The town turned into an important distribution center of farm and other products due to convenient transportation by water.

Two waterways intersect at the town, they are the Shihe River is from north to south, and that of the ancient Grand Canal from east to west.

There still remain 15 old bridges from the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties; the traditional flagging streets is 3 kilometers in total length.

The layout remains that of imposing dwellings and spacious courtyards, gardens and library, guild hall and chamber of commerce, sotto porticos crossing the streets, landing terraces and covered ways.

[3] Towns:[4] The Ancient Venetian Township in the South of Yangtze River - Nanxun - UNESCO World Heritage Centre