Shanghai to Nanxun (130 km): Day Trip Plan Guide

Q: How far is Nanxun from Shanghai?

Nanxun is about 130 km from downtown Shanghai. By car, it usually takes around 2 hours. If you take the high-speed train, its just 50 minutes to Huzhou Nanxun Station, which is only 7 km from the water town.

Shanghai to Nanxun (130 km): 1-Hour Train vs. 2-Hour Overland

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Written by Felicia|Updated: 2026-04-28|Reading Time: 6 min

If you're planning a trip from Shanghai to Nanxun Water Town, you're making a really smart choice.

Nanxun is kind of a hidden gem among the many water towns in the Yangtze River Delta. Compared to the more famous ones like Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang, Nanxun feels much more low-key and less commercialized.

You'll still see locals going about their daily lives, and the architecture here has its own unique style—a mix of traditional Chinese and Western influences. That's exactly where its charm lies.

Another big plus? You can actually walk around the town for free (some inner attractions charge separately), and with a high-speed train station nearby, it's become an increasingly popular option for travelers coming from Shanghai.

Nanxun is about 130 km from Shanghai. By car, it usually takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic. But if you take a high-speed train to Huzhou Nanxun Station, you can get there in about 1 hour, which is much faster and often more convenient.

In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to get from Shanghai to Nanxun—both by train and by car—so you can choose what works best for your trip.

5 Quick Takeaways

Nanxun is about 130 km from downtown Shanghai.
It usually takes around 2 hours by car to get from Shanghai to Nanxun.
The nearest high-speed train station, Huzhou Nanxun Station, is only 7 km away—making Nanxun one of the most accessible water towns in the region.
It takes about 50 minutes by high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao or Shanghai South Railway Station to Huzhou Nanxun Station.
From the station, you can take Bus No. 170 directly to Nanxun in about 30 minutes for just ¥2—a super budget-friendly option.

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Shanghai to Nanxun High Speed Train: Facts & How to Take
Shanghai to Nanxun by Car: Door to Door Service
Shanghai to Nanxun by Bus (Budget Option)
Shanghai to Nanxun: Day Trip or Overnight Trip?
Explore Shanghai & Surroundings with Local-Based Asia Odyssey Travel

Shanghai to Nanxun High Speed Train: Facts & How to Take

Yes, you can take a bullet train from Shanghai to Nanxun in just 50 minutes. No kidding. For train lovers or day trip travelers with little luggages, this is the best choice.

Fun Facts

When booking your ticket, the station name you need is Huzhou Nanxun Railway Station.
It's just 7 km away from Nanxun Water Town.
You can't even find the name on your google map. But don't worry, it's 100% correct.

This is a case where China's high-speed rail has developed so rapidly that even Google Maps cannot keep up with the updates.

Shanghai to Nanxun High Speed Train Facts

Shanghai to Huzhou Nanxun Bullet Train Basic Information from 12306

From the screenshot of the 12306 (official website of Chinese Railway), you can see that:

There are 29 departures everyday
Departure stations in Shanghai are Shanghai Hongqiao Station or Shanghainan (Shanghai South) Station
Arrival Station in Nanxun is Huzhou Nanxun Railway Station
The train travel time is about 50 minutes.

Here is the ticket price about high speed train from Shanghai to Huzhou Nanxun

Seat Type	Price (CNY)	Approx. Price (USD)	Notes
Second Class (3+2)	¥43–67	~$6–10	Affordable, basic seating
First Class (2+2)	¥70–108	~$10–15	More comfortable, wider seats
Business Class (1+1)	¥153–236	~$21–33	Luxury option, very comfy

From Huzhou Nanxun Station to Nanxun Water Town

Huzhou Nanxun Station to Nanxun Water Town Bus Route

Huzhou Nanxun Station is just 7 km away from the water town.

For convenient choice, you can take a taxi or didi at the station. It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the town entrance.

For budget travellers, the Bus No. 170 will take you to the west entrance of the water town for about 35 minutes with just ¥2.

Best Drop-off Points in Nanxun Water Town

South Gate (Recommended): Best for first-time visitors. There's a visitor center, luggage storage, and it's close to highlights like the former residence of Zhang Shiming.
East Gate: Good if you want to hop straight on a water boat and enter the town from the canals.
North Gate: Better if you're staying overnight—closer to many guesthouses, but slightly less convenient for sightseeing.
West Gate: Quieter, more local vibe. This is also where the bus usually drops you off.

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Shanghai to Nanxun by Car: Door to Door Service

If you're traveling with kids, seniors, or a lot of luggage, then honestly, a private car is the easiest way to go. It's a true door-to-door experience—you'll be picked up from your hotel or railway station in Shanghai and dropped off right at the entrance of Nanxun Water Town (or even your hotel inside the town).

Nanxun Water Town

Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel

We offer private Nanxun day tours from Shanghai, designed to make the whole trip smooth and stress-free. Your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel (or anywhere you are).

Vehicle type depends on your group size:

Small groups → comfortable MPV / business van
Larger groups → spacious coach

Complimentary bottled water is provided onboard. Once you arrive, your guide will walk you through the town—not just showing you around, but helping you actually understand what you're seeing.

You'll visit highlights like: Xiaolianzhuang Garden, Former Residence of Zhang Shiming, Yiyuan Garden, Baijianlou Historic Street…and of course, experience a traditional hand-rowed boat ride.

Plus, when you're surrounded by endless local snacks, your guide can help you pick what's actually worth trying (which, trust me, is more useful than it sounds).

Nanxun Water Town Boat Ride Guide

There are 4 main piers: Xiaolianzhuang Pier, Guanghui Bridge Pier, Zhang Jingjiang Residence Pier, and Lianjie Bridge Pier.
Boats are charged per boat (not per person), and fits up to 8 people per boat.
Pricing is mainly based on duration: 15 mins → ¥160 (~$22); 30 mins → ¥280 (~$39); 45 mins → ¥380 (~$53).

Even though there are different routes, the experience is quite similar—the main difference is just how long you stay on the water.

After your visit, there's no need to figure out how to get back. Your driver will be waiting at the agreed spot, ready to take you:

Back to Shanghai, or
Onward to another city like Suzhou or Hangzhou

Just sit back, enjoy the AC, and relax after a full day of exploring. If comfort and convenience matter to you, contact us.

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Shanghai to Nanxun by Bus (Budget Option)

If you're traveling on a tighter budget, taking a long-distance bus is also possible.

Departure stations:

Shanghai South Bus Station (near Shanghai South Railway Station)
Shanghai West Bus Station (near Hongqiao area)

Arrival:

Nanxun Bus Station (about 1.5 km from the West Gate)

Travel time: ~2 hours Ticket price: ¥71 (~$10)

It takes about the same time as driving, but with less flexibility—still, it gets the job done.

Wedding on the Boat in Nanxun Water Town

Shanghai to Nanxun: Day Trip or Overnight Trip?

If you ask me, I'd say: stay for the evening—but don't necessarily stay overnight. That might sound a bit unexpected, but here's why.

Don't Miss the Night View

Several friends of mine who've been here all said the same thing: the night view in Nanxun is absolutely worth it. And honestly, I agree. It feels very different from the daytime version of Nanxun and even from other water towns at night.

In the evening, the town becomes much quieter. The lights reflect on the water, and the old buildings almost look like they're floating—like palaces on the canal. It's calm, not overly commercial, and just… really atmospheric. If you leave too early, you'll miss the best part.

Night View in Nanxun Water Town

So Why Not Stay Overnight?

Because—you actually have better options nearby.

Option 1: Head to Wuzhen for the Night If you want that "perfect water town overnight experience," Wuzhen is hard to beat. It's one of the most famous water towns in China and much more developed for overnight stays.

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Option 2: Go to Hangzhou Another smart move is to continue your trip to Hangzhou. High-speed train from Nanxun to Hangzhou takes only 20+ minutes. The last train is around 10:20 PM, so timing is flexible. This gives you a great bonus! You can wake up the next morning and experience West Lake in the early morning, which is easily one of the best moments in Hangzhou.

Best Travel Routes for Shanghai-Nanxun-Hangzhou Combo

Spend 1-2 Days in Shanghai for its skyline and cafes.
Then head to Nanxun Water Town by High speed train or private car ride. Enjoy the local vibe and old-fashined architecture with boat ride.
Tranfer to Hangzhou the late afternoon for overnight.
Enjoy West Lake stroll ride in Hangzhou.

Explore Shanghai & Surroundings with Local-Based Asia Odyssey Travel

At Asia Odyssey Travel, we have a local office in Shanghai and over 10 years of experience in organizing tours across the region. We've worked with travelers from all over the world, so we understand what international visitors need.

What really sets us apart is our local insight. We stay up to date with Shanghai's latest travel trends, popular attractions, and hidden gems, so you're not just following a standard itinerary—you're experiencing the city in a smarter, more enjoyable way.

Whether you're planning a Shanghai city tour, a day trip to nearby destinations, or a longer journey across East China, we can help you with:

Hassle-free transportation (private car, high-speed train planning and ticket)
Flexible, customized itineraries
Local English-speaking guides who understand both culture and traveler expectations

If you want a trip that's easy, well-organized, and truly local, Asia Odyssey Travel is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All

How far is Nanxun from Shanghai? +

Nanxun is about 130 km from downtown Shanghai. By car, it usually takes around 2 hours. If you take the high-speed train, it's just 50 minutes to Huzhou Nanxun Station, which is only 7 km from the water town.

Can I take public transport from the train station? +

Yes! From Huzhou Nanxun Station, you can take Bus 170 directly to Nanxun Water Town's West Gate. It's only about 30–35 minutes and costs just 2 yuan.

Are there tickets to enter the town? +

Nanxun Water Town itself is free to enter. Some individual attractions, like Xiaolianzhuang Garden, Former Residence of Zhang Shiming, Baijianlou Historic Street, have separate admission fees.

What's the best way to get there with family or a lot of luggage? +

Private car or chauffeur service is your best bet. Door-to-door transfer from Shanghai to Nanxun, plus optional guided tours and help with sightseeing, makes the trip stress-free, especially for groups with kids or elderly travelers.

Are there boat rides in Nanxun? +

Yes! Nanxun has four main docks. Boats are charged per boat (not per person) and generally run 15–45 minutes, depending on the route. It's a fun way to explore the canals and see the town from a different perspective.