Nanxun

Zhejiang


This lived-in Southern Song dynasty water town has unique architecture that fuses Chinese and European styles. With fewer visitors than other canal-filled villages, it is easier to picture ancient life here as you wander the lanes and cross its arched stone bridges, passing by ancient wooden houses, a hundred of which are still actual residences. Nanxun became an important trading post from Beijing to Hangzhou in the Ming and Qing dynasties with wealth poured into its splendid houses, many of which remain well preserved.

The main ticket office is at the opposite end of Nanxi Lu, which means you may be able to dodge the admission fee, though you'll need a ticket to enter any of the sights (the ticket covers entry to all of them). The scenic area is well signposted in English.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Zhejiang attractions

1. Liu's Former House

0.11 MILES

Nicknamed the red house, this intriguing two-faced structure has a traditional Chinese front house and a back one of red brick. It contains baroque-style…

2. Zhangshiming's Former Residence

0.18 MILES

The grandest of Nanxun's wealthy merchant homes looks like a classic Chinese manor, with ornate carvings in wood, stone and brick – until you reach deep…

3. Lesser Lotus Villa

0.37 MILES

Nanxun's most famous attraction is this sprawling villa, though its best feature only shines in summer, when the lotus flowers in the courtyard pond…

4. Bǎijiānlóu

0.49 MILES

Oddly overlooked by most visitors, this 400m stretch of 100 (or so) wooden row houses, flanking a narrow canal, is Nanxun's most charming spot. The…

5. White Lotus Pagoda

8.88 MILES

This seven-storey pagoda is a beacon at the far western end of the Xizha scenic zone. You can climb up to the 3rd floor for excellent views over the Grand…

6. Yuelao Temple

9.02 MILES

Singles and couples alike come here to win the favour of the god of love (who, interestingly, appears here as an old man) by lighting incense and tying…

7. Xīzhà

9.16 MILES

The Xīzhà scenic zone is more spread out so feels less packed, even though visitors spend more time here. It is the more photogenic of the two scenic…

8. Chinese Footbinding Culture Museum

9.17 MILES

With plenty of English, this fascinating museum covers the thousand-year history of female foot-binding in China with examples of the shoes that…