Attractions · Huzhou

The private garden of Liu Yong, the richest man in Nanxun; the lotus pond, archways and library combine Jiangnan gardens with merchant culture. Highlights include the Liu family ancestral temple and Dongsheng Pavilion. Tip: The combo ticket covers Xiaolianzhuang and Jiayetang; the lotus is most beautiful in summer. Practical info: located at Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang; ticket ¥100 (Nanxun old-town combo ticket); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: March–May and September–November; Nanxun's water town is even more evocative in the rain. It can be combined with Zhang Shiming Residence, Baijianlou and Jiayetang Library in Huzhou for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang
• Ticket: ¥100 (Nanxun old-town combo ticket)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

The residence of the Zhang family, one of Nanxun's “Four Elephants”, where Chinese halls coexist with a French ballroom and stained glass — a classic blend of East and West. Highlights include the brick carvings. Tip: Focus on the details of the East-West blend; entry is with the combo ticket. Practical info: located at Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang; ticket included in the combo ticket; opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: March–May and September–November; Nanxun's water town is even more evocative in the rain. It can be combined with Xiaolianzhuang, Baijianlou and Jiayetang Library in Huzhou for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang
• Ticket: Included in combo ticket
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

A Ming-era residential group built along the river, where more than a hundred houses and arcades form a continuous row — the most lived-in stretch of Nanxun. Highlights include the riverside houses, stone bridges and morning mist. Tip: Go early in the morning for the mist and the people washing clothes; no ticket is needed. Practical info: located at Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang; ticket free; opening hours all day. Best season: March–May and September–November; Nanxun's water town is even more evocative in the rain. It can be combined with Xiaolianzhuang, Zhang Shiming Residence and Jiayetang Library in Huzhou for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: Open all day

A private library built by Liu Chenggan, combining garden and book stacks, which once held hundreds of thousands of volumes of ancient books. Highlights include the library, garden, ancient books and steles. Tip: See it together with the Jiayetang garden; entry is with the combo ticket. Practical info: located at Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang; ticket included in the combo ticket; opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: March–May and September–November; Nanxun's water town is even more evocative in the rain. It can be combined with Xiaolianzhuang, Zhang Shiming Residence and Baijianlou in Huzhou for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Combining nearby sights makes a half-day or one-day itinerary more relaxed.

• Address: Nanxun Town, Nanxun District, Huzhou, Zhejiang
• Ticket: Included in combo ticket
• Opening: 08:00–17:00