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The incredible 1000-year-old town with hardly any tourists that’s ‘the Venice of Asia’ | World | News

Known in Asia as “the land of culture” and “the land of poetry and books”, this stunning town south of the Yangtze River in East China was a famous silk town in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Nanxun, just outside the bustling city of Huzhou, is one of several ancient water towns but is far quieter and welcomes far fewer tourists despite its stunning locations on offer – a world away from the real Venice in Italy.

“Had I not just walked through modern Nanxun’s gritty industrial center, you could’ve convinced me we were back in the Qing Dynasty, sometime during the zenith of the town’s silk trade,” wrote Sailingstone Travel.

Boasting picturesque scenery, historical landmarks and tranquil gardens, Nanxun is one of China’s best-kept secrets.

“Entering the town, I paused for a moment to wait out the rain under a covered walkway. For a little while it seemed like I was the only one there,” added the travel website.

“But then I spotted some local residents across the canal, going about their daily chores. Some were hanging up laundry or sweeping the sidewalk, while a few others were just sitting and having a chat. It was just like a scene from an old photograph.”

Due to its role in both the production and trade of silk, Nanxun was one of the wealthiest towns in China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the country.

The opulent homes and gardens they lived in – which blend both Chinese and Western architecture are beautifully maintained by the town and are open to visitors.

Nanxun and its neighbouring cities are strategically located close to the Grand Canal, the man-made 1,118-mile man-made waterway that stretches from Beijing all the way to Hangzhou.

When viewed from above, the ancient town, covering 68 hectares, looks like a cross. Two waterways intersect at the town – the Shihe River from north to south and the Grand Canal from east to west.

The town developed around the waterways – with them becoming streets and boats used for transportation.

An impressive 15 old bridges remain from the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, including the historic stone arch, the Guanyin Bridge, that is the largest in the town. The Guanghui Bridge, meanwhile, is backed by the Taoist temple Guanghui Palace, which was rebuilt in 1800.

Nanxun old town is not large and the attractions are easy to visit on foot. Highlights include the ancient private library of Jiayetang, the gardens at Xiao Lian Zhuang Little Lotu Villa and the former residences of Zhang Shimin and Liu Tiqing.

To explore this stunning town, visitors must purchase a ticket for 100 yuan (£11), which also grants access to all the historical landmarks. Nanxun is easily accessible by public bus from nearby cities like Hangzhou.

According to China Discovery, the recommended route starts from Xiao Lian Zhuang Little Lotu Villa and Jiayetang Library, then heads north to the Former Residence of Zhangshiming. From here, cross the river to the east street and visit The Red House, Guanghui Palace, Silk Guide before ending your journey in the northeast scenic area by taking a stroll around the Former Residence of Zhang Jingjiang and the Old Residential Row House.

While Nanxun is suitable for tourists all year round, spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the flowers are in bloom and a festival is held in the former, and the skies are clear in the latter. Summer, meanwhile, is the best time to enjoy the lotus flowers in Xiaolianzhuang.


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