[2025 Huzhou Stay] Travel Guide for Nanxun Lixiangsanxun Hotel (Updated Jun)

When the city's hustle and bustle surge like a tide, and the density of crowds becomes suffocating, do you long for an 'escape' that's solely your own? There's no need to travel thousands of miles, nor to deliberately seek out isolated places. In Nanxun, this ancient Jiangnan town gently embraced by time, I found the perfect footnote for solitude—it's not aloof, yet peaceful; not deliberate, yet profound. Nanxun · Solo Healing Plan Theme: A Deep Spiritual SPA You Can Complete Alone Core Experience: Rediscover your inner rhythm amidst flowing scenery Suitable for: You, who long for a moment of peace 7:00 AM | Baijianlou, the Water Town's Private Overture When the morning light has just edged the river with a faint golden trim, Baijianlou is still asleep. Stepping on the damp bluestone slabs, footsteps are the only sound here. Under the covered walkways, occasionally early-rising elderly set up stoves, and the rising white steam is quietly carried away by the cool morning breeze. Rent a sculling boat and slowly proceed amidst the creaking sound of the oar. The boatmen are mostly elderly people who have lived here for generations; if you are willing to listen, they will point to a weathered wall and tell stories of the marks left by time—stories that are not thrilling, but as gentle and enduring as the flowing water outside the door. 10:00 AM | Xiaolianzhuang & Jiayetang Library, a Quiet Dialogue with the Ancients Stepping into Xiaolianzhuang, giant ancient trees cast dappled light and shadow on the clear pond water. Find a stone bench by the pond and sit down, watching the water surface occasionally gently stirred by a swimming fish. This was once the private garden of wealthy merchant Liu Yong; the pavilions and towers are exquisite and delicate, yet there is no noise, only the quiet sounds of plants growing. Moving to Jiayetang Library, the deep aroma of wooden bookshelves wafts over you. Fingertips brush over the unread, heavy book spines, as if touching the accumulated wisdom of those who came before. There's no need to rush to read; simply feeling the tranquility of being gently enveloped by vast knowledge is enriching enough. 1:30 PM | Dongdajie & Quiet Teahouse, an Aimless Wander Avoid the main street crowds and turn into the deeper alleys of Dongdajie. Time seems to slow down here. Weathered white walls, small courtyards with wooden doors ajar, climbing vines swaying gently in the wind. Find a small waterside teahouse and sit down; wooden tables and chairs, simple and unadorned. Order a cup of local smoked bean tea; the aroma of beans blends with the unique scent of sesame and dried tangerine peel, slightly salty with a sweet aftertaste. Outside the window is a gently flowing small river; occasionally, a boat passes by, breaking the calm of the water, then returning to tranquility. Open the pages of a book you brought along, or simply empty your mind and gaze at the shimmering light on the water, letting your thoughts unfurl and drift like tea leaves; time becomes meaningless at this moment. 5:00 PM | Riverside Dinner, Enjoying the Gentle Water Town Dusk Alone Choose a window seat at a waterside restaurant. Recommended dishes include Nanxun's special "Xiuhua Jin" (a local green vegetable, fragrant and tender), "Xun Ti" (braised pork hock, tender and flavorful), or steamed white fish. A solo dinner doesn't need to be complicated; a seasonal river fresh dish or a small side dish is enough. The setting sun melts into gold, gently painting the ancient stone bridges, waterside pavilions, and returning boats. The water reflects the warm orange sky and dark-tiled, pink-walled houses, light and shadow intertwining like a flowing oil painting. At this moment, the noise fades, taste buds perceive the authentic freshness of the food, eyes are immersed in the poetry of light and shadow, and the heart is quietly filled with a peaceful, pure joy. 7:30 PM | Night Lights Come On, Encountering Another Kind of Gentleness As tourists gradually disperse, Nanxun reveals its more authentic, tranquil appearance. Strolling slowly along the river, large red lanterns light up one by one, their warm glow reflected on the ink-jade-like water surface, gently swaying with the ripples. The lights outline the eaves of old houses; details clear in daylight become hazy in the night, adding a subtle and graceful beauty. The streets are exceptionally quiet at this moment, footsteps clearly audible, as if the entire ancient town is listening to your inner whispers. Occasionally passing a small shop still lit with warm yellow light, why not go in and take a look? Perhaps you can find a heartwarming handmade item. Accommodation Recommendation: Waterside B&Bs in the Baijianlou area: Open the window in the morning to a scroll of ink wash painting, sleep by the water. Recommended are "Ideal Sanxun", "Shangyu Pavilion", etc., with off-season prices around 300-500 RMB/night. Boutique hotels within the ancient town: Such as "Nanxun Shuxiang Shijia Hotel", blending ancient charm with modern comfort. Solo Travel TIPS: Lightweight attire: There are many stone paths and arched bridges, so comfortable shoes are key. Go with the flow: No need to strictly follow a checklist; follow your feelings to discover your own corners. "Water Surface Meditation": Sitting quietly by the water, focusing on observing the flow of water ripples and light, is an excellent mindfulness practice. Beyond the camera: Put down your phone and use your eyes, ears, and skin to feel the breeze, the sound of water, and the ancient town's atmosphere. Safety tips: Walk on well-lit main roads at night, keep your phone charged. Cost Reference (1 day, 1 night): Admission: Xiaolianzhuang + Jiayetang combined ticket approx. 50 RMB (can be saved if only visiting free areas) Accommodation: 300-500 RMB (B&B/comfortable hotel) Dining: 100-150 RMB (includes breakfast, lunch, dinner) Sculling boat: approx. 40 RMB/person (priced per boat, can be shared) Miscellaneous (tea, snacks): 50 RMB Total: approx. 500-700 RMB Nanxun's healing power lies in its not forcing you to integrate, yet always gently accepting all your emotions. When you empty your mind amidst the shimmering water, sit quietly under the shade of ancient trees, and walk alone in alleys where night lights sway, those accumulated thoughts seem to be silently washed away and smoothed out by this land. Setting off alone is the most precious gift you can give yourself—enveloped by unfamiliar scenery, you will eventually reconnect with your truest self. "True travel is not about arriving somewhere, but about letting somewhere arrive in your heart." Let Nanxun's flowing water, ancient trees, and dawn and dusk become the gentle medium for your spiritual SPA. When you return, you'll bring back not just photos, but a heart recalibrated by water and time.

🚉Transportation strategy: 1. Geographical location and transportation [!][○] Location: Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, located at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, 1.5 hours' drive from Shanghai and 1.5 hours' drive from Hangzhou. Transportation: [HighSpeedRail] High Speed ​​Rail: Transfer to a bus or taxi at Huzhou Station (about 1 hour, fare 50-80 yuan). [CarFront] Self-driving: Navigate to "Nanxun Ancient Town Parking Lot" (South Gate or North Gate), parking fee is about 10 yuan/hour. [Bus] Public transportation: There are buses from Huzhou Station that go directly to the ancient town (about 1.5 hours). 2. Must-see attractions [One] Xiaolianzhuang The private garden of Liu Yong, the richest man in the late Qing Dynasty, is famous for its lotus pond, ancestral temple and stele gallery. It is particularly stunning when the lotus flowers are in full bloom in summer. Admission is free. [Two] Zhang Shiming's Old House The first private residence in Jiangnan, a model of the integration of Chinese and Western architecture, with luxurious interior decoration, including a dance hall with French imported floor tiles, tickets are 20 yuan. [Three] Hundred Houses The arcades built along the river in the Ming Dynasty have bright lights at night, making them suitable for taking photos. Admission is free. [Four] Jiaye Library One of the four largest libraries in Jiangnan, it has a collection of 600,000 volumes, including rare books from the Song and Yuan dynasties. It is across the river from Xiaolianzhuang and the ticket price is 25 yuan. [Five] Tongjin Bridge and Guanghui Bridge The ancient town's iconic stone bridge is suitable for photographing the reflection of the arch bridge and is open to the public free of charge. 3. Food Recommendations Special snacks: Noodles with double toppings: smoked fish + braised pork topping from Zhuangyuanlou or Longfeng Noodle House, the noodles are chewy. Xun's Trotter: Pig's trotters stewed until tender and crispy, with fresh and tender meat. We recommend "Liu's Xun's Trotter". Three courses of tea: smoked bean tea, green tea and Fengxiao tea at Chunlan Tea House, experience the tea culture of Jiangnan. Qian Zhang Bao: Ding Lianfang, a century-old shop, makes soy-based Qian Zhang Bao with a rich broth. [!]Recommended restaurants: Zhuji Wonton: A local snack with high cost performance. Dongdafang Restaurant: Braised pork and pork with preserved vegetables are its signature dishes. 4. Accommodation Recommendations In the scenic area: B&Bs: Xun Shufang (Japanese style, including alpaca interaction), Nanxun Tea Rhythm (living by the water). Hotels: Ideal Sanxun, Youshe (high-end Hanfu theme, price 500-1000 yuan/night). Outside the scenic area: Economy: Nanxun Ancient Town Inn (200-400 yuan/night), convenient transportation. 5. 🗓Itinerary: Day Trips: South Gate → Xiaolianzhuang → Jiaye Library → Zhang Shiming's Old Residence → Liu's Ladder → Baijianlou → Tongjin Bridge → Chunlan Teahouse for tea tasting. Two-day tour: Day 1: Xiaolianzhuang → Water bus (3 yuan/person) → Zhang Shiming’s former residence → Night tour of Baijianlou. Day 2: Tongjin Bridge → Zhang Jingjiang's Former Residence → Nanxun Chamber of Commerce → Shopping on East Street. 6. Practical Tips Tickets and Combo Tickets: The combined ticket for Xiaolianzhuang + Jiaye Library is 25 yuan, and the Zhang Shiming Old Residence is 20 yuan. It is recommended to purchase the combined ticket online in advance. Traffic suggestions: You can walk or take a rowboat in the ancient town (50 yuan per person during the day, 280 yuan per boat for charter at night). Clothing and equipment: Wear comfortable flat shoes (there are many cobblestone roads), prepare sunscreen in summer and keep warm in winter. 📝Note tips: Tips for avoiding peak hours: There are a lot of people on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to go on weekdays or choose the off-season (March-April, November-December). [○][!]Nanxun Ancient Town is centered around "a fusion of Chinese and Western architecture" and "an original ecological water town", combining historical heritage with a sense of life.

Everything was just right. I booked a homestay that I liked, and the beautiful hostess was enthusiastic, patient, and responsible. I followed her recommendations and everything went smoothly. When we arrived at Baijianlou Parking Lot, I sent a message to the hostess, and someone came to pick us up in a few minutes. The inn is in Baijianlou, just a minute's walk away. Afternoon tea There are complimentary three-course tea and fruit, so you don't need to pay to taste them outside. The hostess gave us a hand-drawn map and patiently explained the attractions, food, boat schedule, ticket purchase method, pier location, and other guests' feedback, which was very comprehensive. ★ Homestay room I am a very picky person and don't stay in homestays easily because I am worried about hygiene, but Ideal Sanxun was really a surprise and very clean. Breakfast I brought my child, and after discussing with the hostess, she gave us an extra breakfast. The breakfast was varied and nutritious. ★ Night in Nanxun At night, the homestay provided camping chairs, which we moved out to sit by the river and watch the daily life of the residents in Baijianlou on the opposite side. The river view was very pleasant!