The six ancient towns of Jiangnan, and Nanxun's fame is finally on the rise!

Nanxun Ancient Town, located in Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, was a renowned Jiangnan silk town during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also a Jiangnan ancient town rich in cultural heritage, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles. The name "Nanxun" is elegant and poetic, given when the town was established during the Southern Song Dynasty. Compared to Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, Nanxun's water town scenery feels more serene and lively, maintaining a relatively low profile on the Jiangnan water town map. Since February 2023, the main scenic area of the ancient town has been permanently free to enter, allowing visitors to freely explore every corner. 1. Nanxun Ancient Town is structured around a cross-shaped river system formed by Nanshi River, Dongshi River, Xishi River, and Baoshan River, with numerous intersecting waterways. Streets and residences are distributed along the rivers, connected by Nandong Street and Nanxi Street, creating a complete cross-shaped layout with well-preserved street patterns and water systems. 2. Commercial streets line both sides of the cross-shaped rivers, showcasing the typical Jiangnan water town scenery of buildings by the water and streets along the river. The area also features numerous high-quality private mansions and Jiangnan gardens, blending the charm of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes" with grand estates and gardens. 3. Nanxun Ancient Town is not only a representative of Jiangnan water towns but also a treasure of history and culture. Here, you can feel the blend of ancient and modern, tradition and innovation. Every building and street carries rich historical stories and cultural depth. Whether strolling through the ancient streets or wandering the exquisite gardens, you can experience the unique charm of Nanxun. 4. When describing Nanxun Ancient Town, people often add a prefix—"Wealthy Nanxun." After all, Nanxun has long been an economic and cultural hub of Huzhou, fostering the largest group of silk merchants in modern history. The ancient town is not large, with a long stream as its central axis, flanked by typical Huizhou-style architecture. Standing by the water in the ancient buildings, you can sense its historical wealth and prosperity. 5. Of course, Nanxun Ancient Town is also a Jiangnan town that blends Chinese and Western architecture. It is home to the renowned Jiaye Hall Library, riverside residential buildings with Jiangnan charm, the Jiangnan-style Xiaolianzhuang Garden, the Ming Dynasty Baijian Lou, and the Silk Guild Hall. There are also the former residences of Zhang Shiming and Zhang Jingjiang, a prominent figure of the Republic of China. Built in 1899, Zhang Shiming's former residence is a classic example of Sino-Western architectural fusion, often hailed as the "No. 1 Folk Residence in Jiangnan." 6. In this fast-paced era, Nanxun is like a soothing remedy, offering a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. It is not a relic locked away in a museum but a living ancient town with warmth. Here, every bluestone slab and every carved door and window tells a story of Jiangnan.