huzhou
Travel Guide

Huzhou

Discover the timeless charm of Nanxun Ancient Town on a poetic day trip away from the crowds.

huzhou at a Glance

Everything you need to know before you go.

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5,818 km²
Area
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Ancient water towns, bamboo
Known For
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Spring and Autumn
Best Season

Where to Stay

Choose the neighborhood that fits your style.

Nanxun Ancient Town

Stay in the heart of Nanxun Ancient Town, home to the Giant NARADA Resort & Spa and Maison New Century Nanxun Boyang. Enjoy easy access to historic sites, with breakfast and hospitality highly rated. Ideal for culture lovers seeking a charming, walkable base.

Cultural immersion

Anji

Anji offers luxury escapes like JW Marriott, Banyan Tree, and Club Med Joyview, surrounded by bamboo forests and hills. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, with top-notch breakfasts, pools, and kids' facilities. A serene retreat from city life.

Nature & luxury

Taihu Lake Area

Near Taihu Lake, the Longemont Diamond Hotel sits within the Dragon Dream Park, just 7 km from downtown. Ideal for theme park visitors and those wanting lake views and entertainment. A vibrant area with resort-style amenities.

Family fun

Downtown Huzhou

Downtown Huzhou features the five-star Gold & Silver Island International Hotel, offering easy access to city attractions and dining. A convenient base for business or sightseeing, with comfortable rooms and local charm.

Central convenience

huzhou Highlights

The city's essential experiences.

🏛️ Historic Mansions of Nanxun
Liu's Tihao (Red House)

Also known as Chongde Hall, this residence of Liu Ansheng, son of wealthy merchant Liu Yong, blends Romanesque architecture with Huizhou fire gables and a Rococo archway, offering a unique East-meets-West style.

Zhang Shiming Former Residence

A classic example of Chinese-Western architecture, this grand mansion features 150 rooms with exquisite stone, wood, and brick carvings, plus French stained glass and floor tiles, earning it the title 'No.1 Private Residence in Jiangnan'.

Zhang Jingjiang Former Residence

This traditional Qing dynasty residence of Zhang Jingjiang, a supporter of Sun Yat-sen, is known for its simple yet elegant design, intricate brick carvings, and the 'step-by-step rise' layout, offering a glimpse into the life of a revolutionary.

🌿 Classic Gardens of Nanxun
Little Lotus Manor (Xiaolianzhuang)

Built by Liu Yong, a top Nanxun merchant, this garden combines classical Chinese style with Western elements. Admire the lotus ponds, elegant pavilions, and the famous library, a haven for art and architecture lovers.

Yi Garden

Created by connoisseur Pang Yuanji in 1918, this garden features an outer area with winding corridors and rockeries, and an inner area with natural scenery, pools, and islands, embodying the essence of Jiangnan garden design.

Lotus Villa Park

Once a renowned garden in history, this park was the site of Zhao Mengfu's villa and lotus pond. Today, it's a cultural haven with calligraphy by Zhao Puchu at the entrance, perfect for art enthusiasts.

🏘️ Ancient Water Towns
Nanxun Ancient Town

A classic Jiangnan water town with a blend of Chinese and Western architecture. Visit the famous Xiaolianzhuang and Jiaye Library, and take a traditional rowing boat for a scenic tour. Best visited in spring or autumn.

Xinshi Ancient Town

With a history of thousands of years, this town features riverside buildings and arcades from the late Qing and early Republic periods. Explore ancient temples, former shops, and various museums for a taste of old Jiangnan.

Baijianlou (Hundred Rooms)

Built for servants by Ming official Dong Fen, this row of white-walled, black-tiled houses along the canal offers a picturesque view of daily life, with boats passing by and a timeless water town atmosphere.

🏯 Cultural Landmarks & Temples
Feiying Tower

Known as 'a tower within a tower', this unique structure in Huzhou features a 55-meter outer tower and a 15-meter inner stone pagoda from the Southern Song dynasty, adorned with intricate carvings. Climb for panoramic views of Taihu Lake.

Biyan Temple

Located in Changxing County, this temple faces Taihu Lake and is surrounded by bamboo forests and farmland, offering a serene and airy environment for a peaceful retreat.

Deqing Bat Temple

A lesser-known temple in Deqing, offering a quiet spiritual experience. Its unique name and tranquil setting make it an off-the-beaten-path attraction for those seeking serenity.

New Fourth Army Memorial

This site commemorates the headquarters of the New Fourth Army's Jiangsu-Zhejiang Military Region, a significant historical location for understanding China's revolutionary past.

Best Time to Visit

Each season offers something different.

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Spring

Mild and pleasant, with blooming flowers. Ideal for visiting ancient towns and bamboo forests.

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Summer

Hot and humid, with occasional rain. Escape to the cool bamboo forests of Anji or enjoy water activities.

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Autumn

Cool and dry, with clear skies. Perfect for outdoor exploration and photography.

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Winter

Cold and damp, with occasional snow. Fewer crowds, but some outdoor attractions may be less enjoyable.

Suggested Itineraries

Plans for every schedule.

Classic 2-Day

schedule 2 Days

Day 1: Nanxun Ancient Town, Little Lotus Manor (Xiaolianzhuang), Jiaye Hall Library (Jiayetang). Day 2: Zhang Shiming Former Residence, Liu's Tihao (Liu's Residence), Zhang Jingjiang Former Residence, Baijianlou (Hundred Rooms).

Highlights 3-Day

schedule 3 Days

Day 1: Nanxun Ancient Town, Little Lotus Manor (Xiaolianzhuang). Day 2: Jiaye Hall Library (Jiayetang), Zhang Shiming Former Residence, Liu's Tihao (Liu's Residence). Day 3: Zhang Jingjiang Former Residence, Baijianlou (Hundred Rooms).

In-Depth 4-Day

schedule 4 Days

Day 1: Nanxun Ancient Town. Day 2: Little Lotus Manor (Xiaolianzhuang), Jiaye Hall Library (Jiayetang). Day 3: Zhang Shiming Former Residence, Liu's Tihao (Liu's Residence). Day 4: Zhang Jingjiang Former Residence, Baijianlou (Hundred Rooms).

Local Tips

Insider knowledge for a smoother trip.

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Best Time

Visit in spring or autumn for the most comfortable weather and scenic beauty.

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Getting Around

Public buses and taxis are available; consider renting a car for remote areas like Anji.

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Local Cuisine

Try local specialties like 'ding sheng cake' and freshwater fish dishes.

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Language

Mandarin is widely spoken; learn a few basic phrases for better interactions.

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Packing

Bring an umbrella and comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.

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Respect

When visiting temples and historical sites, dress modestly and speak quietly.

FAQs About huzhou

Quick answers to common questions.

When is the best time to visit Huzhou? add_circle
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer mild weather and scenic beauty. Summers are hot and humid, winters cold but less crowded.
How do I get to Huzhou from Shanghai or Hangzhou? add_circle
High-speed trains connect Huzhou to Shanghai (about 1.5 hours) and Hangzhou (about 30 minutes). Buses and driving are also options, but trains are most convenient.
Are there entrance fees for major attractions like Nanxun Ancient Town? add_circle
Yes, most historic towns and parks charge admission. Fees vary by site; check official websites or local tourism offices for current prices.
Is Huzhou safe for solo travelers? add_circle
Generally very safe, with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply, especially at night in less crowded areas.
What local dishes should I try in Huzhou? add_circle
Try Huzhou's famous 'qianzhang bao' (bean curd rolls), 'Taihu three whites' (whitebait, white shrimp, white fish), and local tea like Anji white tea.
Do locals speak English? add_circle
English is not widely spoken, especially outside hotels and tourist spots. Learning basic Mandarin phrases or using translation apps helps.
What should I pack for a trip to Huzhou? add_circle
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, an umbrella or raincoat (especially in summer), and a power bank for your phone.
Are there good photography spots in Huzhou? add_circle
Yes, Nanxun Ancient Town, Taihu Lake, and Moganshan (mountain) offer beautiful landscapes. Early mornings and sunsets are ideal for photos.
Will Huzhou be crowded during holidays? add_circle
During Chinese national holidays (e.g., May Day, National Day), popular sites get crowded. Visit on weekdays or off-peak seasons for a quieter experience.
Is Huzhou suitable for family trips with kids? add_circle
Yes, with parks, lakeside walks, and cultural sites. Some attractions are stroller-friendly, but check accessibility in advance.
What is the weather like in Huzhou throughout the year? add_circle
Subtropical monsoon climate: mild springs, hot humid summers (up to 35°C), pleasant autumns, and cold damp winters (around 0-10°C).
Can I use mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay in Huzhou? add_circle
Yes, they are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and attractions. Cash is still useful for small vendors, but cards are less common.

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