As morning mist rises over stone bridges and willow-lined canals, Nanxun ancient town emerges like a living watercolor painting. This 800-year-old Jiangnan treasure in Zhejiang province has been thrust into the global spotlight as it prepares to host a sub-venue for China's 2026 Spring Festival Gala, set to broadcast worldwide next month.
The town's unique blend of commercial heritage and scholarly tradition comes alive through its preserved silk workshops and Ming-Qing dynasty architecture. Recent infrastructure upgrades have carefully integrated modern amenities while maintaining the delicate balance of arched bridges, ancestral halls, and waterways that earned Nanxun its UNESCO-recognized status.
"This selection recognizes our role as custodians of cultural integration," said local heritage director Wang Li, noting the town's distinctive European-influenced decorative elements alongside traditional Chinese motifs. Artisans continue practicing centuries-old silk weaving techniques, with new apprenticeship programs attracting young craftspeople ahead of the gala.
For business analysts, Nanxun's transformation offers insights into China's cultural economy development strategy. Overseas investors have shown increased interest in Zhejiang's heritage tourism sector since the gala venue announcement last November.
