[2025 Huzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Yi Garden (Updated Apr)

#discoverchina 📍 Location: Nanxun Ancient Town, Huzhou, Zhejiang (2hrs from Shanghai) ⏳ Built: 1885 (Late Qing Dynasty) by Liu Yong, a silk tycoon 🏆 Status: - One of Nanxun’s "Four Great Gardens" - Exemplar of Jiangnan water-town aesthetics - UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of "Ancient Towns South of Yangtze") 🎫 Admission: ¥25 (or ¥95 combo ticket for all Nanxun attractions) ⏰ Hours: 8:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)

- A Complete Guide with Real Experiences, Practical Tips, and Pitfall Warnings to Unlock the Unique Charm of this World Heritage Site ✨ Why Choose Nanxun? Among the six major ancient towns in Jiangnan, Nanxun is the only water town listed as a World Heritage Site. It combines the elegance of Wuzhen, the local charm of Xitang, and uniquely features rare Chinese-Western fusion architecture with rich cultural heritage. Here, you can stroll through the Hundred-Room Complex of Ming and Qing architecture, touch the thousand-year literary legacy at Jiayelang Library, marvel at the French romance of the Red House, and discover authentic Jiangnan flavors in local streets. 📍 In-depth Tour of Core Attractions 1. Hundred-Room Complex: Life Scenes from a Chinese Ink Painting • Real Experience: At 6:30 AM, when morning light bathes the stone paths, I walk alone through the complex, watching women washing clothes by the river, elderly residents drinking tea in corridors, and cormorant boats gliding across the water - like traveling back 500 years. • Why Visit: The best-preserved riverside residential complex in Jiangnan, with 400 meters of white walls and black tiles reflecting in the water, every photo looks like an ink painting. • Tips: ◦ Avoid midday crowds; best for photography in early morning or evening. ◦ Try the steamed mandarin fish at "Hundred-Room Home Cooking" riverside restaurant, served with Xiuhua Jincai (Nanxun's special vegetable) - fresh and delicious. 2. Little Lotus Villa + Jiayelang Library: A Dialogue between Gardens and Literature • Real Experience: In May, the lotus pond in Little Lotus Villa rivals Suzhou gardens. From Dongsheng Pavilion, view the vast lotus leaves and swimming koi. Next door, Jiayelang Library houses 160,000 ancient books, where touching century-old woodblock prints feels like conversing with ancient scholars. • Why Visit: Little Lotus Villa was the private garden of Qing Dynasty merchant Liu Yong, while Jiayelang is one of Jiangnan's four great libraries, perfectly blending culture and nature. • Tips: ◦ The 85 yuan combo ticket includes 6 attractions; save 10 yuan by booking online one day ahead. ◦ During the Summer Lotus Festival (June-August), enjoy Hanfu parades and guzheng performances. 3. Liu's Mansion (Red House): An Architectural Marvel of East Meets West • Real Experience: Stepping through the stained glass doors of the Red House is like entering a European castle. Roman columns, carved domes, and Chinese courtyards coexist, while sunlight through stained glass creates dreamy patterns. • Why Visit: The European residence of Liu Yong, Nanxun's wealthiest merchant, features unique Baroque and Jiangnan garden fusion, perfect for photography. • Tips: ◦ Best light for architectural details after 3 PM. ◦ Wear light-colored Hanfu or vintage dresses for better photos; "Nanxun Yunshu Hanfu Experience Shop" offers styling services (150 yuan/set). 4. Zhang Shiming's Residence: Hidden Luxury of Jiangnan's Finest Mansion • Real Experience: Enter through the carved brick gate into nine successive courtyards featuring wooden carvings, imported French tiles, and crystal chandeliers. The most stunning is the Western Ballroom with its still-vibrant ceiling frescoes. • Why Visit: A rare Chinese-Western architectural complex known as "Jiangnan's Finest Mansion," perfect for detail enthusiasts. • Tips: ◦ Avoid tour groups by visiting before 10 AM or after 4 PM. ◦ Don't miss the intricate brick carving of "Filial Piety Memorial Arch" in the third courtyard. 🚗 Transportation and Accommodation Guide Transportation • High-speed Rail: Hefei South Station → Nanxun Station (about 2.5 hours, 110 yuan), free shuttle to ancient town east gate (20 minutes). • Driving: Hefei → Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway → Nanxun Ancient Town, about 4 hours, Parking Lot 3 charges 10 yuan/day. • Within Town: Walking distance, shared bikes available (1.5 yuan/hour) or 3 yuan water bus (Silk Dock → Cross Harbor). Accommodation • In-town Guesthouses: ◦ Xun Riverside Inn: Riverside rooms in Hundred-Room Complex, 200-300 yuan per person, breakfast included. ◦ Nanxun Tong'er Original Residence: Family-themed, includes Green Park tickets, ideal for families. • Hotels Outside Town: ◦ Le Meridien Wanda Hotel: 4-star, 10-minute walk to scenic area, 400 yuan per person, excellent breakfast. ◦ Vienna International Hotel: Budget option, near Zhengyi Square, 150 yuan per person, good value. 🍜 Culinary Nanxun Must-try Foods 1. Shuangjiao Noodles: ◦ Recommended: Zhuangyuan Restaurant (in scenic area) ◦ Experience: Crispy fish, tender meat, eel bone broth - incredibly delicious! Try "first-brew noodles" at 6 AM for best texture. 2. Xun Pork Knuckle: ◦ Recommended: Xun Pork Workshop (East Street) ◦ Experience: Nicholas Tse-recommended traditional braised knuckle, 35 yuan each, perfect with braised sauce rice! Vacuum-packed available. 3. Dingsheng Cake: ◦ Recommended: Old Yang's Dingsheng Cake (Hundred-Room Complex) ◦ Experience: Fresh steamed rice cake with rose bean paste, perfect with iced osmanthus syrup - locals' afternoon tea favorite. Avoiding Pitfalls • Some scenic area restaurants are overpriced; try "Changxing Restaurant" (Bianmin Road) - fresh eel paste, silver fish omelet, about 50 yuan per person. • Avoid machine-made water chestnut cakes outside scenic area; recommend handmade Dingsheng cake from Hundred-Room Complex. 📌 Practical Tips 1. Off-peak Visits: ◦ South area (Little Lotus Villa, Zhang's Residence) busy mornings; start with north area (Hundred-Room Complex, Red House). ◦ Weekdays less crowded; avoid 10:00-15:00 weekend tour groups. 2. Ticket Discounts: ◦ Combo ticket 85 yuan (6 attractions), half-price for students/seniors, 75 yuan with high-speed rail ticket within 72 hours. ◦ Free entry: Seniors over 80, children under 1.2m. 3. Hidden Experiences: ◦ Night in Nanxun: After 7 PM, lanterns light up Hundred-Room Complex, take rowing boat tour (30 yuan/person), enjoy local dialect songs. ◦ Cultural Experiences: ◦ Make Hu brushes at "Hu Brush Workshop" near Jiayelang (80 yuan/brush). ◦ Try silk reeling at "Jili Silk House" on East Street (50 yuan/person). 4. Packing Tips: ◦ Wear non-slip flat shoes for slippery stone paths. ◦ Bring insect repellent (mosquitoes near water), umbrella for sun/rain. ◦ Bring telephoto lens for Hundred-Room Complex panoramas and Red House details. 📅 Suggested Itineraries • One Day: Morning: South Gate → Little Lotus Villa (1 hour) → Jiayelang (30 minutes) → Zhang's Residence (1 hour) Afternoon: Red House (40 minutes) → boat to Hundred-Room Complex (20 minutes) → explore complex (1 hour) Evening: Night views + pork knuckle dinner • Two Days: Day 1: Same as one-day tour, stay in ancient town. Day 2: Yi Garden (10 yuan entry, lesser-known) → Zhang Jingjiang's Residence (30 minutes) → Shanlian Ancient Town (Hu brush culture, 30-minute drive). 🌟 Final Thoughts Nanxun's beauty lies in its "imperfection" - no excessive commercialization, no generic trendy shops, just authentic local life and time-worn architecture. Here, you can listen to rain in Hundred-Room corridors, read in Red House courtyards, and taste Jiangnan's flavors in Zhuangyuan Restaurant's noodle soup. This isn't just sightseeing, but a soul-searching journey dialoguing with history. Tip: Follow "Nanxun Ancient Town Tourism" WeChat account for real-time events (like April 2025 Yangtze Delta Sports Leisure Festival) and limited-time combo ticket discounts!

⚠️Preliminary preparations • Clothing: 👚👚The temperature in Nanxun gradually rises in April, with an average temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Pack light clothing such as shirts and thin dresses, and bring a light jacket for the temperature difference between morning and evening. • Documents: 💼Bring valid IDs such as ID cards, student IDs, and senior citizen cards, which may be needed for ticket purchases or discounts. • Other items: Bring an umbrella for changeable weather, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other sun protection items. Also, prepare some common medicines. ✅Recommended attractions • Little Lotus Garden (Xiao Lian Zhuang): The private garden of Liu Yong, the richest man in Nanxun during the late Qing Dynasty. In April, the wisteria flowers bloom, and the ancient bridges and pavilions are surrounded by wisteria, like a dreamlike fairyland. • Zhang Shiming Former Residence: Known as the "Grandest Mansion in Jiangnan," it combines traditional Jiangnan architecture with the Western European architectural style of the Renaissance. The wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings are exquisite, and the glass customized from France is unique. • Jiaye Library: The largest private library with the richest collection of books in modern China. The architecture is magnificent, and the library has a rich collection of books, including the "Imperial Favor for Jiaye" nine-dragon gold plaque bestowed by the Qing emperor. • Baijian Lou: Built in the Ming Dynasty, these Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings are built along the river, with white walls and black tiles. Boats come and go on the river, allowing you to experience the charm of a Jiangnan water town. 🍽️🛍️Food recommendations • Double-Crossing Noodles (Shuang Jiao Mian): A local specialty noodle dish topped with crispy fried pork and fish. The noodles are chewy, and the soup is rich. • Xun Braised Pork Knuckle (Xun Ti): Braised pork knuckle with a reddish color, soft and tender texture, and melts in your mouth. • Dingsheng Cake: A soft and glutinous cake with sweet and savory flavors, with a light osmanthus fragrance. • Embroidered Brocade Vegetable (Xiu Hua Jin Cai): A unique vegetable in Nanxun. After being stir-fried, it has a green color, fragrant aroma, and soft texture. 🏠Accommodation options • Near Baijian Lou: There are many homestays here. You can choose a room by the water, and open the window to see the small bridges and flowing water, such as the Ting Jian Gu Li Homestay, where you can experience the comfort of sleeping by the water. • Around Nanxun Ancient Town: There are some hotels, such as the Nanxun Impression Hotel, which offer convenient transportation and a pleasant environment. 🚗🚗 Tour routes • Route 1 (Enter from the East Gate): Yi Garden - Zhang Jingjiang's Former Residence - Baijian Lou Residential Area - Lianjie Bridge Pier (boat available) - East Street Historical and Cultural District - Shizigang Pier (take the water bus). • Route 2 (Enter from the South Gate): Little Lotus Garden - Jiaye Library - Zhang Shiming Former Residence - Silk Guild Hall, walk along the river and enjoy the scenery along the way.

#discoverchina #nanxun Our visit to Yiyuan, the most famous garden in Nanxun Anxient town was a journey into the refined beauty of classical Chinese garden artistry. Built during the Republic of China era by the renowned collector,this garden masterfully blends traditional Jiangnan aesthetics with early modern craftsmanship. Though compact in size, the layout is ingeniously designed—winding pathways lead to hidden courtyards, while grand artificial hills and serene lakes create a sense of depth and harmony. The architecture dazzles with ornate pavilions, elegant halls, and engraved stone tablets lining the corridors, each whispering tales of cultural heritage. Outside, vibrant seasonal blooms perfume the air, and the tranquil lake, adorned with arched bridges, reflects the garden’s poetic charm. A true hidden captivates with its quiet sophistication and timeless grace. Entrance ticket: 10 RMB

Alone | One-day tour guide for Nanxun Ancient Town, route and food recommendations ||| Spend a leisurely day in Nanxun Ancient Town alone! ✅Walk along the stone streets of Nanxun Ancient Town to explore the historical charm of the famous silk town ✅Immerse yourself in the waterfront scenery of Baijianlou and feel the tranquility and elegance of the Jiangnan water town ✅Take a rowing boat through the waterways and gently feel the waves of Nanxun water culture Slow walk! Super freehand! : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Nanxun is known as the "first ancient town in Jiangnan". The scenery is so beautiful that you don't even need to add filters when taking photos! ! ! It's definitely worth coming! The recommendation index is five stars. The tickets for other ancient towns cost hundreds of dollars, but this one is open to tourists for free. It is relatively close to Wuzhen and Xitang. 🆓Free tickets to small scenic spots: With the high-speed rail ticket of Huzhou Nanxun Station, you can only arrive at Nanxun Station. From December 26th to March 26th, to celebrate the opening of Nanxun Station, other stations such as Huzhou Station are not allowed. Visit the famous small attractions in the scenic area and go to the visitor center to exchange (electronic tickets are fine). The combined ticket price is 💰85r, including Xiaolianzhuang, Zhang Shiming's old house, Liu's ladder, Yiyuan, and Zhang Jingjiang's former residence. It is equivalent to not having to buy any tickets and enjoying the entire scenic area. Boil tea, eat, take photos around the fire by the river, go to Baijianlou, the scenery there is beautiful and it is easy to take photos, other places are not satisfactory (because I have tried) ⌛️Time arrangement: It is best to go there at 9 o'clock, otherwise you will not be able to finish the tour. The days are short in winter and it will be dark after 5 o'clock. Zhang Jingjiang's Former Residence and Yiyuan are both visited at night, especially Yiyuan. The water bus 3r, 9:00-16:00, you can take it at the Cross Harbor Pier and Silk Pier, but you must buy tickets on site in advance 🫵Summary tips: I wish you all a happy time in this ancient town with a thousand-year history. Please read the guide carefully before going there.

| Nanxun Ancient Town. Nanxun, a water town with ancient charm, is a combination of Chinese and Western styles 👣"Ninety-nine ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River, why not take a walk in Nanxun?" The gray tiles, white walls and vast water waves here are similar to other water towns in the south of the Yangtze River at first glance, but a closer look will reveal its unique secrets. 🏮This is not only an ancient town full of life, but also a living cultural museum. Here, you can see the perfect combination of traditional Jiangnan halls and European-style architecture, and experience the century-old family culture of Xun merchants and the magnanimity and responsibility of "giving back to society as much as you get from it". 💟Nanxun Ancient Town 🎫Free admission, some fees apply 🚅Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Huzhou Station, take a taxi or bus No. 101 directly to Nanxun Ancient Town Drive to Nanxun Ancient Town, Hangzhou 1.5h - 👣【Travel route】 South Gate ➡︎ Xiaolianzhuang ➡︎ Jiaye Library ➡︎ Zhang Shiming's Old Residence ➡︎ Liu's Ladder ➡︎ Shizigang Wharf ➡︎ Yiyuan ➡︎ Zhang Jingjiang's Former Residence ➡︎ Baijianlou ✨Must-visit spots in Nanxun Ancient Town✨ 1⃣Xiaolianzhuang The private garden of Liu Yong, the leader of the "Four Elephants" of the late Qing Dynasty, has towering ancient trees and a ten-acre lotus pond. 2⃣ Hundred Houses Baijianlou is built along the river, with a winding river connected by a stone bridge and an arcade-style long street, forming a picture of Jiangnan water people. 3⃣ Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence The combination of Western European and Jiangnan architecture is known as "the first residential building in Jiangnan" 4⃣Yiyuan Visiting Yiyuan at night, I was shocked by the scene inside 5⃣Liu's ladder number Commonly known as the "Red House", the architectural style incorporates European Romanesque style - 🍜Food: Xun pig's trotters, Shuangjiao noodles, three-course tea, Xun shortbread, Dingsheng cake -

One of the representatives of Jiangnan water towns, it is famous for its small bridges, flowing water, and classical gardens. It is less commercialized than Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang, and admission is free. 📍Address: No. 51 Renrui Road, Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province 🚉Transportation: Take a high-speed train to Huzhou Station, then take a taxi or Bus 101 directly to Nanxun Ancient Town. If you drive, it takes 1.5 hours from Hangzhou to Nanxun Ancient Town. ✨Itinerary: Enter from the South Gate - Little Lotus Villa - Jiaye Library - Former Residence of Zhang Shiming - Liu's Ladder Hall - Shizi Port Wharf - Yi Garden - Former Residence of Zhang Jingjiang - Baijian Building 🌟Highlights: 1⃣️Little Lotus Villa The private garden of Liu Yong, the first of the "Four Elephants" in the late Qing Dynasty, with ancient trees and a ten-acre lotus pond. 2⃣️Baijian Building Baijian Building is built along the river, with winding waterways, stone bridges, and arcade-style long streets, forming a picture of a Jiangnan water town. 3⃣️Former Residence of Zhang Shiming A combination of Western European and Jiangnan architecture, known as the "First Private Residence in Jiangnan". 4⃣️Yi Garden The night tour of Yi Garden is stunning. 5⃣️Liu's Ladder Hall Commonly known as the "Red House", the architectural style incorporates European Romanesque style. 🍝Food Recommendations Huzhou's river delicacies are very good. We ordered some river shrimp and eels, which were very fresh and not fishy at all. 💫Tips 1⃣️Admission to Nanxun Ancient Town is free, but tickets are required for some former residences of celebrities. If you are visiting Nanxun Ancient Town for the first time and are interested in cultural history, you can choose to buy a combo ticket. 2⃣️Tickets are valid for two entries within two days. 3⃣️If you drive, you can park your car at the East Gate parking lot, take the shuttle bus to the South Gate, and then return to the East Gate parking lot after the tour. 4⃣️The daytime water bus costs CNY 3 per stop and runs every half hour, while the nighttime water bus costs CNY 30 per person. 6⃣️Be sure to see the night view of Baijian Building, it is absolutely beautiful.

🚔Self-driving ✅️Nanxun Ancient Town, South Gate Parking Lot, CNY 5 per hour ✅️High-speed rail: Transfer to Bus 101 at Huzhou Station ✅️No entrance fee for the ancient town, but tickets are required for attractions ✅️Itinerary Morning: South Gate 🔜 Xiaolian Manor 🔜 Jiaye Library 🔜 Former Residence of Zhang Youming 🔜 Liu's Ladder Afternoon: Shizi Wharf 🔜 Baijian Tower 🔜 Former Residence of Zhang Jingjiang 🔜 Yiyuan Garden 1️⃣ Xiaolian Manor: One of the landmarks of Nanxun Ancient Town, a private garden of Liu Yong, best visited when the lotus flowers are in full bloom 2️⃣ Former Residence of Zhang Youming: A combination of Chinese and Western styles, known as the No. 1 residence in Jiangnan! 3⃣ Jiaye Library: One of the most famous private libraries in modern times, with a rich collection of books from ancient to modern times. 4️⃣ Baijian Tower: The neat and uniform ancient houses are closely connected, giving you the feeling of a water town in Jiangnan! The night view is excellent! 👍 5⃣ Yiyuan Garden: One of the five gardens in Nanxun, with three scenic spots: Lumen Villa, Qixia Xian Pavilion, and Lotus Pond ✅️Zhuangyuan Tower: Must-try signature Shuangjiao Noodles, Lamb Noodles, Dry Noodles, and Soup, all great 👍

Yi Garden is an important garden in Nanxun Ancient Town, known for its exquisite landscape art and poetic architectural style. The following is a detailed introduction to Yi Garden: ### I. Historical Background * **Construction Time**: Yi Garden was originally built by Pang Laichen, son of Pang Yunbo, a wealthy businessman in Nanxun, in the 7th year of the Republic of China (1918). It covers an area of nearly 20 mu. However, there is also a saying that Yi Garden was first built in the 25th year of Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1899) and expanded during Pang Laichen's time. * **Historical Changes**: After its completion, Yi Garden attracted many celebrities and scholars, becoming famous for a time and being hailed as the first among the Five Gardens of Nanxun. However, the garden was unfortunately destroyed by fire during the war in the 1930s. Fortunately, the Nanxun District Government initiated the reconstruction project of Yi Garden in 2016. It covers an area of 24,038 square meters and has a total investment of 110 million yuan. The restoration project took 3 years and is now completed and open to the public for free. ### II. Garden Features * **Layout and Structure**: Yi Garden is divided into two main parts. The front part consists of pavilions, towers, and winding corridors, while the back part is a rectangular lotus pond. The halls and pavilions in the garden include Half-Lake Cloud Brocade Ten Thousand Hibiscuses, Emerald Green Bamboo and Cypress Cottage, Rain-Listening Pavilion, Emerald Shade Pavilion, Fish-Playing Pavilion, and Competitive Elegance Studio. These buildings are scattered in a well-balanced manner, echoing with the rockeries, eaves, and cloud walls, forming the unique features of Jiangnan gardens with winding paths leading to secluded spots and changing scenery with every step. * **Attraction Introduction**: + **Sunset Pavilion**: Surrounded by Taihu Lake rockery, there is a pavilion outside the pavilion, named after the ancient poem "Sunset Welcomes the Pale Moon". Nearby, red plum trees are planted, creating the theme of Song Dynasty Lin Bu's "Plum Wife and Crane Son" hermit culture. + **Emerald Shade Pavilion**: Derived from the poem by Tang Dynasty poet Sikong Tu, "Painting Bridge Emerald Shade", there is a plaque inside called "Crane Guarding Pavilion". It is said that a black-necked white-feathered red-crowned crane was once kept here. + **Competitive Elegance Studio**: In the past, it was a place where the owner would meet friends for painting. There are many exquisite landscape paintings on the wall, with a strong sense of antiquity. As the only remaining single building, it is an important reference for the restoration of Yi Garden. + **Lotus Pond**: The island in the center of the lake is connected to the shore by a nine-turn bridge, with a Fish-Playing Pavilion at the bridgehead. The lake surface is wide. When the lotus flowers bloom, the green canopy and red flowers create a distant and elegant fragrance, and the scenery is breathtaking. * **Architectural Art**: Yi Garden's architectural style is unique. The pavilions and rockeries are interdependent, and the walls are inlaid with many stone inscriptions, such as the stone tablet of "Yi Garden Chronicle" written by Kuang Zhouyi and calligraphed by Zheng Xiaoxu, and the stone tablet of "Lake Prefecture Miaoyan Temple Chronicle" in Zhao Mengfu's regular script. These all showcase Yi Garden's profound cultural heritage and artistic value. ### III. Status and Influence * **Status**: Yi Garden is not only a shining pearl in Nanxun Ancient Town, but also one of the masterpieces of modern Chinese gardens. Its exquisite landscape art and poetic architectural style attract countless tourists to visit. * **Influence**: The reconstruction of Yi Garden not only restores the historical appearance of Nanxun Ancient Town, but also provides tourists with a good place to experience the beauty of Jiangnan gardens. At the same time, Yi Garden has also become an important physical material for studying modern Chinese landscape art. In conclusion, Yi Garden is a garden with a profound historical heritage and unique landscape features. Whether from the perspective of architectural art, cultural value, or tourism appreciation, it is worth a visit.