Nanxun Ancient Town is located in Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering approximately 34 square kilometers, with a core protected area of 1.68 square kilometers. Established during the Chunyou era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1241-1252), the town retains its Ming and Qing architectural style, with over 120 well-preserved ancient buildings including 6 nationally protected cultural heritage sites. Famous for its "Four Elephants and Eight Bulls" silk merchant culture, East-meets-West architecture, and typical water town layout, it's hailed as "the premier among Jiangnan's six great ancient towns".
History and Culture
With nearly 800 years of history since its Southern Song founding, Nanxun flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties through silk trade, producing the "Four Elephants and Eight Bulls" merchant class (Four Elephants being four families with assets exceeding 10 million taels of silver, Eight Bulls being eight families with over 1 million). These wealthy merchants constructed exquisite residences blending traditional Chinese architecture with Western artistic elements, creating the distinctive "Nanxun style".
The town was also an important window for China's modern opening to the world, nurturing key figures in China's modernization like Zhang Jingjiang and Xu Chi. Surviving structures like Xiaolianzhuang Garden and Jiaye Tang Library bear witness to China's modern cultural development.
Main Attractions
Xiaolianzhuang Garden
This 27-acre private garden of Liu Yong, Nanxun's wealthiest merchant, was built during the Guangxu era of Qing Dynasty. Centered around a lotus pond with exquisite structures like Dong Sheng Pavilion and Tuixiu Pavilion, it combines Jiangnan garden aesthetics with French architectural elements. The garden's stele corridor houses 45 pieces of calligraphy stone carvings by renowned masters through the ages.
Jiaye Tang Library
Built in 1920 by Liu Chenggan, this is modern China's largest and best-preserved private library. The two-story brick-wood structure blends Chinese and Western styles, housing up to 600,000 volumes at its peak, including rare Song-Yuan editions and fine Ming-Qing prints.
Zhang Shiming's Former Residence
This 6,500-square-meter luxurious mansion of the Zhang family (one of the "Four Elephants") was built during the Guangxu era. While mainly traditional Jiangnan-style halls, it incorporates a Baroque-style Western building, earning it the title "Jiangnan's Finest Residence". Notable for exquisite brick carvings, wood carvings and stained glass windows.
Hundred Rooms (Bai Jian Lou)
This 400-meter-long riverside Ming Dynasty complex originally had over 100 rooms (150 remain today). With white walls, black tiles and arcade-connected corridors, it forms classic water town scenery. The mist-shrouded Hundred Rooms at dawn is a photographer's favorite.
Local Cuisine
Nanxun Braised Pork Knuckle
A local specialty made from premium pork knuckles braised in secret sauce, featuring glossy red color and tender, non-greasy meat. Zhuang Yuan Lou restaurant in the scenic area serves the most authentic version.
Double Topping Noodles
Nanxun's signature noodle dish comes with two toppings - usually crispy fish and braised pork. The springy noodles in flavorful broth make locals' favorite breakfast. Recommended at Wu Fu Lou near the entrance.
Ding Sheng Cake
This traditional ingot-shaped cake made from glutinous rice flour and red bean paste symbolizes good fortune. Freshly steamed cakes are soft and sweet, available at several old shops in the scenic area.
Ticket Information
The combo ticket costs 100 yuan/person, covering major sites like Xiaolianzhuang, Jiaye Tang Library and Zhang Shiming's Residence. Open 8:00-17:00 (extended to 17:30 April-October). Free for seniors over 60, children under 1.2m and disabled visitors; students get 50% discount with valid ID. Recommended visiting time 4-5 hours.
Suggested Itinerary
Recommended route: South Gate → Xiaolianzhuang → Jiaye Tang Library → Zhang Shiming's Residence → Liu's Ladder House → Hundred Rooms → Tongjin Bridge → Jili Silk Museum. The 4-hour walk can be alternated with gondola rides (60 yuan/boat, max 6 persons) for water town experience.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: To Huzhou Station, then take bus 101 (about 1 hour)
- Driving: Exit at Nanxun on Shen-Jia-Hu Expressway, then 5km along Nanxun Avenue
- Bus: From Huzhou downtown take routes 151 or 152 to "Nanxun Ancient Town" stop
- Air: Nearest airport is Hangzhou Xiaoshan (about 100km away)
Must-See Attractions
- Xiaolianzhuang Garden: East-West fusion private garden
- Jiaye Tang Library: Modern China's book collection culture
- Zhang Shiming's Residence: "Jiangnan's Finest Residence" luxury
- Hundred Rooms: Classic water town photography spot
Travel Tips
- Visit early morning or evening to avoid crowds
- Wear comfortable flats for uneven stone paths
- Try gondola rides (shared boats more economical)
- Each season offers unique charms: spring flowers, summer lotuses, autumn chrysanthemums, winter snow
- Don't miss the night light show (19:00-21:00)
Precautions
- Don't touch carvings and murals to protect heritage
- Deep canals are dangerous - keep away from edges
- Some alleys are narrow - mind pedestrians
- Stone paths get slippery when wet - walk carefully
- No smoking or drones allowed in scenic area