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With Little Chinese Everywhere ...
NanXun Water Town Travel Guide
Introduction
Nanxun Water Town, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, is one of the lesser-commercialized and best-preserved ancient water towns in China. Known for its elegant combination of traditional Chinese architecture and Western-style mansions, it offers a peaceful and authentic experience of Jiangnan’s waterways and history.
How to Get There
From Shanghai: Take a high-speed train to Huzhou (about 1 hour) and then a bus or taxi to Nanxun (around 30 minutes).
From Hangzhou: A high-speed train to Huzhou takes about 30 minutes, followed by a local bus or taxi.
From Suzhou: A direct bus from Suzhou South Bus Station takes about 1.5 hours.
Main Attractions
Xiaolian Zhuang (Little Lotus Garden)
Originally the private garden of a wealthy merchant, this classical Chinese garden features a picturesque lotus pond, elegant pavilions, and stone bridges.
Liu’s Family Compound
A grand residence built by one of Nanxun’s richest families, showcasing a mix of European and traditional Chinese architectural styles.
Baijian Lou (Hundred Houses Complex)
A historic residential area with well-preserved white-walled houses lined along the canals, offering a glimpse into the lives of Nanxun’s past inhabitants.
Jiaye Library
One of China’s largest and most well-preserved private libraries, built in the late Qing Dynasty. The collection includes thousands of rare books and manuscripts.
Ancient Stone Arch Bridges
Several beautiful stone bridges span Nanxun’s canals, providing scenic spots for photography and quiet reflection.
Things to Do
Boat Tour: Take a wooden boat ride through the winding canals to enjoy the tranquil waterside scenery.
Local Food: Try Nanxun’s specialties such as rice cakes, braised pork, and freshwater fish.
Handicrafts: Visit local workshops to see traditional silk weaving and paper cutting.
Photography: Capture the unique blend of old architecture and serene waterways.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather, with blooming flowers and colorful foliage enhancing the town’s beauty.
Practical Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking along stone pathways and bridges.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to explore with fewer tourists and soft lighting.
Cash is useful for small shops and local eateries, though some accept mobile payments.
Conclusion
Nanxun Water Town is a hidden gem offering a peaceful, culturally rich experience. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying a scenic getaway, Nanxun is a fantastic destination that retains its authentic charm.
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北京 | 前门 | 建外CBD
With Walk East ...
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Join Trevor James, the 'Food Ranger', on an epic culinary journey ...
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ShānXī province lies to the west / south-west of HeBei and BeiJing. The capital is TaiYuan.
This film focuses on the plethora of impressive ancient sites and natural wonders; these include :
* JinCi Temple 25 kilometers (16 miles) south west of TaiYuan, noted for its Song dynasty paintings and architecture. Founded about 1,400 years ago and expanded during the following centuries, this site has a diverse collection of more than 100 sculptures, buildings, terraces and bridges.
* The Ancient City of PingYao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near TaiYuan. Once a great financial center of China, it is noted for its preservation of many features of northern Han Chinese culture, architecture and way of life during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
* The YunGang Grottoes, its literal translation being the Cloud Ridge Caves, are shallow caves near DaTong. There are over 50,000 carved images and statues of Buddhas and Boddhisatvas within these grottoes, ranging from 4 centimeters to 7 meters tall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 252 caves noted for their collection of 5th and 6th century Buddhist grotto sculptures and reliefs.
* Mount WuTai Shan is the highest point in the province. It is known as the residence of the bodhisattva Manjusri, and as a result is also a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination, with many temples and natural sights. Points of interest include Tang Dynasty (618−907) era timber halls located at NanChan Temple and FoGuang Temple, as well as a giant white stupa at TaYuan Temple built during the Ming Dynasty (1368−1644).
* Mount HengShan, one of the 'Five Great Peaks' of China, is also a major Taoist site.
* The Hanging Temple (XuanKong Temple) is located on the side of a cliff, 75 meters (245 feet) up, and has survived for 1400 years despite earthquakes in the area.
* The Pagoda of FoGong Temple built in 1056 during the Liao dynasty. It is octagonal with nine levels (five are visible from outside), and at 67 meters (220 feet) in height, it is currently the tallest wooden pagoda in the world and also the oldest fully wooden pagoda in China.
* HuKou Waterfall on the Yellow River. At 50 meters high it is the second highest waterfall in China.
~~~ A very beautiful film - don't miss it ...
A veritable masterclass in video shooting, storytelling, editing and sound mixing.
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On the south east coast of China, with ZheJiang to the north and GuangDong to the south.
In part, FuJian is famous for its tea and lychee fruit.
The largest cities include FuZhou (the capital) and XiaMen.
Hakka, a Han Chinese people but with their own distinct identity, live in the southern parts of the province. The Hakka are most associated with their unique TuLou - large, round, communal dwellings.
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Scenic Road Trip Routes from Dali to Lhasa
Route Overview
Traveling from Dali to Lhasa is an epic journey through some of China's most stunning landscapes. Here are two detailed scenic routes with notable stops along the way:
Route 1: Northern Route
Day 1-2: Dali to Lijiang (Approx. 180 km)
Route: Take the G214 National Road north from Dali to Lijiang.
Highlights: Enjoy the scenic views along the way, including Erhai Lake and the ancient town of Lijiang.
Day 3-4: Lijiang to Shangri-La (Zhongdian) (Approx. 180 km)
Route: Continue on G214 National Road north to Shangri-La.
Highlights: Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and enjoy the views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 5: Shangri-La to Deqin (Approx. 180 km)
Route: Stay on G214 National Road heading north to Deqin.
Highlights: Explore Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La and enjoy the panoramic views of Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin.
Day 6: Deqin to Markam (Approx. 220 km)
Route: Take the G214 National Road, crossing into Tibet and continue to Markam.
Highlights: Pass through the spectacular mountainous regions and along the Mekong River.
Day 7: Markam to Zogang (Approx. 150 km)
Route: From Markam, take the G318 National Road west towards Zogang.
Highlights: Experience the dramatic high-altitude landscapes and valleys.
Day 8: Zogang to Baxoi (Approx. 120 km)
Route: Continue on the G318 National Road from Zogang to Baxoi.
Highlights: Enjoy the rugged and scenic terrain along the way.
Day 9: Baxoi to Ranwu (Approx. 160 km)
Route: Stay on the G318 National Road heading west to Ranwu.
Highlights: Pass by the beautiful Ranwu Lake, known for its clear waters and stunning reflections.
Day 10: Ranwu to Bomi (Approx. 130 km)
Route: Continue on G318 National Road from Ranwu to Bomi.
Highlights: Drive through lush forests and alongside beautiful rivers.
Day 11: Bomi to Nyingchi (Approx. 230 km)
Route: Continue on G318 National Road from Bomi to Nyingchi.
Highlights: Enjoy the lush scenery of Nyingchi, known for its forests and the Niyang River.
Day 12-13: Nyingchi to Lhasa (Approx. 400 km)
Route: Take the G318 National Road west from Nyingchi to Lhasa.
Highlights: Pass through Mila Mountain and follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River Gorge. In Lhasa, explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
Route 2: Southern Route
Day 1-2: Dali to Kunming (Approx. 340 km)
Route: Take the G56 Hangrui Expressway east from Dali to Kunming.
Highlights: Kunming, known as the "Spring City," offers attractions like the Stone Forest (Shilin), Dianchi Lake, and Green Lake Park.
Day 3: Kunming to Panzhihua (Approx. 310 km)
Route: Continue on the G56 Hangrui Expressway north to Panzhihua.
Highlights: Panzhihua, a city built around the steel industry, provides access to scenic spots like the Jinsha River and nearby hot springs.
Day 4: Panzhihua to Xichang (Approx. 260 km)
Route: Take the G5 Beijing-Kunming Expressway north to Xichang.
Highlights: Xichang is known for Qionghai Lake and the Luoji Mountain scenic area. It's also a gateway to the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.
Day 5: Xichang to Kangding (Approx. 380 km)
Route: Continue on the G5 Beijing-Kunming Expressway, then take the G318 National Road west to Kangding.
Highlights: Kangding is famous for its stunning mountain scenery, including Gongga Mountain (Minya Konka), and the beautiful Mugecuo Scenic Area.
Day 6: Kangding to Litang (Approx. 280 km)
Route: Take the G318 National Road west from Kangding to Litang.
Highlights: Litang, one of the highest towns in the world at 4,014 meters, is known for its Tibetan culture and the Litang Monastery.
Day 7: Litang to Batang (Approx. 160 km)
Route: Continue on the G318 National Road west to Batang.
Highlights: Batang is a charming Tibetan town with picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Day 8: Batang to Markam (Approx. 160 km)
Route: Cross into Tibet and stay on the G318 National Road to Markam.
Highlights: Scenic mountain vistas and the Mekong River valley.
Day 9: Markam to Zogang (Approx. 150 km)
Route: Continue on the G318 National Road from Markam to Zogang.
Highlights: Stunning high-altitude terrain and valleys.
Day 10: Zogang to Baxoi (Approx. 120 km)
Route: Stay on the G318 National Road heading west to Baxoi.
Highlights: Enjoy the rugged and scenic terrain along the way.
Day 11: Baxoi to Ranwu (Approx. 160 km)
Route: Continue on the G318 National Road from Baxoi to Ranwu.
Highlights: Pass by the beautiful Ranwu Lake, known for its clear waters and stunning reflections.
Day 12: Ranwu to Bomi (Approx. 130 km)
Route: Continue on G318 National Road from Ranwu to Bomi.
Highlights: Drive through lush forests and alongside beautiful rivers.
Day 13: Bomi to Nyingchi (Approx. 230 km)
Route: Continue on G318 National Road from Bomi to Nyingchi.
Highlights: Enjoy the lush scenery of Nyingchi, known for its forests and the Niyang River.
Day 14: Nyingchi to Lhasa (Approx. 400 km)
Route: Take the G318 National Road west from Nyingchi to Lhasa.
Highlights: Pass through Mila Mountain and follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River Gorge. In Lhasa, explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
Tips for the Journey
Permits: Ensure you have the necessary permits to travel in Tibet. Foreign tourists need a Tibet Travel Permit.
Vehicle: A sturdy 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rough terrain and high altitudes.
Altitude Sickness: Be prepared for high altitudes. Acclimate gradually and consider medication for altitude sickness.
Weather: Check the weather conditions, especially in winter, as some roads may be impassable.
Supplies: Carry sufficient food, water, and emergency supplies, as some areas are remote with few facilities.
These road trips offers a blend of cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and a sense of adventure, making it one of the most scenic routes in China.
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With Wei's Travel ...
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