Buckle up, travel enthusiasts, because we're headed to Nanxun, a hidden gem of a city in eastern China's Zhejiang Province! Nanxun is one of the most pristine and least commercialized of China's ancient water towns. Its maze of scenic water canals, charming bridges, and well-preserved traditional houses offer a mesmerizing step back into China's prosperous past.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Trip.com | -9% | |
| 2. Cheap | Agoda | -7% | |
| 3. Average | Booking.com | -2% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Expedia | 4% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Hotels.com | 8% |
Nanxun Old Town: Stay right in the heart of the action! The Old Town offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious heritage boutique hotels to quaint guesthouses, offering a unique experience of living in historic dwellings.
Huzhou Downtown: A bit further afield, the downtown area of Huzhou city provides modern hotels and is conveniently located for excursions into Nanxun.
Moganshan: If you wish to combine your trip with a relaxing countryside retreat, consider staying in Moganshan, a verdant mountain area with stunning bamboo forests and tea plantations. It's a short drive away from Nanxun.
Hangzhou: For those who prefer a big city base, Hangzhou offers a wealth of accommodations and is about an hour's drive from Nanxun.
Suzhou: Another great city base, Suzhou is known for its classical gardens, silk industry, and is within a reasonable distance of Nanxun.
Nanxun Water Town: With its old canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture, the entire water town is a sight to behold, providing a distinct contrast to modern Chinese city life.
Little Lotus Garden (Xiao Lian Zhuang): One of the best-preserved classical Chinese gardens in Nanxun, this place beautifully exemplifies the harmony of architecture, landscaping, and art.
Jiaye Tang Library: An impressive library boasting over 600,000 ancient books, showcasing the town's long-standing cultural affluence.
Former Residence of Zhang Shiming: A splendid mansion that provides a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the town's bygone elite.
Baijian Lou: Known as the "Corridor of a Hundred Rooms," this long covered bridge is a unique architectural marvel in Nanxun.
Braised Pork: A regional favorite, Nanxun's braised pork is known for its rich flavors and tender texture.
River Shrimps: Fresh from the local waterways, these shrimps are usually stir-fried with tea leaves, providing a unique and tantalizing taste.
Steamed Buns (Baozi): These fluffy buns, stuffed with various fillings like vegetables and meats, are a staple food item.
Bamboo Shoots: Given the abundance of bamboo in the region, bamboo shoots are a popular ingredient in Nanxun. They're often served stir-fried or in soups.
Green Tea: The region around Nanxun is famous for its tea plantations. Be sure to try the locally grown green tea, which is refreshing and aromatic.