Nanxun Ancient Town
Synopsis
Nanxun Ancient Town is located in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and is one of the six major ancient towns in the Jiangnan region, with a history of over 700 years. Renowned for the architectural heritage of its wealthy silk merchants, the town features a blend of Chinese and Western architectural complexes, such as Xiaolianzhuang, the Jiaye Hall Library, and Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence, showcasing the extraordinary vision of modern Nanxun merchants. In 2014, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Grand Canal of China.
Overview
Nanxun Ancient Town is located in Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. It is one of the six major ancient towns in the Jiangnan region. Nanxun was established during the Chunyou period of the Southern Song Dynasty (1252 AD), boasting a history of over 700 years. Unlike other Jiangnan water towns, Nanxun is renowned for its wealthy modern silk merchants, who left behind a significant architectural heritage blending Chinese and Western styles, earning it the reputation as the most affluent ancient town in Jiangnan. In 2014, Nanxun was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a key component of the Grand Canal of China.
Nanxun's uniqueness lies not only in its traditional water town scenery but also in the distinct imprint of modern Sino-Western cultural fusion. During the late Qing and early Republican periods, merchants who amassed fortunes through the silk trade in Nanxun were known as the "Four Elephants, Eight Bulls, and Seventy-two Golden Dogs." The wealth of the Liu family, the foremost among the "Four Elephants," was said to be equivalent to the Qing government's annual fiscal revenue. These magnates constructed numerous exquisite mansions and gardens in their hometown, integrating elements of traditional Chinese architecture with Western classical architecture, forming Nanxun's distinctive architectural style.
Core Attractions
| Attraction | Features |
|---|---|
| Xiaolianzhuang (Little Lotus Manor) | Private garden of the Liu family, featuring lotus ponds, memorial archway clusters, and Taihu rockeries |
| Jiayetang Library | The largest private library in modern China, housing 600,000 volumes |
| Zhang Shiming's Former Residence | The premier Jiangnan folk residence blending Chinese and Western styles, covering 6,500 square meters |
| Liu's Ladder House (Red House) | The iconic Western-style building in Nanxun, known as the "Red House" |
| Baijian Lou (Hundred Rooms) | A continuous stretch of hundreds of Ming Dynasty residences built along the river |
| Zhang Jingjiang's Former Residence | Former home of Zhang Jingjiang, a senior Kuomintang figure |
| Jili Husi Museum (Silk Museum) | A thematic museum showcasing Nanxun's silk merchant culture |
Architectural Features
Nanxun's architecture is its greatest highlight. Zhang Shiming's Former Residence, known as the premier Jiangnan folk residence, covers a total area of 6,500 square meters. It blends traditional Chinese elements like brick, wood, and stone carvings with Western features such as Roman columns, stained glass, and French floor tiles, making it a masterpiece of modern Chinese residential architecture.
Liu's Ladder House is called the "Red House" due to its red exterior walls and is the most recognizable building in Nanxun. While its exterior is typical of traditional Chinese style, the interior conceals a Western-style ballroom complete with Roman columns and fireplaces, showcasing the open and inclusive international perspective of Nanxun's merchants.
The Jiayetang Library, built by Liu Chenggan in 1920, is the largest private library in modern China. At its peak, it housed 600,000 volumes, including rare editions from the Song and Yuan dynasties and unique manuscripts. The library's design is exceptionally ingenious, surrounded by water, which is both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial for fire prevention and humidity control.
Nanxun Silk Merchants
Nanxun's prosperity was built on the silk trade. The Jili Husi silk produced in Nanxun, renowned for its superior quality, won a gold medal at the 1851 London World's Fair, gaining international fame. Nanxun silk merchants exported Jili Husi to European markets, accumulating immense wealth.
Nanxun silk merchants were not only skilled in business but also passionate about cultural and public welfare endeavors. They donated funds for education, built public facilities, and collected ancient books and paintings, making Nanxun one of the most culturally rich towns in modern China. Cultural legacies like the Jiayetang Library and Xiaolianzhuang bear witness to the cultural character of Nanxun's silk merchants.
Travel Information
Nanxun Ancient Town is conveniently located, approximately 120 km from Shanghai and 90 km from Hangzhou. A visit of 1-2 days is recommended, focusing on Xiaolianzhuang, Jiayetang Library, and Zhang Shiming's Former Residence. Local delicacies include Shuangjiao Noodles (double-topping noodles), Juhong Gao (orange-red cake), Dingsheng Gao (victory cake), and Nanxun Pork Hock. Compared to Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen, Nanxun is less commercialized, retaining a more authentic water town atmosphere.
References
- Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/南浔古镇
- Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/南浔区
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1442
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