[2024 Haining Attraction] Travel Guide for Nanguanxiang Historical and Cultural Block (Updated Sep)

Strolling through Nanguanxiang, feel the historical imprint of a city

Located in the historical district of Nanguanxiang in Haining, it starts from Dayao Bridge in the north and ends at Tang Bridge in the south, bordered by Luotang River to the east and Renmin Road to the west. It stretches over 350 meters from north to south and is one of the few well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty streets in Jiaxing Town. The name Nanguanxiang comes from the barrier built by the anti-Qing hero Zhou Zongyi at the end of the Ming dynasty. 🌈Highlights: Walking through the street, one can still trace the old appearance of Jiangnan residences, with shops in the front and workshops in the back, living by the river, combining business and residence, showcasing the typical Jiangnan architectural style. The street-facing shops are simply decorated, while the inner houses are exquisite living areas, reflecting the cultural form of "wealth not shown off." Walking on the bluestone-paved streets can evoke childhood memories, continuing the historical context of a city. The Nanguanxiang street is composed of the historical Baoxiu and Jinxiu lanes, and the entire street still retains its original historical appearance and traditional layout. Besides the barrier, the street also has cultural relic protection units such as the Guandi Temple, the former residences of Wu Qichang and Wu Shichang, and historical sites like Dayao Bridge and Huixiu Bridge, conveying historical and cultural information. It is a bridge between history and modernity, witnessing the changes of the street. ✨Street Highlights: ✅Huixiu Bridge, also known as Xihuan Bridge, was built in the fourth year of the Ming Jianwen period (1402), commonly known as "Tang Bridge." It is a three-arch bridge, relocated 150 meters west in 1967 and converted into a concrete double-arch bridge. Facing Huixiu Bridge is Huiyuan An, commonly known as Guandi Temple. The exact construction date is unknown, but according to records: "Also known as Nancha Pavilion, located at Xihuan Bridge, worshiping Guandi. The exact origin is unknown, rebuilt during the Ming Chongzhen period, and renovated in the 14th year of Kangxi..." Later, Jiangnan merchants expanded it with donations and shaved their heads here. Despite the passage of time, the main building is well preserved. ✅Across the river from the Nanguanxiang historical street is the former Zhongsi Third Factory, now an art and creative park integrating creative design, intelligent research and development, film and television production, maker space, youth apartments, art education, photography, creative markets, cultural tourism, leisure and fitness, and themed dining. ✅"Jiangnan Lantern Art Street" is one of the main features of Nanguanxiang street. It has introduced and established the Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Lantern Exhibition Hall (14 national intangible cultural heritage lanterns), the Chinese Ancient Lantern Folk Lantern Art Museum (Shanxi Lanterns), the Taiwan Creative Lantern Art Museum (Taiwan Lanterns), the Li Yaobao Material Silk Paper-cut Lantern Art Museum (Quanzhou Lanterns), the Haitian Lantern Exhibition Hall (Zigong Lanterns), the Jiaxing Lantern Research and Practice Center, the Haining Linxuan Lantern Art Studio, and the Song Zhenhua Lantern Art Studio, among many other offline experience venues for different types of lantern art. 🎫Ticket Information: Free admission. 🚗Address and Transportation: 1⃣From Hangzhou, you can take the Hangzhou-Haining Intercity Railway to Haichang Road Station, then walk about twenty minutes after exiting the station. 2⃣From Haining city center, you can take Haining buses 107 or 109 to Nanguanxiang Station, then walk about five minutes.

Haining, Zhejiang, a forgotten treasure city

Haining, this underrated treasure city, is not only famous for its Leather City, but also has many places worth visiting. From the Qiantang Tide Watching to the former residences of celebrities, to the old streets of Jiangnan, each place is full of historical charm and natural beauty. If you plan a self-driving tour, it's only a 1-hour drive from Shanghai or Hangzhou❗️ Here is a carefully planned 2-day and 1-night itinerary for you: Day 1: 1️⃣ Nan Guan Xiang Old Street: Experience the charm of ancient residences in Jiangnan and the epitome of Xie Shi's cultural history. 2️⃣ Tide Watching Park: Check the tide schedule in advance to experience the spectacle of nature. 3️⃣ Sea God Temple: Known as the 'Forbidden City of Jiangnan', explore the ancient architecture with a long history. Day 2: 1️⃣ Botanical Library: Make a reservation to visit, enjoy the small yet beautiful farm and the carefully designed wildflower landscape. 2️⃣ Haixing Village: Experience the romance of a sunny day sunset under the riverside lighthouse. Each checkpoint has its unique charm, whether it's the spectacular tides at the Tide Watching Park, the beauty of ancient architecture at the Sea God Temple, or the natural scenery of the Botanical Library, Haining awaits you to discover and experience. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these unforgettable moments.

Nanguanxiang

When idle, take a stroll around Nanguanxiang. Most of the buildings in Nanguanxiang date back to the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, and it is a cultural and creative district in Zhejiang Province. It is home to many former residences of famous people from Haining, as well as the Guandi Temple, Huiyuan Bridge, and a host of other popular spots. You can wander around the district, stopping as you please. If you have time, there are also quite a few riverside cafes where you can sit down, space out, and enjoy the gentle warmth of a southern spring day, with small bridges over flowing water and green trees providing a picturesque backdrop.

Haining Nanguanxiang | Misty Rain in the South of the Yangtze, Ancient Streets and Alleys | Weekend Getaway

Haining is famous for its lantern decorations, so the nights in Nanguanxiang are like a magnificent and colorful scroll of lantern paintings. The ancient streets, under the illumination of the lights, appear exceptionally solemn and mysterious. The shops along the street are brightly lit and bustling with excitement. A dazzling array of traditional handicrafts, local snacks, and cultural souvenirs are overwhelming. 🏃‍♀️Haining Lantern Culture Night Tour Circuit: Haining Zhongsi Third Factory Cultural and Creative Park 👉 Nanguanxiang Cultural District 👉 Shuiyueting Bridge 👉 Hengtou Street Parking Lot 📍Location: Nanguanxiang Historical and Cultural District 🎫Ticket: Free 🕐Opening Hours: 24h Recommended Visiting Time: 2~3 hours 🚗Convenient parking nearby for self-driving, free of charge

Nanguanxiang Historic District is located in the southeast of Lanshi Town, Haining City. It starts from Dayao Bridge in the north, Tangqiao and Huiyuan in the south, Luotang River in the east and Renmin Road in the west. It is more than 350 meters long from north to south and more than 50 meters wide from east to west. It covers an area of about 1.7 hectares. For the current Shishi township is still characterized by the style of the streets in the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the south of the Yangtze River, and it is relatively intact, and there are only a few historical blocks left. The sky is getting darker, and the lanterns in the South Gate are also lit up. In front of each shop, there are hanging lanterns of different styles, all in the style of the South Pass. The lanterns of the Lantern Museum are even more spectacular. The lanterns here are collected from all over the country, with different shapes and postures. The Shishi Lancai began in the Tang Dynasty and has been in Song Dynasty. It has a history of more than 1,200 years. It is unique in its craftsmanship, and it combines poetry, drama, folktales, calligraphy and painting, and ancient architectural art. It has distinct local characteristics. It is rich in variety, including construction, animal, hanging lamp, and lamp. In recent years, it has been innovated with teapot lamps and vase lamps. It has always been called Jiangnan Qiqi and is unique among small and medium-sized lamps in the country. It is also a national intangible cultural heritage. Walking through the streets, you can still trace the old appearance of the old houses in the south of the Yangtze River. The former shop and the back square, the river and the residence, the commercial and residential unity show the typical Jiangnan architectural style. The simple shops on the street and the well-off residential areas in the inner house reflect the social psychology and culture form of rich and not exposed. The street where the bluestone slabs are laid, can recall the memories of the child, which is a continuation of the historical context of the city. In 2006, Nanguanxiang District was listed.

Walking through the Nanguanxiang block, you can still trace the old appearance of the Jiangnan dwellings in the past. The former shop, the front house, the river, and the commercial and residential buildings show the typical Jiangnan architectural style. And the various specialty shops bring out a modern twist and blend with classical beauty.