Strolling through Nanguanxiang, feel the historical imprint of a city

Located in the historical district of Nanguanxiang in Haining, it starts from Dayao Bridge in the north and ends at Tang Bridge in the south, bordered by Luotang River to the east and Renmin Road to the west. It stretches over 350 meters from north to south and is one of the few well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty streets in Jiaxing Town. The name Nanguanxiang comes from the barrier built by the anti-Qing hero Zhou Zongyi at the end of the Ming dynasty. 🌈Highlights: Walking through the street, one can still trace the old appearance of Jiangnan residences, with shops in the front and workshops in the back, living by the river, combining business and residence, showcasing the typical Jiangnan architectural style. The street-facing shops are simply decorated, while the inner houses are exquisite living areas, reflecting the cultural form of "wealth not shown off." Walking on the bluestone-paved streets can evoke childhood memories, continuing the historical context of a city. The Nanguanxiang street is composed of the historical Baoxiu and Jinxiu lanes, and the entire street still retains its original historical appearance and traditional layout. Besides the barrier, the street also has cultural relic protection units such as the Guandi Temple, the former residences of Wu Qichang and Wu Shichang, and historical sites like Dayao Bridge and Huixiu Bridge, conveying historical and cultural information. It is a bridge between history and modernity, witnessing the changes of the street. ✨Street Highlights: ✅Huixiu Bridge, also known as Xihuan Bridge, was built in the fourth year of the Ming Jianwen period (1402), commonly known as "Tang Bridge." It is a three-arch bridge, relocated 150 meters west in 1967 and converted into a concrete double-arch bridge. Facing Huixiu Bridge is Huiyuan An, commonly known as Guandi Temple. The exact construction date is unknown, but according to records: "Also known as Nancha Pavilion, located at Xihuan Bridge, worshiping Guandi. The exact origin is unknown, rebuilt during the Ming Chongzhen period, and renovated in the 14th year of Kangxi..." Later, Jiangnan merchants expanded it with donations and shaved their heads here. Despite the passage of time, the main building is well preserved. ✅Across the river from the Nanguanxiang historical street is the former Zhongsi Third Factory, now an art and creative park integrating creative design, intelligent research and development, film and television production, maker space, youth apartments, art education, photography, creative markets, cultural tourism, leisure and fitness, and themed dining. ✅"Jiangnan Lantern Art Street" is one of the main features of Nanguanxiang street. It has introduced and established the Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Exhibition Hall (14 national intangible cultural heritage lanterns), the Chinese Ancient Lantern Folk Lantern Art Museum (Shanxi Lanterns), the Taiwan Creative Lantern Art Museum (Taiwan Lanterns), the Li Yaobao Material Silk Paper-cut Lantern Art Museum (Quanzhou Lanterns), the Haitian Lantern Exhibition Hall (Zigong Lanterns), the Jiaxing Lantern Research and Practice Center, the Haining Linxuan Lantern Art Studio, and the Song Zhenhua Lantern Art Studio, among many other offline experience venues for different types of lantern art. 🎫Ticket Information: Free admission. 🚗Address and Transportation: 1⃣From Hangzhou, you can take the Hangzhou-Haining Intercity Railway to Haichang Road Station, then walk about twenty minutes after exiting the station. 2⃣From Haining city center, you can take Haining buses 107 or 109 to Nanguanxiang Station, then walk about five minutes.