Nanxun Water Town One-Day Tour from Shanghai

Tour Itinerary

Start your immersive journey with Your Way Holiday, where every detail of your trip is thoughtfully arranged. In the morning, your private English-speaking guide and professional driver will meet you at your hotel lobby, or directly at Shanghai’s train station or airport if you prefer. You’ll be welcomed with a clear Your Way Holiday sign, ensuring a smooth start. As you settle into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, your guide will introduce the day’s itinerary and share fascinating stories about Jiangnan’s waterways, silk trade history, and how Nanxun stands out among other water towns such as Zhouzhuang, Tongli, and Wuzhen.During the 1.5–2 hour scenic drive, your guide will point out interesting landmarks along the way and provide insights into local customs and historical anecdotes. Feel free to ask questions or take photos of the passing countryside. This journey itself is an introduction to Jiangnan’s unique charm.

Upon arrival in Nanxun, begin your exploration at the Little Lotus Garden, a serene garden once belonging to a wealthy silk merchant family. Here, your guide will lead you through elegant pavilions, lotus-filled ponds, and traditional rockeries while explaining the symbolism and design principles of Jiangnan gardens. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a short calligraphy or flower appreciation activity arranged by the guide, making your visit interactive and memorable.As you walk along stone paths and arch bridges, the guide will highlight architectural details, such as carved beams and intricate window patterns, pointing out features you might otherwise overlook. The garden’s tranquil ambiance sets the perfect tone for the rest of your day.

Next, visit the grand Liu Family Mansion, a stunning blend of Chinese and Western architecture reflecting Nanxun’s silk trading wealth during the late Qing Dynasty. Your guide will provide a detailed history of the mansion, describing the daily life of the merchant family, their overseas connections, and the craftsmanship seen in stained glass windows, carved beams, and decorative screens.You’ll explore the mansion at a comfortable pace, stopping to take photos or admire unique rooms. The guide may suggest trying out interactive experiences such as examining traditional silk embroidery patterns or understanding the water management system that made the mansion’s courtyards so lush.

For lunch, your guide will lead you to a carefully selected riverside restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Nanxun cuisine. You’ll have a choice of dishes featuring freshwater fish, braised pork with soy sauce, and fresh seasonal vegetables. The guide will explain the history and ingredients of each dish, encourage you to try local delicacies, and even show you how some snacks are traditionally made. This allows you to actively participate in the culinary experience rather than just being a spectator.

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along cobblestone alleys toward the Jiayetang Library, one of China’s most important private libraries. Your guide will share stories about its founding, the rare books and manuscripts preserved within, and its role in fostering scholarship and literary culture. Explore the quiet reading rooms and halls, appreciating the intricate wooden interiors and historic architectural features.From the library, wander through smaller lanes, cross graceful arched bridges connecting canals, and observe artisan workshops, local crafts, and daily life scenes. Your guide will point out subtle details, such as traditional shop signs, stone inscriptions, or architectural motifs, and weave together the historical and living culture of Nanxun, providing a seamless blend of past and present.

Experience the town from the water with a traditional wooden boat ride along Nanxun’s canals. Glide past ancient mansions, hidden courtyards, and quaint bridges while your guide explains historical transport methods and points out architectural highlights not visible from the streets. This perspective gives you a deeper sense of the town’s layout, water management, and daily life in historic times.After the boat ride, explore artisan shops offering handwoven silk, bamboo crafts, painted fans, and other local specialties. Interact with shopkeepers, learn about traditional craft techniques, and select meaningful souvenirs. If time allows, visit less-visited corners such as private courtyards or small ancestral halls, where your guide can introduce seasonal customs, family traditions, and hidden stories behind the buildings. This flexibility ensures your day is immersive, participatory, and uniquely tailored.

Your professional guide will be with you at every step, offering captivating storytelling, historical context, photo guidance, and personalized recommendations. They ensure your pace is comfortable, allowing you to explore leisurely, linger in areas of special interest, or participate actively in cultural experiences. The guide explains the symbolism of lotus ponds, points out hidden architectural details, introduces artisan techniques, and provides context for meals and local customs. Their attentive presence transforms the day into a seamless journey where every activity—from garden tours and mansion visits to boat rides and artisan workshops—is engaging, participatory, and memorable. By attending to your comfort and curiosity, they create a rich, immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression of Nanxun’s heritage and charm.

As the day concludes, take a final stroll along lantern-lit canals, reflecting on serene waters, elegant gardens, and historic mansions. Board your private vehicle for the return to Shanghai, arriving in the early evening. Your guide will recap highlights, answer any lingering questions, and ensure that the memories of Nanxun remain vivid.With Your Way Holiday, your one-day tour to Nanxun Water Town is more than sightseeing—it’s an interactive cultural journey that immerses you in Jiangnan’s history, art, and daily life, leaving you with stories and experiences to cherish long after you leave.

Price Per Person in US Dollars