Nanxun Ancient Town
南浔古镇 · Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
The old face of a major silk-trading town in Jiangnan, best represented by the riverside Baijian Houses, the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming and the Xiaolian Manor.
Know before you go
- Do not enter private homes without permission
- do not climb over the guardrails
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
A hub for Huzhou silk exports
After Shanghai opened as a treaty port following the Opium War, Nanxun became an important collecting centre for exports of Huzhou silk; of the silk exported from Shanghai in 1847, more than 60 per cent came through Nanxun. The saying that "the whole city of Huzhou is not worth half the town of Nanxun" captures its commercial standing at the time.
Source: Wikipedia (Chinese): Nanxun Ancient Town; Wikipedia: Nanxun
History
The silk merchants' ventures
Nanxun merchants who grew rich on silk built houses and gardens in the town, and the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming and the Xiaolian Manor survive to this day. In the late Qing, wealthy local merchants also invested in salt, railways, real estate and banking.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Nanxun Ancient Town lies in Nanxun District, Huzhou. It was established as a town in the Chunyou reign of the Southern Song dynasty (1252), its name taking the first characters of "Nanlin" and "Xunxi". From the Ming and Qing dynasties into the early Republic it was a centre of the Jiangnan silk trade, giving rise to the popular saying that "the whole city of Huzhou is not worth half the town of Nanxun"; today it is a national 5A-level scenic area. The Baijian Houses are a cluster of old buildings along the river. The Former Residence of Zhang Shiming, also called Yide Hall, was built between 1899 and 1906 and is known for its wood carving and French glass windows. The Xiaolian Manor is Liu Yong's private garden and a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.
Local customs
Stroll along the riverside gallery of the Baijian Houses, visit the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming and the Xiaolian Manor, and see the architecture and furnishings of the old silk merchants' houses.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not enter private homes without permission
- do not climb over the guardrails
Locals appreciate DO
- Keep quiet in the residential areas of the old town
- watch your footing by the stone railings along the river
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Check the official channels for the old town's combined ticket and opening arrangements. Canals crisscross the town, so use bridge and lane names to find your way.
- Buses from downtown Huzhou reach the old town
- check the official channels for exact routes. Inside the town, walking and boats are the main ways around. Spring and autumn are best
- in summer the canals are shaded green, and in winter it is quiet. After rain, the water lanes have a charm of their own.
Photos
Photos
Stefan Fussan · CC BY-SA 3.0
Stefan Fussan · CC BY-SA 3.0
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