Media staff from over 30 domestic organizations attend a tourism promotion event at Nanxun Ancient Town in Zhejiang's Huzhou city on Nov 22. [Photo by Jiang Liangliang]

Located in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, Nanxun Ancient Town welcomed a group of people from various media organizations around China on Nov 22 for a tourism promotion event.

At the event the local official made a detailed presentation on the development of Nanxun's tourism and the must-go tourist spots inside the water town.

With a history of more than 700 years, Nanxun is labeled as one of the six ancient towns in Jiangnan (the regions south of the Yangzte River) and has been elected as Huzhou's first national 5A scenic area (the highest rating for scenic spots in China).

It is well-known for its mixture of Chinese and Western features. Many buildings within the town have been greatly influenced by Western culture. Architecturally, they combine traditional Chinese elements with decorations or displays from Europe, like the most famous Little Lotus Villa and Jiaye Library.

Moreover, the flourishing handicraft industry is well preserved in Nanxun, including weaving silk and producing Hubi, one of the most prestigious types of writing brushes used for traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting art.

The media delegation was taken around Nanxun and introduced to the stories behind each tiny spot after the promotional event. They learnt about both the natural and cultural sectors of the town.

As picturesque towns and villages like Nanxun have become more popular tourist destinations in recent years, Nanxun is exploring ways to retain its historical relics and improve its capacity for tourism.

"We are working on the renovation of old architecture and the improvement of public services to enrich our tourist products and enhance Nanxun's competitiveness," said an official from the organizing committee.

An active response to the central government's call to develop all-for-one tourism, Nanxun plans to build themed leisure areas for sightseeing, commerce and agriculture based on the original natural environment and cultural heritage.

The media delegation listens to the stories of old architecture in Nanxun, an ancient water town in Huzhou on Nov 22. [Photo by Jiang Liangliang]