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Nanxun Water Town

Introducing Nanxun Water Town
With a history of over 1,400 years, Nanxun Water Town came to prominence during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) due to its prospering silk industry. In the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it was one of the important commercial centers. Nanxun Water Town shares the typical features of other southern water towns: arched bridges, canals, narrow lanes, and old houses. However, it is one of the relatively least visited and less commercialized water towns.

Nanxun Water Town Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Nanxun Guzhen 南浔古镇
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture, Cruise
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 from Apr to Oct; 08:00-16:30 from Nov to Mar
• Entrance Fee: ¥95/person
• Address: No. 18, Shiyuan Road, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province

What to expect at Nanxun Water Town

Nanxun Water Town was once the richest of the ancient water towns, thanks to its silk production industry, which continues there to this day. Mulberry trees, whose leaves serve as food for silkworms, can be seen throughout Nanxun, a reminder of its past prominence in the silk trade. Today Nanxun Water Town echoes the quaint Chinese water town seen in centuries-old paintings, without hordes of tourists to take away from your authentic experience. You'll also see hints of Western culture from the town's days as a silk and salt hub, garnering Nanxun's Changhushen Channel the nickname the Oriental Rhine.

Key places to visit in Nanxun Water Town include the Little Lotus Garden (Xiao Lian Zhuang), Jiaye Library Hall, the Mansion of 100 Rooms, and the former residence of Zhang Shiming.

The Little Lotus Garden was built as a private property, belonging to Liu Yong, a wealthy merchant and government official. The outer garden, with its nearly 10 acres of lotus pools, is especially colorful in the summer when the lotus flowers are in bloom. The inner garden's walls are decorated with paintings, calligraphy and other historic décor. It is an idyllic place to visit, with its pavilions, stone arches, rocks, bamboo and water.

The Jiaye Library was built as a private library in 1920, where owner Liu Chenggan (grandson of Liu Yong) housed more than 600,000 historic books and rare documents.

The Mansion of One Hundred Rooms (or One-Hundred Residential Houses) is actually a serious of interconnected residential buildings constructed in the Ming Dynasty. These buildings run along the river and are connected by archways.

Finally, the former residence of the wealthy businessman Zhang Shiming, who brought much western culture to Nanxun, was built at the turn of the 20th Century and features numerous chambers (salons, halls, studies, and bedrooms), each with a different architectural style. Intricate wood details, glass brought in from France, stone carvings and more make it an exquisite place to visit.

In addition to the buildings and cultural relics of Nanxun Water Town, the cuisine is not to be missed. Fresh fish, chestnut cakes, and Taihu crab and shrimp are local delicacies worth trying.

How to get to Nanxun Water Town

From Suzhou
• Take a direct bus from Suzhou North Bus Station or the north square of Suzhou Railway Station to the town.

From Shanghai
• Take a direct bus from Intercity Bus Terminal, Hongqiao West Long-distance Bus Station, South Long-distance Bus Station, East Long-distance Bus Station or Pudong Airport Long-distance Bus Station to the town.

From Hangzhou
• Take a direct bus from Passenger Transport Central Station or Hangzhou North Bus Station to the town.

Additional travel advice on Nanxun Water Town
• Please take are when taking a river cruise. Boating price (1-8 people per boat): Little Lotus Garden to Guanghui Palace - ¥160/boat; Little Lotus Garden to/from Lounge Bridge - ¥280/boat for one trip; ¥380/boat for round trip. 
• Visitors can enjoy interesting folk performances at the town.
• Visitor who wants to experience the Water Village Wedding should register at Tourism Center and wear traditional wedding dress during the whole ceremony. Please remember to return the wedding dress to the office at Yide Plaza in time.

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  1. Tour Highlights
    • Explore Xitang Water Town, a quaint and quiet water town with a history of more than 1,000 years
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Shanghai.
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your self-booked accommodation in Shanghai
    Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Brief Itinerary
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Shanghai
    • Drive to Xitang Water Town (less than 2 hours)
    • Visit Xitang Water Town (3 hours)
    • Lunch on your own
    • Transfer back to your hotel in Shanghai (less than 2 hours)

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $298 $168 $128 $108 $98 $88 $78 $72 $68 $62


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions

    •Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

    Learn More

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