5–6 hours · The most tranquil water town
The most authentic water town. East-meets-West mansions built by silk merchants. A centuries-old library. Fewer tourists, deeper atmosphere.
Your private trip to the Nanxun Water Town will begin with a warm greeting from your local Hangzhou guide and driver at your hotel or Hangzhou train station. You’ll easily spot your guide holding a sign that reads "China Wonder Tours" ensuring a seamless start to your day. Once you’ve met your guide, you’ll be escorted to a comfortable private vehicle for the journey to Nanxun. Throughout the ride, your knowledgeable guide will share interesting facts about the area’s history, culture, and what you can expect to see. Feel free to ask questions along the way, as your guide will be happy to offer personalized tips and insights to make your trip even more enjoyable.
First, we begin our journey at Xiaolianzhuang, the former private garden of Liu Yong, Nanxun's richest-ever son and a prominent Qing Dynasty official and merchant. Spanning over 7,000 square meters, the centerpiece of this magnificent garden is a lotus pond, surrounded by artificial streams and winding, tree-lined paths. As you explore the lush landscape, filled with smaller buildings and beautiful flower gardens, our guide will share fascinating stories about Liu Yong's life and the garden's history. You will also have the chance to witness the traditional process of making Chinese writing brushes, and even create your own, adding a personal touch to this cultural experience.
Next, we will visit Baijianlou, or the "100 houses complex," a perfect place to see well-preserved traditional residential buildings. Unlike many other restored areas, the buildings here retain their ancient charm, offering a glimpse into the old Chinese town lifestyle. As we stroll along the canal, with only a few tourists around, our guide will point out the distinctive features of these structures. Baijianlou, built nearly 400 years ago during the late Ming Dynasty, stretches about 400 meters along the canal. The tenement houses are renowned for their white walls and black-tiled roofs. Historically, these homes were built to house the servants and their families who supported Nanxun’s silk trade, showcasing the town's former affluence and importance.
Our next stop is Liu’s Garden, built by Liu Ansheng, the third son of the wealthy Liu Yong. Known for its striking blend of traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles, the garden is also referred to as Hong Fangzi (Red House). As you explore the space, our guide will explain how the buildings combine both Eastern and Western elements, with Chinese facades and Western-style interiors. While touring the garden, you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn Chinese block printing, an ancient method of bookmaking. You can even try printing your own name in Chinese, making this a hands-on cultural experience you won’t forget.
Finally, we conclude our tour at Zhangshiming’s Former Residence, an exquisite mansion built between 1889 and 1906 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu. This mansion, once home to Zhang Shiming, a wealthy Zhejiang merchant, blends Western and traditional Chinese styles. Our guide will lead you through the residence, explaining its unique features, such as the grand Western-style ballroom with European chandeliers and the Confucian family altar room, which highlights traditional Chinese values. The mansion’s spacious courtyards and beautifully preserved rooms offer valuable insights into the lifestyle of a successful merchant during the late Qing Dynasty. This mansion is a rare example of the cultural exchange between China and the West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Apart from the historical sites, you will also be delighted by a unique and vibrant Wedding Show On the Water. At least 10 decorated ferries participate in the traditional "wedding on water" ceremony, each adorned with bright red flowers and ribbons, as the color red symbolizes good luck and happiness in Chinese weddings. The bride and groom, dressed in traditional Chinese wedding attire, wave to the tourists on the banks of the water. In some cases, the couple even invites visitors to board their wedding ferry, making the experience even more interactive. Traditional Chinese music, played on ancient instruments like the pipa and erhu, adds an enchanting touch to the atmosphere. This charming spectacle offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs of ancient water town weddings, where love and tradition flow together on the serene waters.
After a day of exploring Nanxun Water Town, enjoy a Riverside Dining experience that perfectly complements the serene atmosphere. Your guide will lead you to a charming restaurant by the canal, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding ancient architecture. As you dine, you'll be treated to a variety of local dishes. The peaceful setting, with the gentle flow of the canal and the soft rustling of trees, creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal. Throughout the experience, your guide will share insights into the food and local culture, ensuring you have a memorable dining experience. This intimate riverside meal is a delightful way to cap off your visit to Nanxun, with a relaxed atmosphere and delicious flavors. Afterward, your guide will escort you back to your hotel in Hangzhou.
After the tour, we will drive you back to your hotel in Hangzhou, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed end to your memorable day in Nanxun.
* The itinerary is flexible and can be customized based on your interests, pace, and arrival/departure times.
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