# Nanxun travel guide (南浔) Zhejiang Province · East China, China · 12 places Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/zhejiang/nanxun ## Getting there & around ### Getting In and Out Nanxun Town is located in Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, beside National Highway 318. It is 123 km east of Shanghai, 51 km north of Suzhou and 125 km south of Hangzhou. Although the Changhushen Waterway runs east to west through the town, Nanxun is reached mainly by road rather than by water, thanks to its well-developed road network. ### By Road Buses and minibuses run frequently every day between Nanxun and Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. ### By Car ### Getting In and Out Wuzhen lies on the west side of the Grand Canal. It is a town under Tongxiang, a county-level city administered by Jiaxing. It is 13 km from Tongxiang’s government seat in Wutong Town and 36 km from Jiaxing’s urban area. ### Getting Between Nanxun and Wuzhen Nanxun is more than 20 km from Wuzhen. Several minibuses run daily between Nanxun and Puyuan, stopping at Wuzhen. The fare is about ¥35. ### By Rail ### By Road To visit Wuzhen by long-distance coach, first go to Tongxiang Bus Station or Wuzhen Bus Station, then transfer to a local bus. Shanghai/Hangzhou → Wuzhen: Express buses run direct from Shanghai South Bus Station and Hangzhou Jiubu Passenger Transport Centre. Wuzhen → nearby cities: Express coaches run direct from Wuzhen Bus Station to Hangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing and other cities. ### By Car From Shanghai, take the Shanghai–Hangzhou Expressway and exit at Tudian. Alternatively, take National Highway 320 to Tongxiang, then continue to Wuzhen via Tongxiang. The distance is about 140 km, roughly 2 hours. ### Getting Around Within Wuzhen, tricycles are the main form of transport, but walking is the best way to appreciate the beauty of the water town. Free shuttle buses run between the East and West Zha scenic areas. Board at the service centre beside East and West Zha. ### Getting In and Out Xitang is an ancient town under the jurisdiction of Jiashan County in Jiaxing, Zhejiang. Because Jiashan is connected to the outside world by rail and road, it is the gateway to Xitang. ### By Rail Passenger trains run from Jiashan every day to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanchang, Wuhan, Huaihua, Pingxiang, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou and Qiqihar, among other cities. The fastest high-speed train from Shanghai to Jiashan takes just 23 minutes, and the trip from Hangzhou to Jiashan takes about half an hour. From Jiashan, it is very convenient to transfer to a shuttle bus that runs direct to Xitang. ### By Road Xitang is 90 km from Shanghai, 100 km from Hangzhou and 80 km from Suzhou. The newly built Shanjiang First-Class Road cuts across Xitang Town and links it with National Highways 320 and 318, the Shanghai–Hangzhou Expressway and the Shanghai–Hangzhou Railway. These road links radiate in every direction, making Xitang even easier to reach. ### Shanghai → Xitang ### Hangzhou → Xitang Buses to Xitang depart from Hangzhou Passenger Transport Centre at 8:30 and 13:40. Fare: ¥60. ### Jiaxing → Xitang ### Via Jiashan Although some buses run directly from Shanghai and other cities to Xitang, they are infrequent and more expensive. It is recommended to take a bus to Jiashan first, then transfer to a bus from Jiashan to Xitang, which runs very frequently. ### Getting Around Because Jiashan is Xitang’s gateway, the local transport information here focuses on travel between Jiashan and Xitang. Tricycles are plentiful and charge a flat fare of ¥3. Within the town, walking is an option. ### Minibus Jiashan and Xitang are about 18 km apart. A minibus departs from near Jiashan Railway Station every half hour for Xitang. The fare is ¥4 and the journey takes 20 minutes. The last bus back from Xitang to Jiashan leaves at 18:00. ### Taxi The starting fare is ¥5 for the first 2.3 km. A taxi from Jiashan to Xitang costs around ¥50. ### Driving Routes Drivers can take the Shanghai–Hangzhou Expressway and exit at Jiashan or Dayun. At the Jiashan crossroads, follow the Xitang signs and drive north for 15 minutes. Alternatively, take National Highway 320 to the Jiashan crossroads, follow the Xitang signs and drive north for 15 minutes. ### Xitang in Mission: Impossible III Tom Cruise’s leaps and dashes among the whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs, and his sprint through the misty corridors, brought Xitang’s scenery to audiences around the world in Mission: Impossible III. ### The Beautiful Night Scenes of Xitang Xitang is beautiful at night. Red lanterns line the riverbanks and sway in the breeze, creating a special atmosphere after dark. You can also take a night boat tour for ¥30 per person or ¥150 per boat (up to 8 people). ### Don’t Worry About Missing the Last Bus The last bus back from Xitang to Jiashan leaves at 18:00. If you miss it, don’t worry. You can usually find a taxi back to Jiashan before 20:00 or 21:00, and it is inexpensive at ¥15 per person. - **Shanghai → Nanxun** — The journey between Shanghai and Nanxun takes about 2.5 hours. - **Hongqiao Long-Distance Bus West Station** — Departures from 7:56 to 18:25, 8 buses daily; fare ¥61. - **Hutai Road Long-Distance Bus Station** — Departures at 8:00 and 17:20; fare ¥61. - **From Shanghai** — Take the Shanghai–Qingping Road, pass through Pingwang Town, then continue on National Highway 318 and reach Nanxun after leaving Wujiang. Round-trip bridge and road tolls are about ¥80. - **From Hangzhou** — Take National Highway 104 to Huzhou, then switch to National Highway 318. - **Tongxiang Railway Station** — Tongxiang High-Speed Railway Station is the most convenient railway station for visiting Wuzhen. After arriving in Tongxiang, take the K282 to Wuzhen Bus Station (乌镇汽车站), then transfer to the K350 to reach the Wuzhen scenic area. - **Jiaxing Railway Station** — Visitors can also take a train to Jiaxing from other cities, then take a bus to the Jiaxing Passenger Transport Centre, transfer to a bus to Wuzhen Bus Station, and finally take the K350 to the Wuzhen scenic area. - **Shanghai People's Square** — Tourist express buses to Xitang depart daily from 7:00 to 14:50. Fare: ¥50. - **Jiaxing North Bus Station** — Jiaxing North Bus Station has Route 152 and K152 buses to Xitang. Get off at Cuinan Village (bus stop). ## Eat & drink Freshwater fish and bamboo shoots are the two signature delicacies of Nanxun and not to be missed. Bamboo shoots in particular, though unassuming, are considered a fine delicacy locally, prepared with such refined techniques and in so many ways that they can be dazzling. Of course, what matters most is that they taste good. Nanxun's orange-red cake and snow dumplings are well worth trying. Also, Ding Lianfang Qianzhang Baozi (dried tofu skin buns; next to Shidai Supermarket, directly opposite Aux Hotel) is a must-try, especially for its chilli sauce and broth, which are truly outstanding. In the water towns, you often hear the expression “pí bāo shuǐ” (皮包水), literally “skin wrapping water.” It doesn't refer to an abundance of water, but to the locals' fondness for tea and for lingering in teahouses. Like restaurants, teahouses come in different grades. The teahouses in the Zhongshi district, such as Fanglu Pavilion, Sanyi Lou, Changchun Lou, Mingyue Lou and Tianyun Lou, are higher-end. The small teahouses scattered across the four small lanes (xiaozha) to the east, south, west and north are frequented by farmers from the countryside who come to trade, and who sip tea while tending to their small businesses. As a visitor, you may as well try both kinds, as the atmosphere you experience at each is completely different. Meat-stuffed crucian carp, red-braised eel, wonton duck, steamed white silverfish, pond carp and hairy crab: from these dish names alone you can tell this is classic water-town cuisine. The dishes are fresh and delicious, and the local snacks are no less impressive, including Bazhen cake, thousand-layer pancakes and shui doufu (water tofu), which work equally well as drinking snacks or desserts. ### Local Snacks ### Where to Eat Ah Niu Steamed Pork 1. The Ah Niu steamed pork beside Shipi Lane, under Huanxiu Bridge, is the most famous. It costs ¥4 a piece, and its subtle lotus-leaf fragrance cuts through the greasiness. 2. Opposite Shengtang, an elderly couple run a branch of Ah Niu steamed pork, and their version really does taste different. - **Xianghe Restaurant** — A veteran restaurant that has been open for more than 30 years, specialising in Nanxun's local home-style dishes with a fresh, clean flavour. Its house-brewed rice wine is very popular. (No. 7, Nandong Street, Nanxun District, 13567993018) - **Jiangnan Breakfast** — To enjoy Wuzhen, start the day early. Find a small shop and have a bowl of steaming wonton with a basket of shaomai, and you have a refined yet relaxed breakfast. - **Lamb Noodles for Lunch** — For lunch, head to No. 251 East Street, where the braised free-range chicken and braised lamb are excellent. If you prefer something simpler, a bowl of lamb noodles is also a good choice. - **Lotus-Leaf Steamed Pork** — Everyone who has visited Xitang remembers this dish: tender, smooth and refreshing, rich in flavour without being greasy. The faint lotus-leaf aroma that lingers through the meaty fragrance is especially memorable. - **Small Wontons** — The stall selling small wontons at the entrance to West Street is the “Lu Family Small Wontons” recommended by many netizens. The soup base is distinctive, with plenty of filling and thin wrappers, and the owner's long-used carrying pole adds to the atmosphere. - **Tofu Pudding** — By the stone bridge, an elderly woman makes a family-recipe tofu pudding that is worth trying. - **Fox Nut Cake** — “One Line of Sky” has the better flavour, while “Forest” offers the more generous portions. Weigh them up for yourself. - **Stinky Tofu** — The “Sanmei Stinky Tofu” near Songzi Bridge has its own distinctive flavour. “Guan Old Lady Stinky Tofu” (beside Huanxiu Bridge on West Street) is tender and delicious, almost unbelievably so. - **Sweet Fermented Rice** — In the Misty Rain Corridor, walk about 30 metres past Huanxiu Bridge and you'll find a small shop making family-recipe sweet fermented rice that stays in your memory. - **Zongzi** — “Ah Liu Yikou Zongzi”: the meat zongzi are not greasy, and the sweet zongzi are pleasantly fragrant. - **Xitang Renjia** — Authentic Benbang Jiangzhe cuisine in a pleasant setting, with window seats that offer views. The signature dishes are the traditional steamed big white fish and the river mussel and tofu casserole, which are flavourful, generously portioned and excellent value. (No. 37 Chaonan Dai, 18157368807) - **Qiantang Renjia (North Street Branch)** — Many Xitang travel guides strongly recommend this place, and its dishes are very much Xitang-style. Recommended dishes include duck wonton casserole, stir-fried snails in sauce, salt-and-pepper pumpkin and steamed white fish. (No. 25 North Street, Xitang Ancient Town, 0573-84564610) - **Hepan Renjia** — “Pangbian fish” and “white-water fish” are the signature dishes of the riverside restaurants. The fish are said to die as soon as they leave the water, so they are very fresh. Whether that's down to the fish, the chef's skill, or both, we'll leave you to judge. (No. 56 Tangdong Street, 17368891456) ## Shopping In the old days, Nanxun grew rich on silk production, so the top local specialty to look for is Jili silk. Huzhou brushes, named after the city of Huzhou, have also long enjoyed a high reputation among the Four Treasures of the Study. Nanxun's embroidery and knitwear are model examples across the Jiangnan region, and its bamboo crafts are equally fine, so you won't leave Nanxun empty-handed. ### Buying Local Specialties The best place to shop is at the outlets along East Street. These were once the retail shops of a local food factory. The goods are fresh and inexpensive, and it's where locals buy their own. You can find Gusao cakes, Hangzhou white chrysanthemum, Sanzhenzhai braised duck, Wuzhen lamb, smoked bean tea, Sanbai liquor and more almost everywhere in Wuzhen. Among these, Gusao cakes, Hangzhou white chrysanthemum and blue calico are the town's most famous specialties. “Liuyuehong” river crabs, mung bean crisps, Bazhen cakes, Jiashan yellow wine and Shanniang rice wine. The local specialties here are endless, so it all depends on your personal taste. ### Beautiful Handicrafts Besides local specialties, shopping in Xitang also offers down-to-earth handicrafts such as blue calico, frog closures (pankou), Chinese knots and ethnic accessories. ## Where to stay Nanxun is a small town, and all its hotels and guesthouses combined number fewer than 10. That is still plenty, so you won't need to worry about finding a place to stay. ### Wuzhen Xitang and Wuzhen are not far apart, so the two ancient towns are usually visited together. Many people go to Wuzhen first and then head to Xitang to spend the night, since Xitang is especially beautiful in the morning and evening. Tongxiang city also has standard hotels and inns, so staying there is convenient too. In the West Street scenic area of Wuzhen, the hotels and guesthouses are under unified management. The East Street scenic area has no formal inns, only guesthouses run by local residents. ### Xitang Xitang's old street has many private guesthouses, so you can usually find a room even without booking. However, it's best to book a standard room in advance, because weekends are busy and the better rooms are often fully reserved. Local rates: weekend standard room ¥120, basic room ¥80; weekday standard room ¥100, basic room ¥60. - **Boyang Kaiyuan Mingting Resort Hotel** — Located inside the Nanxun ancient town, its whitewashed walls, grey tiles and solid-wood furniture make it feel distinctly Jiangnan at first glance. (No. 88 Xiaolian Road, 0572-3677777) - **Wuzhen Zhenshui Resort Hotel** — A building in traditional Chinese style set over the water, where you can open your window onto the river. The courtyard has pavilions, towers, small bridges and flowing streams, all full of Jiangnan charm. Prices are on the high side. (No. 118 Nühong Street, 0573-88731230) - **Qitang Waterside Inn** — Opened in 2013, this hotel is very close to the Xitang scenic area, especially the bar street. The service is excellent: the owner meets guests personally at the station, can take them into the scenic area, and helps them buy discounted tickets. (No. 72-1 Xinjing Harbour, Xitang, 0573-84562690) - **Fengwu Riverside Design Hotel** — Built in a Chinese architectural style, with a small riverside terrace where you can enjoy the view, soak up the sun and catch the breeze. The bar next door is also run by the owner and has a great atmosphere. (No. 64-1 North Shaoxianggang Street, 13385735456) ## Things to see - **Nanxun Ancient Town Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission Combo ticket ¥85 (covers Xiaolian Villa, Jiaye Hall Library, Zhang Shiming's Former Residence, Liu Family Tihao, Zhang Jingjiang's Former Residence, Nanxun History Museum, Qiushu Lane, Baijian Lou Residences, Guanghui Palace and Wenyuan Garden), available at any of these attractions. Boat ride ¥100 per boat, each boat seating up to 8 people; Time needed 0.5–1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/nanxun-ancient-town-scenic-area - **Digang Ancient Village Scenic Area** (★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/digang-ancient-village-scenic-area - **Wuzhen** (★★★★★): Admission Dongzha Scenic Area ¥110; Xizha Scenic Area ¥150; combined Dongzha and Xizha ticket ¥190; Opening hours Xizha 9:00–22:00; Dongzha 7:00–18:00; Time needed 1–2 days — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/wuzhen - **Mao Dun's Former Residence** (★★★★): Time needed 0.5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/mao-dun-s-former-residence - **Muxin Art Museum** (★★★): Admission ¥20; Opening hours 9:00–17:30 (closed on Mondays); Time needed 1–2 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/muxin-art-museum - **Hongyuantai Dye Workshop** (★★★): Time needed 0.5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/hongyuantai-dye-workshop - **Xitang** (★★★★★): Admission Combo ticket ¥95 (covers Xiyuan Garden, Zhongfu Hall, Button Museum, Roof-Tile End Exhibition Hall, Root Carving Art Museum, Ni Residence, Ming-Qing Woodcarving Museum and other sights). Night tour ticket ¥60 after 17:00; Time needed 1–2 days — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/xitang - **Xiyuan Garden** (★★★★): Opening hours 8：00—17：30; Time needed 0.5–1 hour — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/xiyuan-garden - **Private Residence** (★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/private-residence - **Yanyu Covered Corridor** (★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/yanyu-covered-corridor - **Shipi Alley** (★★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shipi-alley - **Yongning Bridge** (★★★): — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/yongning-bridge --- Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 1245–1264. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.