Nanxun Water Town Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Overview
Located between Shanghai and Hangzhou, Nanxun Water Town is one of the six major ancient water towns in Jiangnan, with a history of over 1,000 years. It once flourished as a vital hub of silk trade in ancient China, where wealthy merchants built grand mansions combining traditional Chinese gardens and Western-style villas—this unique blend of cultures makes Nanxun stand out among all water towns in China. Whether you are a history lover, a photography enthusiast, a foodie, or a traveler seeking tranquility, Nanxun has something special to offer. This guide will take you through every detail of Nanxun, from transportation and attractions to food and accommodation, ensuring your trip to Nanxun is smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

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Climate & Best Time to Visit
Nanxun has a subtropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. The average temperature is 16.5? throughout the year, making it suitable for travel all year round. However, the best time to visit Nanxun is from March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn):

· Spring (March-May): The weather is mild, with warm sunshine and blooming flowers. Willows by the river are green, and the whole town is full of vitality. It is the best time to take a boat tour and enjoy the fresh scenery of Jiangnan.
· Autumn (September-November): The weather is cool and comfortable, with clear sky. The ginkgo leaves and maple leaves turn golden and red, adding a romantic touch to the ancient town. It is perfect for walking and photography.
· Summer (June-August): It is hot and rainy, but it is the best time to appreciate the lotus flowers in Xiaolianzhuang (Little Lotus Villa). The lotus pond is full of blooming lotus flowers, which is extremely beautiful.
· Winter (December-February): It is cold and humid, but the town is decorated with Spring Festival lanterns during the Spring Festival, creating a strong festive atmosphere. It is a good time to experience the traditional Chinese New Year customs in Jiangnan.

Transportation Within Nanxun Water Town
The core area of Nanxun Water Town is small and suitable for walking—you can stroll along the bluestone roads, enjoy the waterway scenery, and feel the ancient town's charm at a slow pace. In addition, there are two special transportation methods for visitors to choose from:

· Water Bus: The most cost-effective way to experience the water town. It costs only 3 RMB per person, departs on the hour and half-hour, and travels along the main waterways, passing by key attractions such as Baijian Building and Tongjin Bridge. It is a great choice for budget travelers.
· Rowing Boat: A more romantic way to experience the water town. It costs 50 RMB per person (for a small boat, 2-3 people), and the boatman will row slowly along the narrow waterways, telling you the stories of the ancient town. It is recommended to take a rowing boat at dusk to enjoy the sunset and the night view of the town.
· Tips: There are no electric vehicles or bicycles in the core area of the ancient town to protect the historical environment. Do not take the tricycles outside the town that claim to have "free tickets"—they are usually scams.

Top Attractions & Experiences in Nanxun Water Town
Paid Attractions (Core Historical Sites)
The paid attractions in Nanxun are mainly historical mansions, gardens, and libraries, which are the essence of Nanxun's history and culture. It is recommended to buy a combined ticket (85 RMB per person) which includes 6 core attractions, which is more cost-effective than buying tickets separately. Students can get a 50% discount with a student ID, and seniors over 70 years old can visit for free with an ID card.
Xiaolianzhuang (Little Lotus Villa):
Built in the late Qing Dynasty, it was the private garden of Liu Yong, the richest man in Nanxun (one of the "Four Elephants"). It covers an area of about 11 acres, with a large lotus pond as the center, surrounded by pavilions, terraces, corridors, and rockeries. It is a typical Jiangnan garden with elegant scenery. In summer, the lotus pond is full of blooming lotus flowers, which is a popular photo spot for visitors.

· Highlights: The Western-style archway at the entrance, the stele corridor with inscriptions by famous calligraphers, and the lotus pond view. It is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid crowds.
· Address: No. 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, within Nanxun Ancient Town
· Phone:+86-572-3016999
· Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 from April 1st to October 31st every year (closed at 16:30)
From November 1st to March 31st of the following year, from 08:00 to 16:30 (no admission: 16:00)
· Suggested stay time: 1-2 hours

Zhang Shiming Former Residence:

· Highlights: The Western-style ballroom with century-old stained glass, the carved wooden windows in the Chinese courtyard, and the ancient well in the backyard. It is a must-visit for architecture lovers.
· Address: No. 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, within Nanxun Ancient Town
· Phone:+86-572-3016999
· Opening hours: 08:00-16:30 throughout the year (closed at 16:00)
· Suggested stay time: 1-2 hours

Jiaye Tang Library:
One of the four major libraries in Jiangnan, built by Liu Chengan, the grandson of Liu Yong. It houses more than 600,000 ancient books, including many rare editions and imperial tributes. The library is surrounded by green tiles and white walls, with a quiet courtyard, making it a perfect place for book lovers to feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

· Highlights: The ancient books on display, the plaque written by Liu Chengan himself, and the quiet courtyard. Visitors can scan the QR code to view digital versions of rare books (with English explanations).
· Address: Wenyuan, Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
· Opening hours: 08:00-16:30 all year round
· Suggested stay time: 1 hour

Liu's Ladder House (Red House): 
Another representative of Chinese-Western hybrid architecture in Nanxun, built by Liu Yong's family. It is famous for its red brick walls and Roman columns, which contrast sharply with the traditional Chinese horse-head walls. The interior is decorated with exquisite carvings and furniture, reflecting the wealth and taste of the Liu family.

· Highlights: The red brick Roman columns, the retro courtyard, and the photo spots with a vintage style. It is recommended to wear light-colored clothes for photos.
· Address: No. 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, within the Nanxun Ancient Town Scenic Area
· Opening hours: 08:00-16:30 all year round
· Suggested stay time: 1-2 hours
· Phone:+86-572-3016999

Free Attractions (Authentic Water Town Scenery)
The free area of Nanxun Water Town is the most authentic part, where you can see local residents' daily life, such as old ladies washing clothes by the river, fishermen rowing boats, and small shops selling local snacks. These areas are free to enter and are perfect for experiencing the real Jiangnan water town atmosphere.
Baijian Building (Hundred-Room Building):
The soul of Nanxun Water Town, a 400-meter-long Ming Dynasty corridor along the river, which is the best-preserved ancient residential group along the river in Jiangnan. The buildings are connected by corridors, with blue bricks, black tiles, and wooden doors and windows, full of the charm of ancient water towns. It is free to visit all year round.

· Highlights: The morning mist (the most beautiful at 7-9 am), the sunset view (17-18 pm in summer, 16:30-17:30 pm in winter), and the night view with lanterns. Guanghui Bridge is the best spot to take a panoramic photo of Baijian Building.
· Tips: Visit in the early morning or evening to avoid crowds and get the best photo effects.
· Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 throughout the year
· Suggested stay time: 1-2 hours
· Address: East Baijianlou River, Nanxun Ancient Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City
· Phone:+86-572-3016999

Tongjin Bridge & Guanghui Bridge:
Two iconic stone arch bridges in Nanxun Water Town. Tongjin Bridge is the oldest bridge in Nanxun, built in the Ming Dynasty, with a history of over 400 years. Guanghui Bridge is located at the entrance of Baijian Building, with a unique shape, and is a popular photo spot for visitors.

· Highlights: The reflection of the bridge in the water, the rowing boats passing under the bridge, and the view of the ancient town from the bridge. It is perfect to take photos at sunset when the bridge is bathed in golden light.
· Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 throughout the year
· Suggested stay time: 10 minutes
· Address: On the Ancient Canal, East Street, Nanxun Ancient Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City

East Street & West Street
The main commercial streets in Nanxun Water Town, lined with small shops, tea houses, and snack bars. Unlike other commercial streets in water towns, here you can find many local specialty shops and old brands, without excessive commercialization. You can stroll along the streets, taste local snacks, and buy souvenirs.

· Highlights: The old shops with a history of decades, the bluestone roads with a sense of history, and the local snacks sold on the street.
· Address: No. 3-5 East Street, Nanxun Development Zone, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province

Cultural Experiences (Immersive Nanxun Life)
To truly understand Nanxun, you need to participate in local cultural experiences, feel the life of local residents, and experience the unique culture of Nanxun.
Jili Lake Silk Experience:

· Introduction: Jili Lake Silk is the business card of Nanxun. You can visit the Jili Lake Silk Museum or the silk workshop, learn about the history of silk production in Nanxun, and even try silk reeling by hand. The workshop provides English explanations, so foreign visitors can easily understand the production process of silk.
· Experience: Handmade silk bookmarks, silk scarves, etc., which can be taken as souvenirs. The experience fee is about 50-100 RMB per person, depending on the type of experience.

Traditional Chinese Tea Tasting:

· Introduction: There are many traditional tea houses in Nanxun Water Town, where you can taste local teas such as Longjing tea and Biluochun tea. The tea houses are usually located by the river, so you can drink tea while watching the waterway scenery and listening to the local opera (Pingtan) if you are lucky.
· Recommendation: Choose a small tea house in the alley, such as the tea house near Baijian Building, where the price is reasonable and the atmosphere is quiet.

Water Kunqu Opera Performance:

· Introduction: Kunqu Opera is one of the oldest operas in China, and Nanxun has a long history of Kunqu Opera. Every Friday and Saturday night, there is a water Kunqu Opera performance near Baijian Building. The performers sing on the boat, and the audience watches by the river, creating a unique artistic atmosphere.
· Tips: The performance needs to be reserved in advance through the "Nanxun Tourism" WeChat mini-program, and the reservation is free. It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes in advance to get a good seat.

Folk Festivals
Huzhou, as a city with a long history and rich culture, has many unique folk festivals, which reflect the local customs and cultural heritage. Foreign visitors can experience the strong festive atmosphere if they travel during these festivals.
Huzhou Writing Brush Culture Festival

· Holding Time:  Held in late October every year.
· Location:  Mainly held in Nanxun and Wuxing District of Huzhou.
· Event Introduction & Activities:  The festival contains rich cultural activities, including writing brush making performances, calligraphy exhibitions and writing brush appreciation.
· Experience for Foreign Visitors:  Foreign visitors can watch the whole handmade process of Huzhou writing brushes, which is a national intangible cultural heritage. They can also experience writing with Chinese writing brushes and learn about the history and culture of Huzhou writing brushes.

Nanxun Water Town Wedding Custom Festival

· Holding Time:  Held in late March every year, coinciding with the local spring tourist season.
· Specific Location:  The event is situated in the core area of Nanxun Ancient Town.
· Event Overview & Featured Activities:  The festival restores and displays the traditional wedding customs of Jiangnan water towns. It features a series of characteristic activities, including sedan chair carrying, boat wedding rituals and traditional wedding banquets.
· Experience for Foreign Visitors:  Foreign tourists can watch the live wedding performances, have an immersive experience of local wedding customs, and take photos with the wedding procession team.

Nanxun Osmanthus Festival

· Holding Time:  Held in mid-September every year, when osmanthus flowers are in full bloom.
· Location:  It takes place in Nanxun Ancient Town.
· Event Contents:  The festival offers diverse activities, including osmanthus appreciation, osmanthus food tasting and folk performances. The featured food includes osmanthus cake and osmanthus wine.
· Experience for Foreign Visitors:  Foreign visitors can enjoy the fragrance of osmanthus, taste osmanthus-themed food, and experience the romantic autumn atmosphere of the water town.

Must-Try Dishes in Nanxun Water Town
Nanxun's food is characterized by freshness, lightness, and richness, combining the flavor of Jiangnan water town with the characteristics of local ingredients. Most dishes are not spicy, which is suitable for foreign visitors' taste. Here are the must-try dishes:
Nanxun Braised Trotter (Xun Ti)

· Introduction: The signature dish of Nanxun, made of pork front trotters braised in old sauce for several hours. The trotters are red and shiny, soft and tender, with a sweet and salty taste, not greasy at all. It is a popular dish among both locals and tourists.
· Recommended store: XunTi (Nanxun Main Store)
· Business hours: 09:00-21:00
· Address: No. 143, Nanxi Street, Guzhen, Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
· Phone: +86-13735154545

Shuang Jiao Noodles (Double Topping Noodles)

· Introduction: The soul of Nanxun's breakfast, made of hand-made noodles with two toppings—braised pork and fried fish fillet. The noodles are chewy, and the soup is fresh and delicious, boiled with eel bones and pork bones.
· Recommended store: Double Noodle Shop
· Business hours: Monday to Sunday 08:00-22:00
· Address: No. 172, Nandong Street, Nanxun Ancient Town, Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
· Phone: +86-18857216665

Embroidery Brocade Vegetable (Xiu Hua Jin Cai)

· Introduction: A unique vegetable in Nanxun, with serrated edges on the leaves. It is tender and fragrant when stir-fried, and it is a local seasonal delicacy that is hard to find elsewhere.
· Recommended store: Embroidered Brocade Rice
· Business hours: Monday to Sunday 08:00-22:00
· Address: South of Zhijiang Garden, Changzeng Road, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
· Phone: +86-13857267383

Local Snacks & Desserts
Dingsheng Cake (Ding Sheng Gao)

· Introduction: A traditional Jiangnan pastry, made of glutinous rice flour, osmanthus flower, red bean paste and a little sugar, soft and glutinous in taste, with a light and fresh osmanthus fragrance. It is pink in color, shaped like a small square, beautiful in appearance, and suitable for dessert. It is a common pastry for local people to celebrate festivals.
· Recommended store: Wild Water Chestnut Specialty Store (Nanxun Store)
· Business hours: Monday to Sunday 07:00-21:30
· Address: No. 725-727, Shuixiang Street, Yuanlin Road, Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
· Phone: +86-13857258322

Huzhou Big Wonton (Hu Zhou Da Hun Tun)

· Introduction: Thin and translucent skin made of high-quality flour, filled with fresh pork (or pork mixed with shrimp) and diced bamboo shoots, with a plump filling. The soup is boiled with pork bones and dried shrimps, fresh and delicious, warm and satisfying. It is a popular breakfast and snack in Nanxun.
· Recommended store: Xunji Wonton (Nanxun Ancient Town Store)
· Business hours: Monday to Sunday 07:00-22:00
· Address: No. 119 Xiangshan Road, Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
· Phone: +86-18261807260

Smoked Bean Tea (Xun Dou Cha)

· Introduction: A traditional tea for receiving guests in Nanxun, also known as "Seven-Flavor Tea", which is made of smoked green beans, sesame seeds, diced bamboo shoots, dried orange peel, peanuts, osmanthus and tea leaves. It is salty and refreshing, with a rich layer of taste, and can relieve greasiness, suitable for matching with pastries.
· Recommended store: Nanxun Teahouse (Second Store)
· Business hours: 10:00-22:00
· Address: 2nd Floor, No. 18 Shiyuan West Road, Nanxun Town, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
· Phone:+86- (0572) 3011333

Where to Stay in Nanxun Water Town
Luxury Hotels (High-End Experience)
Suitable for visitors pursuing comfort and high-quality service, mostly located in quiet areas inside the ancient town or with beautiful river views, equipped with complete facilities and professional service teams, providing a comfortable and high-end accommodation experience.
Huzhou Nanxun Hilton Hotel

· Address: No. 18 Mingzhu Road, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province
· Price: Starting from 1000 yuan
· Business hours: 24 hours a year
· Check out time: Check in time: after 3:00 pm/Check out time: before 12:00 noon
· Booking websites: Booking.com, Agoda, trip
· Phone:+86-572-3978888
· Features: The Hilton Hotel in Nanxun, Huzhou is equipped with elegant and comfortable rooms and suites. The design and decoration of the hotel capture the freehand brushwork and elegance of the Jiangnan water town without losing the delicate and simple modern sense. Through the spherical french window, you can also easily enjoy the natural artistic conception of the changing seasons near the water. The layout of the rooms is carefully carved, flexible and considerate, creating a quiet and comfortable space for global travel enthusiasts or business guests.

Nanxun Boyang Kaiyuan Mingting Resort Hotel

· Address: No. 88 Xiaolianzhuang Road, Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province
· Price: Starting from 1000 yuan
· Business hours: 24 hours a year
· Check out time: Check in time: after 3:00 pm/Check out time: before 12:00 noon
· Booking websites: Booking.com, Agoda, Trip
· Phone: +86-572-367777
· Features: The hotel's unique cultural experience activities revolve around the charm and folk customs of the Jiangnan water town. Through handmade activities such as woodblock printing, oil paper umbrella painting, and ancient town models, we bring you a different kind of fun.

Comfortable Hotels (Balanced Comfort & Cost)
Suitable for most visitors, with comfortable rooms, complete basic facilities, reasonable prices, and convenient transportation, mostly located near the ancient town or in the downtown area of Nanxun.
Hanting Hotel (Nanxun Ancient Town Store)

· Address: No. 372 Dazhong Road, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province
· Price: Starting from 300 yuan
· Business hours: 24 hours a year
· Check out time: Check in time: after 14:00/Check out time: before 12:00
· Booking websites: Booking.com, Agoda, Trip
· Phone:+86-572-3083888  /  +86-18157274729
· Features: Hanting Hotel (Nanxun Ancient Town Branch) has guest rooms and a self-service breakfast restaurant that can accommodate around 25 people. It provides 24-hour front desk and room service, quick check-in/check-out, self-service luggage storage service, and free parking for self driving tourists; The guest rooms offer high-quality bedding, unique bathroom facilities, and a variety of digital TV programs; Guests staying at the hotel can also enjoy thoughtful services such as wireless internet access, casual reading, and feel at home even when on a business trip

Home Inn (Nanxun Ancient Town Branch)

· Address: No. 3155, Building 3, Century Mall, Jiangnan Road, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province
· Price: Starting from 200 yuan
· Business hours: 24 hours a year
· Check out time: Check in time: after 12:00/Check out time: from 00:00 to 12:00
· Booking websites: Booking.com, Agoda, Trip
· Phone: +86-572-3883888
· Features: The hotel has various types of luxury rooms, which are Home Inn 3.0 products. The rooms provide high-quality and comfortable bedding, free high-speed fiber optic network, overall bathing equipment, rich program digital high-definition TV, as well as a self-service breakfast restaurant that can accommodate about 30 people. 24-hour front desk and room service are provided, and free parking spaces are available for self driving tourists; There are fashion boutique streets, small commodity markets, large shopping malls and supermarkets, various restaurants and KTVs around the hotel, allowing you to enjoy unique services during business trips, tourism, and leisure vacations!

Accommodation Booking Tips
For foreign visitors, here are detailed booking tips presented in points to ensure a smooth accommodation experience:
· Booking in Advance: It is recommended to book accommodation 1-2 months in advance during peak seasons (March-May, September-November) and holidays to avoid no rooms available. Ctrip (English version available) is a convenient and reliable booking platform.
· Confirm English Service: Before booking, confirm whether the accommodation provides English service. Most of the recommended hotels above can provide simple English communication to avoid communication barriers.
· Choose Location Wisely: If you want to experience the night view of the water town and the quiet atmosphere in the evening, choose accommodation inside the ancient town; if you pay more attention to cost performance and convenient transportation, choose accommodation outside the ancient town.
· Read Guest Reviews: Carefully read the guest reviews of the accommodation, focusing on the cleanliness of the room, the attitude of the staff, and the convenience of transportation, which can help you make a more appropriate choice.
· Inform Arrival Information: Inform the accommodation in advance of your arrival time and transportation method (such as high-speed rail, taxi), so that the staff can arrange pick-up or provide detailed route guidance if necessary.

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Practical Tips
· Boat Riding: When taking a rowing boat, avoid carrying valuables (such as cameras and mobile phones) near the edge of the boat to prevent them from falling into the water; the boatman’s English is limited, so you can use simple gestures or translation apps to communicate.

· Dining:  Most local restaurants do not provide English menus, but you can ask the waiter for picture menus or use translation apps to check dish names; if you have dietary taboos (such as vegetarianism), it is recommended to inform the waiter in advance with translation tools.

· Weather & Footwear:  The bluestone roads in the ancient town are slippery on rainy days, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes; umbrellas are available for rent at the tourist reception center (5 RMB per day, deposit 50 RMB).

· Ticket: When visiting paid attractions, keep your ticket properly; some attractions require ticket checking multiple times. You can store the electronic version of the ticket in your mobile phone as a backup.

· Photography:  The best time to take photos of Baijian Building is 7:00-9:00 in the morning (less crowd and soft light) and 17:00-18:30 in the evening (sunset view); avoid taking photos at noon when the light is too strong.

· Currency Exchange: For foreign visitors who need to exchange RMB, it is recommended to exchange at banks in Huzhou City or Shanghai/Hangzhou airports; there are no foreign exchange points in the ancient town, and small shops do not accept foreign currency.

FAQs
Q:  Can foreign visitors use international credit cards in Nanxun?       
A:  Most hotels, large restaurants and silk specialty shops accept international credit cards; however, small snack stalls, street vendors and some small homestays only accept mobile payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay) or cash, so it is necessary to prepare a small amount of RMB cash.        

Q:  Is there a free tour guide service for foreign visitors in the ancient town?       
A: There is no free tour guide service in the ancient town, but you can rent a professional English-speaking tour guide at the tourist reception center (150-200 RMB per 2 hours); most core attractions have QR codes for English explanations, which can be scanned for free.        

Q:  Can I take my luggage into the core area of the ancient town?
A:  You can take small luggage into the core area, but large luggage is not recommended (the bluestone roads are narrow and inconvenient to carry). Most hotels and homestays provide free luggage storage service; there is also a luggage storage point at the tourist reception center (free of charge).       

Q:  Are there any restrictions on taking photos in Nanxun Ancient Town?       
A: Taking photos of public scenic spots is free and unrestricted; but when taking photos of private courtyards, ancient buildings inside paid attractions, or local residents, you must ask for permission first to avoid disputes. Commercial photography (such as wedding photography) requires prior approval from the scenic spot management.       

Q:  What should I do if I get lost in the ancient town?       
A: The core area of the ancient town is not large, and there are road signs in both Chinese and English at major intersections; you can also ask local residents (most can understand simple English words) or call the scenic spot service hotline (0572-3016999, English service available) for help.        

Q:  Can I take pets into Nanxun Ancient Town?       
A:  Small pets (such as cats and small dogs) can enter the free area of the ancient town, but they must be kept on a leash; pets are not allowed to enter paid attractions, hotels and restaurants. It is recommended to confirm with the accommodation in advance if you need to bring pets.