Discover the Timeless Elegance of Nanxun Old Town

CNY 100 / person including the fee of nine attractions (Jia Ye Tang Library, Little Lotus Garden, Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence, Zhang Jingjiang’s Former Residence, Chongde House, Guanghui Taoist Temple, One-Hundred Residential Houses, Qiushuli and Nanxun History Museum). The cruise ships charge CNY 100 per 15 minutes.

Nanxun Ancient Town is open all year round, 24 hours a day. However, the opening hours for individual attractions within the town vary. Details are as follows:
Ancient Town Streets
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Individual Attractions
Summer Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Winter Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Please note that night tour events may extend the opening hours of certain attractions. Exact times are subject to the daily announcements by the scenic area.

Nanxun Ancient Town is situated on the Hangjiahu Plain in the Yangtze River Delta, to the east of Huzhou City in northern Zhejiang Province, and near Suzhou City in Jiangsu Province. Once the wealthiest of the six ancient towns in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang region, Nanxun stands out for its unique blend of Western and Chinese cultures, setting it apart from other towns like Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Luzhi, Xitang, and Wuzhen. The Changhusheng Channel, known as the "Oriental Rhine," flows through the town. Located just an hour's drive from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing, Nanxun is often referred to as the backyard of these major cities.

Direct Intercity Bus
Buses depart daily from Hangzhou North Bus Station, with tickets costing around ¥42–45. The journey takes about 2 hours. There are also buses from Hangzhou East Railway Bus Station at fewer times (around 13:50 and 16:50). After arriving at Nanxun Bus Terminal, take a short taxi or pedicab ride to the ancient town entrance.

High-Speed Train + Local Transport
Take a high-speed train from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Huzhou Railway Station (about 20–40 minutes, ticket around ¥32). From there, you can take local Bus No. 101 or a taxi (about 30 minutes) to Nanxun. Total travel time is around 1.5 hours.

Taxi or Private Car
The distance is about 83–96 km and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by car. A taxi typically costs ¥240–400 depending on traffic. Private transfers are also available and offer more comfort and flexibility.

Private Day Tours
You can book a guided day tour from Hangzhou, which includes hotel pickup, transportation, entrance tickets, and a boat ride. 

Intercity Bus
Daily direct buses depart from several Shanghai stations, including Hutai Road Coach Station, Hongqiao West Bus Station, South Long-Distance Bus Station, Intercity Bus Terminal, and Pudong Airport. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and tickets cost around ¥48–52. Make sure to tell the driver you’re going to Nanxun, as some buses continue to Huzhou. After arriving at Nanxun Bus Station, take a short taxi or pedicab ride to the water town entrance.

High-Speed Train + Local Transport
Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Huzhou Railway Station. Travel time is around 1 hour 40 minutes, and a second-class ticket costs about ¥110. From Huzhou, take Bus No. 101 or a taxi (about 30 minutes) to Nanxun. The total cost is about ¥118, and total travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Private Car or Guided Day Tour
A private car or taxi from Shanghai to Nanxun takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Many tour operators offer full-day private tours that include hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, a boat ride, and an English-speaking guide.

Direct Bus + Taxi
Catch a bus from Suzhou North Bus Station or the north square of Suzhou Railway Station directly to Nanxun Water Town. The trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs around ¥25. After arriving at Nanxun Bus Station, which is about 3 km north of the ancient town, take a short taxi or pedicab ride (around 10 minutes, about ¥10) to the town entrance.

Drive or Taxi
The driving distance is about 60 km and takes approximately 50 to 55 minutes. A taxi or private car costs roughly ¥55 to ¥80 at the low end, and up to ¥170 to ¥220 depending on the vehicle type.

Private Guided Day Tour
You can book a private full-day tour from Suzhou, including hotel or station pickup, return transport by air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, and sometimes extra activities. 

Nanxun Ancient Town, often referred to as the "land of fish and rice" and a historic "silk hub," is a captivating destination for travelers. It boasts a wealth of well-preserved historical architecture, including elegant gardens and old residences. Highlights include the picturesque Little Lotus Garden, the renowned Jia Ye Tang Library, the row of Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) residences known as the One-Hundred Residential Houses, and the grand Yangtze River mansion of Zhang Shiming. Stone bridges arch over gentle rivers, with whitewashed walls and swaying willows creating a classic, serene water town setting. The seamless blend of cultural richness with natural beauty, along with a mix of traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles, adds to its unique charm.

Little Lotus Garden ? Jia Ye Tang Library ? Chongde House ? Guanghui Taoist Temple ? Nanxun History Museum ? Qiushuli Villa ? Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence ? Zhang Jingjiang’s Former Residence ? One-Hundred Residential Houses.

1. Enjoy a Traditional Boat Ride
Glide along Nanxun’s canals aboard a yaolu boat, the classic oared vessel used in Jiangnan water towns. Day and evening rides let you admire bridges, old residences, and the calm canal scenes—offering a peaceful glimpse into local life.

2. Cultural Experiences & Local Crafts
Silk weaving demonstrations highlight Nanxun's historic silk industry.
Tea tasting at local teahouses by the canal.
Workshops in block printing, calligraphy, and painting give hands-on cultural insights.
Stay Overnight for Evening Strolls

3. Extend your visit into the evening to enjoy a quiet, atmospheric walk along the canals. Nanxun at night is peaceful and beautifully lit—perfect for photography or just relaxing 

This is a small, hand-rowed wooden boat typical in Jiangnan water towns. You’ll drift through Nanxun’s narrow canals, passing centuries-old stone bridges, white-walled houses, willow-draped banks, and riverside gardens. The ride gives a genuine feel of traditional life along the waterways.

Each boat can accommodate up to 6 people. The full cruise typically lasts around 20 to 30 minutes. A popular route runs from Baijian Lou (Mansion of One-Hundred Rooms) along the canal, often stopping near Little Lotus Garden or Guanghui Bridge.

Typical fare is around ¥160–280 per boat, depending on route and length. Expect to share the boat with a small group.

Cruises are available by day or after dark—in the evening you'll see illuminated bridges like Tongjin Bridge and light shows in gardens like Yiyuan, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.