Only After Visiting Nanxun Did I Realize Jiangnan Has Another Face—This Zhejiang Travel Guide Shows You a Different Jiangnan

I thought I was immune to ancient towns

until I visited Nanxun

and realized Jiangnan is as beautiful as a painting.

Unlike other ancient towns, it isn't noisy,

and it offers more than just Jiangnan scenery—

it weaves a unique blend of Chinese and Western styles into its leisurely pace.

Just spend a whole day

strolling slowly from south to north,

and you'll see exactly what makes Nanxun special.

There are several entrances,

but be sure to use the South Gate.

Your first stop after entering

is Xiaolianzhuang Garden.

Hailed as a model of Jiangnan private gardens,

it's the soul of Nanxun Ancient Town.

This isn't an ordinary garden—

it was the private estate

of Liu Yong, Nanxun's wealthiest man in the late Qing Dynasty.

Walk in and the rocks, trees, and pond unfold before you.

In summer,

endless green lotus leaves stretch to the horizon,

a truly spectacular sight.

Even out of season,

a pond of withered lotus has its own elegance.

Dongsheng Pavilion by the pond

was the boudoir building for the Liu family's daughters.

Its red-brick Western balcony

stands out beautifully in the Chinese garden.

The exterior features typical Jiangnan white walls and dark tiles,

but look closely at the windows and decorations—they're Western.

A century ago,

this was cutting-edge design.

Wander into the back courtyard

and you'll find

two century-old wisteria vines

intertwined.

When they bloom in spring,

they form a purple cloud.

Old Nanxun locals say

that means "purple qi arriving from the east."

Exit through Xiaolianzhuang's side gate

and right next door

is Jiaye Library,

one of China's last four great private libraries.

It got its name from the "Qin Ruo Jiaye"

plaque with nine golden dragons

gifted by Qing Emperor Puyi.

The entire building forms a square,

framing sky and water

in the center.

What makes this library special

is that it's tucked inside an elegant garden,

surrounded by waterways outside

and featuring a Sino-Western garden layout within.

You could say there's a garden outside the building

and a pond inside the garden.

To the south lies a pond with an island;

in front of the building is a clear pool,

and wisteria grows beside the zigzag bridge,

blooming like a dazzling purple waterfall.

Heading east from Jiaye Hall

brings you to the finest mansion in Jiangnan,

Zhang Shiming's Former Residence.

Locals often call it

Yide Hall.

The best part of this old residence

is its East-meets-West design.

From the outside, it looks like a grand Jiangnan mansion with white walls and dark tiles,

but inside hides a French Renaissance-style ballroom

complete with wrought-iron flower baskets, a fireplace, and chandeliers—

something extremely rare in Jiangnan back then.

The carving art here is also unmatched.

Both the brick carvings and wood carvings

make this house a museum of late Qing

craftsmanship.

The Zhang family made their fortune in silk and salt,

and this residence

is living proof of the wealth of Nanxun's "Four Elephants and Eight Bulls."

Further ahead

is Liu Family Red House.

Stepping into this old Republican-era villa

feels like walking into a period film.

Locals call it the Red House.

The exhibits inside

also recount a major early Qing case—

the Zhuang Tinglong history case—

and Liu Family Red House

was the former residence of the original Zhuang family owner.

It resembles Zhang Shiming's Former Residence

yet has a completely different character.

The central section features traditional Chinese architecture,

while the north and south wings incorporate Western Romanesque style.

With red-brick arches

and cast-iron flower baskets,

any corner you frame

looks like a movie still.

By the time you reach here,

it's usually around noon,

so head toward Tongjin Bridge.

Where's the best photo spot in Nanxun?

Without a doubt, it's Tongjin Bridge,

the highest stone arch bridge in town.

As the heart of Nanxun Ancient Town,

standing on the bridge and looking both ways,

you'll see crystal-clear water below

and old houses lining the riverbanks—

a scene full of Jiangnan poetry.

After coming down from the bridge, find a noodle shop nearby

and order Shuangjiao noodles, a must-eat in Nanxun.

Rich toppings and chewy noodles soaked in red broth

make every bite delicious.

It's a flavor locals have enjoyed for years,

and once you try it, you won't forget it.

After your noodles,

hop on Nanxun Ancient Town's most interesting water bus.

For just ¥3,

you unlock the hidden way to enjoy the slow-paced water-town life.

Sitting on the boat as it drifts down the canal,

you pass white walls and wooden windows

and glimpse residents' daily routines,

truly experiencing the Jiangnan charm of small bridges and flowing water.

This stretch isn't wide,

but it's closest to real life in Nanxun.

This short boat ride

lets you forget your worries

and steal half a day of leisure.

The water bus stops at Baijianlou (Hundred Rooms),

the most lived-in part of Nanxun.

It was built by Ming Dynasty Minister of Rites Dong Fen

for his female relatives,

but unexpectedly became the best-preserved

riverside residential cluster in Jiangnan.

Everyday local life is everywhere here.

Along more than 400 meters of waterway,

over a hundred old houses stand in a row,

their dark tiles and white walls

reflected in the water

like a scroll painted by time

that never fades.

In the afternoon, when the light slants in

and the eaves cast shadows on the walls,

you'll find the town's

hidden romantic highlight.

Walking here,

your steps naturally slow,

as if strolling through someone's backyard.

Around 4 PM,

when the light softens,

take another walk along the river

and exit through the North Gate

to wrap up your

Nanxun day tour.

Nanxun isn't a place

you gasp at and then forget.

It offers more than Jiangnan scenery—

it combines Chinese aesthetics with unique Western styles.

That East-meets-West fusion

is something you absolutely won't see in other ancient towns.

Long after you leave,

you'll still think of those relaxing moments under the Baijianlou corridors

or the distinctive colors of its Sino-Western architecture.