A Tranquil Journey Through Time: Nanxun Ancient Watertown

During the bustling May holiday, we ventured into the charming and culturally rich Nanxun Ancient Watertown for a one-night stay — a perfect choice to truly soak in both its vibrant day life and peaceful nighttime ambiance. We arrived to our hotel in Nanxun on the afternoon after almost an hour train ride from Shanghai. Upon arrival, the town greeted us with a lively atmosphere, where crowds moved along canals lined with red lanterns, quaint teahouses, and historical buildings. Despite the holiday crowd, the town’s elegance stood strong — a captivating blend of Eastern water town grace with touches of Western influence in its architecture, a legacy of its prosperous past as a merchant hub. As the sun dipped and lights reflected on the water’s surface, Nanxun’s beauty took on a more intimate tone. The ancient bridges and alleys grew quiet, the lanterns flickered gently, and the sound of water lapping against the stone walls echoed softly — a moment of serene stillness that felt far removed from the tourist bustle. We rose early the next day, just after 7 a.m., to experience the town in its most peaceful state. With shops still closed (most open around 8:30 a.m.), we strolled through empty stone-paved streets and along calm canals. The morning air was fresh, and the only sounds were the rustling leaves and the gentle movements of locals practicing tai chi in nearby parks. It felt like stepping back in time. This overnight experience gave us a fuller appreciation of Nanxun’s layered charm — vibrant and full of life by day, quietly magical by morning. For those seeking to feel both the spirit and the soul of a Chinese watertown, staying a night in Nanxun is a beautiful and worthwhile pause #springitinerary #travel #nanxunancienttown