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Last year's Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) leaders' summit not only drew world attention to Shanghai's cutting edge achievements, but also to the traditional beauty of Zhouzhuang with its ancient houses and peaceful waterways. The increased fame of this memorable watertown has brought more and more visitors to the area, which although good for business, has disturbed its usual peace and tranquility. Lucky for informed travellers, there are other towns, offering similar scenic enjoyment without the crowds. Nanxun is such a place. The sleepy town of Nanxun is located on the boundary of Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. Its houses and bridges are clustered around a small winding river. An afternoon stroll through this little hamlet provides the perfect medicine for frazzled nerves. The town's most famous structure is the 400-year-old Baijian Lou (100-room pavilion) located in the northeast corner. Locals told us the pavilion was constructed by a high-level Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) official for his servants. However, we had difficulty believing such beautiful houses were built for servants. Small, exquisite gardens are another special attraction of Nanxun, and Xiaolian Zhuang is one that certainly should not be missed by visitors. It was once the private garden of Liu Yong, a senior official during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The garden boasts a pristine lotus pool, which is best appreciated in summer months. The house of Zhang Shiming, a rich business man who imported Western luxuries to the town through his business connections in France, extends over more than 4,000 square metres. It has been called the largest private house in Southeast China. Though built in the later years of the Qing Dynasty, the house combines European and Chinese architectural styles. You can still view glass sculptures from France exhibited in the hall. Although Nanxun has little of the tourist-destination glitter, or perhaps because of this fact, it is well worth a visit. This is a place where people still live out their daily lives surrounded by nearly untouched history. Travel tips Traffic: You can find a bus departing from the long distance bus station on Qiujiang Lu to Nanxun every 20 minutes between 6:00pm and 7:30pm. Tickets cost 17 yuan ($2) for a regular coach, and 25-27 yuan ($3) for air-conditioned coaches. The journey lasts about 2 to 2 and a half hours. Hotel: The best hotel in the town is the three star Jinquan Hotel, or the Jiu'an Convention Centre on Jiangnan Street. A standard room costs about 150 yuan ($18). Dining: Local specialties include bamboo shoots and other river treats.