Water Ink Family

Author: Xu Xiaohang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Unadorned Nanxun has taken the lead among all Jiangnan ancient towns, embraced by grandeur and towering structures, guarded by dignity and elegance. The texture of history can be deciphered from any fragment of an ancient dwelling. A quiet town, strolling through the spiritual space of Jiangnan, unexpectedly casts a stone into the calm Chinese heart, stirring a thousand waves, leaving all other Jiangnan towns far behind. Gentle winds and soft waters, faint old shadows, the network-like Nanxun River and the magnificent ancient bridges seem to tell you that its extraordinary nature lies hidden behind the passage of time. The main attractions in Nanxun Town include: Xiaolianzhuang, Jiayechang Book Pavilion, Yingyuan, the Three Ancient Stone Bridges, the former residence of Zhang Jingjiang, the former residence of Zhang Shiming, and the Bajianlou, among others. Nanxun, one of the six major ancient towns in Jiangnan water towns, is the first of 15 historical and cultural towns in Zhejiang Province, with a history of over 700 years. It is under the jurisdiction of Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Nanxun boasts rich cultural landscapes. The Jiangnan Garden Records states: "With just one town, it possesses five gardens, all grand in scale, a sight rarely seen in Jiangnan." Xiaolianzhuang is the highlight of Nanxun scenery, originally the family temple and garden of Liu Yong, a Qing Dynasty Grand Secretary. The garden features shimmering lakes, winding paths leading to secluded corners; among the towering pines and cypresses, pavilions, towers, and rockeries appear and disappear, creating a serene atmosphere, making it a masterpiece among Jiangnan gardens. Jiayechang Book Pavilion is one of the three major book pavilions in northern Zhejiang, built in 1920. It houses an extensive collection of local records, ranking among the top in the country. It serves as an important historical resource for the division of territories in China, and Premier Zhou Enlai personally instructed its protection. In addition, Yingyuan, the former residence of Zhang Shiming, known as one of the grandest residences in Jiangnan, and the former residence of Zhang Jingjiang are also highly distinctive. The residential complex of Bajianlou by the Nanxun River and the Three Ancient Stone Bridges exude an ancient charm, fully embodying the atmosphere of Jiangnan water towns.