. Basic Information**
- **Address**: Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
- **Opening Hours**: Open year-round. Summer (April–October) 8:00–17:00; Winter (November–March) 8:00–16:30
- **Ticket Prices**:
- Combo Ticket: ~¥100 (includes major attractions like Xiaolianzhuang, Jiaye Tang Library, and Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence)
- Single Attraction Tickets: ¥20–50
- **Free Entry**: Since 2023, the town no longer charges an entrance fee, but some attractions still require tickets.

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**2. Transportation Guide**
- **High-Speed Rail**: Take the train to "Huzhou Station," then transfer to Bus 101 directly to Nanxun (~1.5 hours) or take a taxi (~1 hour, ~¥100).
- **Driving**: ~1.5–2 hours from Hangzhou/Shanghai. Navigate to "Nanxun Ancient Town Parking Lot" (parking fee: ¥10–20/day).
- **Internal Transport**: Walk or take a rowing boat (charged per boat, ~¥160–300/boat, seats 4–8 people).

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**3. Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Xiaolianzhuang**
- The private garden of Nanxun’s wealthiest merchant, Liu Yong, famed for its summer lotus blooms and fusion of Jiangnan garden aesthetics with Western elements.
2. **Jiaye Tang Library**
- A renowned private library from modern Chinese history, featuring garden-style architecture—ideal for culture enthusiasts.
3. **Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence**
- Known as the "No.1 Mansion in Jiangnan," it blends Chinese and Western styles, complete with a Baroque ballroom and French stained glass.
4. **Liu’s Ladder House (Red House)**
- A striking red-brick European-style building, photogenic with traditional Chinese courtyards inside.
5. **Hundred Rooms (Baijian Lou)**
- A riverside Ming-Qing residential complex that transforms into an ink-painting-like scene at dusk—best visited at night.
6. **Jili Silk Museum**
- Showcases Nanxun’s silk-making history and traditional reeling techniques.

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**4. Unique Experiences**
- **Rowing Boat Tour**: Glide through water alleys to savor the charm of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes."
- **Night Walk at Hundred Rooms**: The softly lit town offers a tranquil, romantic ambiance with fewer crowds—perfect for photography.
- **Handicraft Workshops**: Try making Huzhou brushes or silk fans (available at select shops).
- **Three-Course Tea Ritual**: Fengxiao Tea (sweet), Xundou Tea (savory), and Qing Tea (bitter), symbolizing life’s flavors.

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**5. Food Recommendations**
- **Must-Try Snacks**:
- Double-Topping Noodles (crispy fish + braised pork), Xun Ti (braised pork trotters), Dingsheng Cake, Xiuhuajin Vegetable (local specialty greens).
- **Recommended Restaurants**:
- Zhuangyuan Lou (time-honored noodle shop), Changxing Guan (visited by Jack Ma), Xiaoxiao Restaurant (locals’ favorite).
- **Souvenirs**:
- Jili silk, Nanxun pastries (Orange-Red Cake, Sister-in-Law Cake), Shanlian Huzhou brushes.

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**6. Accommodation Tips**
- **Boutique Inns in Town**:
- Ideal Three Days (artsy vibe), Shangyu Pavilion (riverside courtyard), Chenxiang Guild Hall (renovated ancient mansion).
- **Budget Options**:
- Chain hotels outside the town (e.g., Hanting, Jinjiang), ~10-minute walk to the scenic area.

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**7. Itinerary Suggestions**
- **Day Trip**: Xiaolianzhuang → Jiaye Tang → Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence → Liu’s Ladder House → Hundred Rooms night stroll.
- **Two-Day Trip**:
- Day 1: Major attractions + rowing boat + Three-Course Tea.
- Day 2: Visit Ditang Ancient Canal, Jili Village (origin of silk industry), or nearby Digang Ancient Village.

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**8. Tips**
1. Wear comfortable flats—cobblestone paths are uneven.
2. Bring mosquito repellent in summer.
3. Combo tickets are valid for one day; plan time wisely.
4. Avoid holidays (e.g., National Day, Labor Day) for a quieter experience.

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Nanxun retains its authentic local charm with minimal commercialization, ideal for slow-paced travelers. With extra time, pair it with other Huzhou highlights like Moganshan or Taihu Lake!