Xiaoxihu Historic Block
小西湖
A historic district in southern Nanjing, north of Laomendong, where long-time residents and new small shops coexist in a model of gradual 'micro-renewal,' full of everyday street life.
The Xiaoxihu Historic and Cultural Block lies around Dayoufang Lane in Qinhuai District. It is one of the better-preserved Ming and Qing residential areas in southern Nanjing. In recent years it has undergone 'small-scale, gradual' micro-renewal. While preserving original residents and the fabric of old houses, it has introduced cafés, bookstores, handicraft workshops, and traditional Nanjing snack shops, and it has won several urban design awards. Winding lanes and staggered courtyards make it quieter than Confucius Temple, ideal for a slow stroll. The block is open all day and free to enter, and most shops open after 10:00. It is about a 10-minute walk from Fuzimiao Station or Wuding Gate Station on Metro Lines 3 and 5, and it can be combined with Laomendong.
Opening hours
Open all day; shops approx. 10:00–22:00
Nearby sights
- Laomendong Historic District
- Zhan Garden
- Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River
- Zhonghua Gate
- Jiangnan Examination Hall (China Imperial Examination Museum)
- Porcelain Tower & Da Bao'en Temple Heritage Park
- Bailuzhou Park
- Chenguang 1865 Creative Park (Jinling Arsenal)