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Nanxun Ancient Town
A UNESCO World Heritage candidate and one of China's best-preserved water towns, featuring stunning Ming-Qing architecture and the historic Little Lotus Manor.
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free (some attractions charge)
Huzhou's history stretches back over 2,200 years. In 248 BC, Lord Chunshen (Huang Xie) of the Chu Kingdom established Gucheng County here, marking the city's founding. The name "Huzhou" came during the Sui Dynasty in 602 AD, derived from its location by Taihu Lake.
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Huzhou became a major silk production center. The city's silk was so prized that it became tribute to the imperial court. The famous "Jili Silk" from Nanxun was exported globally, making local merchants incredibly wealthy.
The Song Dynasty (960-1279) saw Huzhou emerge as a cultural center. Scholars and artists gathered here, producing renowned works of calligraphy and painting. The city's brush-making industry flourished, establishing the "Huzhou Brush" as the finest in China.
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Nanxun merchants became among China's wealthiest, building magnificent residences that blended Chinese and Western architectural styles. These historic homes now form the core of Nanxun Ancient Town's attractions.
Modern Huzhou has embraced sustainable development while preserving its heritage. The city has invested heavily in environmental protection, earning recognition as a model of ecological civilization in China.
