1. Things To Know Before You Go
As a typical ancient water town in the south of the Yangtze River, Xitang has completely preserved its original style, small bridges over flowing waters, ancient alleys, black bricks and green tiles, wooden fences and flower - patterned windows, everything is just like the timeless water town in dreams. Among these, cafes, tea houses, bars, and homestay hotels also give this place an captivating atmosphere somewhat different from that of Wuzhen. No matter how many times you've heard its name, it's better to come and experience the strong ancient - town atmosphere of Xitang in person. There is a saying to describe Xitang: "The waters from the Spring and Autumn Period, the town from the Tang and Song Dynasties, the architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the people of modern times." During the day, Xitang is crowded with tourists, so every corner is filled with people. Perhaps it is precisely because of Xitang's three major characteristics (numerous bridges, a large amount of alleys, and a lot of covered corridors) that attract tourists from all over the world.
2. Why Is Xitang Ancient Water Town So Special?
The peculiarity of Xitang is mainly reflected in the following aspects.
Ancient Building Complex: Xitang Ancient Town has completely preserved the ancient architecture complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties covering an area of 250,000 square meters, which is the largest among the ancient water towns in the south of the Yangtze River of China. These ancient buildings are not only large in quantity and area, but also very unique in style, thus having the high artistic and research value.
The Three Wonders of "Bridges, Alleys and Covered Corridors": The architecture of Xitang is famous for "countless bridges, alleys and covered corridors". There are 24 stone bridges in the ancient town, connecting five areas into one. 122 criss - cross alleys, constructing the overall framework and connecting the new and old town areas of Xitang. In addition, there is a 2 km long Ceilinged Corridors which provides shade and shelter from the rain for tourists. In addition, the Covered Corridors are built and connected by many adjacent shops along the street, with a total length of more than 1200 meters, this form of architecture also offered a place for merchants to shelter from the sun and rain in the past and it also reflected the ancient human - oriented architectural feature.
Horse - head Walls: The horse - head walls in Xitang are with the functions of wind and fire protection. Since Xitang is affected by typhoons every year, the steamed - bun - shaped horse - head walls (also known as fire - prevention walls) can effectively reduce pressure and prevent the spread of flames, hence embodying the wisdom and practicality of local architecture.
Door and Window Decorations: The doors and windows in Xitang are often engraved with auspicious patterns, which reflect the local residents' yearning for a better life. Apart from this, its unique architectural layout and decoration also display the modesty and courtesy of this ancient water town.
When tourists stroll around Xitang Ancient Town in Zhejiang, walking across bridges, passing through alleys and wandering along the covered corridors, the simple and plain local customs, as well as the enchanting and ancient atmosphere, slowly emanate from these stone arch bridges of different heights, small alleys of different lengths and the seemingly endless covered corridors. West Street is the busiest commercial street in Xitang, where museums, alleys and restaurants are concentrated. East Street, on the other hand, is a bar street, which is the most lively and charming at night. These features jointly form the unique architectural style of Xitang Water Town, and demonstrate its profound historical and cultural heritage at the same time.
2.1 The Tangible Benefits Bring To Tourists
The advantages that tourists can gain from visiting Xitang mainly lie in the following aspects.
Immersive experience and learning of history and culture: Xitang Ancient Town is abundant in historical and cultural heritages. Tourists have the opportunities to explore ancient edifices, bridges, and streets there, getting a glimpse into the living patterns and traditional handicrafts of ancient water towns. For instance, historical sites like Zhang Jingjiang's Former Residence and the Ming and Qing Woodcarving Museum vividly display the profound historical and cultural deposits of Xitang. What's more, by visiting attractions such as the Huguo Suiliangwang Temple, Zuiyuan Garden, and the Button Museum, visitors can further delve into the local history and culture.
Delight in delicious cuisine: Xitang has made a name for itself with its unique gastronomy. Tourists can relish authentic Jiangnan dishes, snacks, and specialty treats, like delicate small wontons, fragrant stinky tofu, and mellow glutinous rice wine. Not only do these mouthwatering delicacies pamper the visitors' taste buds but also offer them a profound sense of the rich cultural backdrop of Xitang. Furthermore, there are numerous traditional farmhouse dishes and special beverages available in Xitang, such as sweet glutinous rice balls in fermented rice soup, chewy glutinous rice cakes, and smooth Xitang rice wine, allowing tourists to savor the unique allure of Xitang.
Admiration of natural beauty: Xitang Ancient Town is celebrated for its idyllic water - town landscapes. Tourists can meander along the town's streets and appreciate the ancient trees and the cobblestone paths, therefore soaking up the peaceful and laid - back atmosphere. Besides, they can embark on a boat ride along Xitang's waterways to feast their eyes on the gorgeous natural scenery and the distinctive water - town vistas. Notably, attractions like Ceilinged corridors and the narrow Shipi Alley are truly unmissable scenic wonders for tourists.
Mental relaxation and leisurely enjoyment: In contrast to many overly commercialized ancient towns, Xitang has managed to preserve its genuine and friendly local atmosphere. The local inhabitants are very hospitable, providing tourists with the chance to engage in in - depth conversations and experience the most authentic water - town lifestyle.
2.2 History Background
Xitang Ancient Town is located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province. It is also at the intersection of four core cities, namely Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Suzhou. As one of the six major ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River, Xitang has a long history and rich cultural heritage.
The history of Xitang Ancient Town can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. At that time, it was the border area between the Wu and Yue states and one of the birthplaces of Wu - Yue culture. It is said that during the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu Zixu dug an artificial canal here, which gradually led to the development of Xitang into an important water - town market town. During the Southern Song Dynasty, a market was formed in Xitang. It began to take shape as a market town in the Yuan Dynasty and developed into an important town for handicrafts and commerce during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
As one of the representatives of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River, it attracts countless tourists with its simple and elegant architectural style, rich cultural heritage and unique water - town charm, and is hailed as the "thousand - year - old ancient town where people live."
2.3 Tourism Resources
Xitang enjoys convenient transportation and it is within 100 kilometers of Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou, so tourists can reach there by bus or train. The main scenic spots in Xitang include Ceilinged Corridors, Shipi Alley, Wolong Bridge, Laifeng Bridge, Wufu Bridge etc. Among these, the Ceilinged Corridors and Shipi Alley are the unique symbol of this ancient water town.
2.4 Culture Activities
There are lots of colorful festival activities in Xitang Ancient Town . Among them, the most famous one is the Belief and Custom Festival of the King Who Protects the Country and Accompanies the Grain. This festival is held on the third day of the fourth lunar month every year and is one of the most distinctive folk activities in Xitang. It is to commemorate a historical figure named Lord Qi. The Belief and Custom Festival of the King Who Protects the Country and Accompanies the Grain consists of two parts: waterway and landway. The waterway activities include the opening procession led by five - colored flags (red, yellow, green, white, and black) and dragon - tiger generals. The landway activities feature folk art performances such as dragon - dancing, lion - dancing, playing Lianxiang, and Yangko dancing. The whole event is extremely lively and attracts a large number of tourists and local residents every year.
In addition, Hanfu Culture Week is also held in Xitang in November each year and thus attracts numerous tourists and enthusiasts wearing Hanfu. This event represents China's Hanfu culture and also integrates the classical enchanting atmosphere of the ancient town, so it becomes a major highlight of Xitang.
3. How To Get To Xitang Ancient Water Town
There are mainly the following transportation modes to get to Xitang:
By Plane
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport: Take the Shanghai - Hangzhou High - speed Railway to Jiashan South Station, then transfer to the tourist direct line or bus No. K222 to reach the first parking lot of Xitang Ancient Town Scenic Area.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport: Take the airport shuttle bus to Hangzhou East Railway Station or Hangzhou Railway Station, then transfer to Jiashan South Station. After that, take the tourist direct line or bus No. K222 to the first parking lot of Xitang Ancient Town Scenic Area.
By High - speed Train
Shanghai Hongqiao Station - Jiashan South Station - Xitang: Take the high - speed rail from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Jiashan South Station, which takes about 30 minutes. After arriving at Jiashan South Station, transfer to bus No. K222 to the ancient town, which takes about 40 minutes.
Hangzhou East Station - Jiashan South Station - Xitang: Take the high - speed rail from Hangzhou East Station to Jiashan South Station, about 45 minutes. Then transfer to bus No. K222 to the ancient town with a 40 - minute journey.
By Bus
Shanghai South Long - distance Bus Station: There are direct buses from this station to Xitang, the journey is about 120 minutes. After arriving in Xitang, the buses usually stop at Xitang Bus Station, which is close to the ancient town scenic area, and tourists can reach it on foot.
Hangzhou Jiubao Passenger Transport Center: There are direct buses from this station to Xitang, the journey is about 90 minutes and the ticket price is about 38 yuan. It is very suitable for tourists who hope to reach the entrance of the scenic area directly. However, tourists should note that the last bus usually departs at around 6 p.m., so they need to plan their time in advance.
Ticket Policy
Price: 95 yuan per person.
Free - entry Time: Entry is free before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m., but it is necessary to confirm in advance during holidays.
4. Highlights Of Xitang Ancient Water Town
4.1 Ceilinged Corridors 烟雨长廊
The Ceilinged Corridors, also known as the Rain - covered Corridor, is a roofed street built along the river. It is mainly of brick - wood structure, with a width ranging from 2 to 2.5 meters. As a unique architecture in Xitang, it adds a distinctive scenic line to the ancient town. Not only does it provide pedestrians with the convenience of sheltering from the sun and rain, but also it has back - rest benches on the riverside for pedestrians to rest. The corridor with uniformly black - tiled roofs is both a scenery and a story. The corridors are mainly concentrated in commercial areas such as Beizha Street, Nanzha Street, and Chaonan Dai, with a total length of 1000 meters.
4.2 The Temple Of The King Who Protects The Country And Distributes The Grain 护国随粮王庙
The Temple of the King Who Protects the Country and distributes the Grain is commonly known as "Lord Qi's Temple", it was first built in the late Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that a grain - transporting official Jin passed by this town. At that time, there was a severe locust plague in the suburbs of the town, and the common people had no harvest at all, suffering greatly. Moved by compassion, Jin privately distributed grain to relieve the people, enabling the victims of the disaster to survive, but he sacrificed himself by breaking the law. After Jin's death, the imperial court investigated the matter, posthumously conferred on him the title of "Marquis of Liji", and later further promoted him to "the King Who Protects the Country and Distributes the Grain". The townspeople, deeply grateful for his kindness and virtue, specially built this temple to commemorate him. Since Jin was the seventh among his siblings, the common people called him "Lord Qi". The third day of the fourth lunar month every year is Lord Qi's birthday. On this occasion, people in the town set up sacrificial offerings to form a temple fair.
4.3 Xiyuan Garden 西园
As the largest private garden in Xitang Ancient Town, it features a typical Jiangnan (southern Yangtze River region) garden style. Rebuilt in 1993, there are small bridges over flowing water and a stone lion - decorated entrance hall. Inside the garden, trees, flowers, rockeries, pavilions, and ponds are arranged in a well - ordered manner. On the rockery stands a hexagonal pavilion named "Zuixue Pavilion". One of the eight scenic spots in Xitang, "Xiaoshan Zuixue" (Drunken Snow on the Small Hill), is located here. Newly opened exhibition halls such as "Zhu Nianci's Fan - surface Calligraphy Art Museum" (朱念慈扇面书法艺术馆), "The Museum of Hundred Seals", and "The Exhibition Hall of the South Society" enable tourists to have an further understanding of the history and culture closely related to Xiyuan Garden.
4.4 The Button Museum 钮扣博物馆
Xitang is well known as the "Hometown of Buttons" in China, with nearly 500 button - producing enterprises. The Button Museum is located on West Street, housing over a thousand various buttons from the Han Dynasty to the modern era. Shell buttons were the first - generation professional buttons in China. Xitang, a water town located in the Hangjiahu Plain, is extremely rich in shell raw materials. In the past, the small square buttons on shirts were made from the clam shells abundant in the south of the Yangtze River. For these small square shirt buttons, the production process included punching, polishing, hole - punching, bleaching, and shaping. Most of the button - making machines at that time were operated by manual foot - pedaling, which was completely a manual process. In the "Button Museum", there are specialized craftsmen on - site demonstrating the production process of shell buttons, and tourists can stop to watch.
4.5 Zhang Zheng Root Carving Art Museum 张正根雕艺术馆
The Root - carving Art Museum is located in Jijia Alley, Xitang, Zhejiang Province, it has a collection of more than 100 root - carving works of the famous root - carving artist Zhang Zheng, whose works are created based on the concept of "seventy percent natural and thirty percent artificial". They feature a grand, elegant, unique and exquisitely crafted style, showing extraordinary ingenuity. Works on display in the museum, such as "Panda Panpan", "The Eastern Lion" and "Peacock Spreading Its Tail", have got numerous awards nationwide and around the world for their unique shapes and exquisite carvings.
4.6 Laifeng Bridge 来凤桥
Built in the Ming Dynasty, Laifeng Bridge is also known as the "Sunny - Rain Bridge" by the locals. It is a typical three - arched stone - slab bridge that connects the West Street area and Ceilinged Corridors, and it is also the first dock of the ancient town. Legend has it that a bird flew here during its construction, thus giving it this auspicious name. Nowadays, it provides convenience for travelers to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The stone steps on the bridge are divided into two parts, the stone steps on the left are for men, while the right side is specially made into a small slope for women only.
4.7 Yongning Bridge 永宁桥
Yongning Bridge is the best viewing spot in the ancient town. Standing on Yongning Bridge, you can have a panoramic view of both banks of the river, seeing the primitive covered bridges and the residential building complex. In the early morning, you can wake up to the tranquility of Xitang emerging from the morning mist. At night, you can experience the captivating views of the ancient town with the lantern light reflecting everywhere.
4.8 Shipi Alley 石皮弄
Apart from the bridges, the covered corridors and ancient alleys in Xitang are also known as the "two wonders". Among them, the alleys are the veins of Xitang. There are "accompanying alleys", "water alleys", and small alleys connecting streets. In total, there are as many as 122 alleys of various sizes and widths. Shipi Alley, located between the Wang and Feng family mansions, the narrowest alley in Xitang, is only 0.8 meters wide at its narrowest point. When you look up, you can see a long and narrow strip of sky, which gives rise to the saying of "a narrow strip of sky" in Xitang. It is 68 meters long and paved with 216 stone slabs that are only three centimetres thick. Under the stone - paved road in the alley is a sewer that doesn't accumulate water on rainy days. The stone slabs, as thin as skin, serve as the surface of the sewer, which is how Shipi Alley got its name. When red lanterns adorn the narrow and long alley, the unique atmosphere of the ancient water town is fully displayed.
In conclusion, Xitang Ancient Town is a water town in the south of the Yangtze River that integrates cultural landscapes, historical connotations, and simple folk customs. Every corner here carries a profound history and culture, when tourists take a stroll here, they can appreciate the unique charm of the water town and also deeply feel the long - standing history of Chinese culture.
5. Suggested Tour Routes And Attractions
5.1 Tour Routes
Classic Route: Wang's Residence - Shipi Alley - Xiyuan Garden - Bar Street - Anshan Bridge - Ceilinged Corridors - Laifeng Bridge - Zuiyuan Garden. This route covers several major attractions of the ancient town and is suitable for a comprehensive tour.
Characteristic Route: Ceilinged Corridors - Shipi Alley - Laifeng Bridge - Button Museum - Xiyuan Garden. This route displays the unique history and culture of Xitang.
5.2 Best Entrance Options
South Entrance: It is the main entrance equipped with a tourist center and a large parking lot. However, tourists need to walk about one kilometre to reach the core scenic area.
East Entrance: There are fewer people and beautiful scenery with many vacant parking spaces. It is only 280 meters for tourists to walk to the Wu's Bridge ticket - checking entrance.
Xutang Bridge Ticket - checking Entrance: If there are no parking needs, this is the ticket - checking entrance closest to the core scenic area of Xitang.
5.3 Specific Itinerary Arrangement
Morning: Stroll along the ancient streets, you can visit the ancient blocks and the ancient buildings with carved beams and painted rafters, it takes about two hours.
Noon: Taste local cuisine in the ancient town. Qian Yuman Nostalgic Landscape Restaurant (钱雨曼·怀旧景观餐厅) and Linxiao Restaurant(琳潇食府) are recommended. These two restaurants offer authentic Hangzhou - style cuisine, with a per - capita spending about 80 - 90 yuan.
Afternoon: Continue to visit other attractions, such as Ceilinged Corridors, Shipi Alley, Laifeng Bridge and so on.
Evening: Take a night tour of Xitang, visitors can take a gondola - like rowing boat to experience the local nightlife and cultural activities.
Therefore, visitors need to reserve one day to fully explore Xitang.
6.What To Do In Xitang Ancient Water Town
6.1 Enjoy Night Views By Taking A Rowing Boat
Xutang River is the mother river of Xitang and it presents a different look from the daytime to night. When the bright red lanterns are lit along the river at night, the red light reflects on the river surface, therefore creating a unique sense of prosperity. When tourists take a small boat and slowly drift on the river along with the current, looking at Xitang in the night and listening to the boatman tell the old stories handed down in the ancient town, for a moment, both the simplicity and the prosperity of the ancient town seem to be within reach, and the reference price for rowing boats is 30 - 50 yuan for half an hour.
6.2 Listen To The Melody Of Yue Opera
Another special and regular program in Xitang is Yue Opera, there are many enthusiasts of folk art gathering together to form the Xitang Yue Opera Association. As night falls and the lights are just lit, with the gentle river flowing, when tourists sit on the old riverside street near the opera stage, sipping a pot of aged wine and listening to the melody of Yue Opera, they seem to have fallen into a dream and returned to the gentle and ancient water town of the old days. There are two places in Xitang where Yue Opera is performed. Huanxiuqiao Pavilion is the place, where elderly interested fans play Yuexiu opera every evening, and on the stage opposite the ferry pier of Fengqiao, Yuexiu Opera is also performed every weekend afternoon.
6.3 Release River Lanterns
Along the riverside in Xitang, there are shops and stalls every few steps and you can get six river lanterns for just 5 yuan. Tourists can choose from different styles, and a small sailboat is given as a bonus. What sets Xitang apart from other water - town ancient towns is that there are covered corridors along the riverside streets, with a total length of nearly 1,000 meters, much like the Long Corridor in the Summer Palace. Therefore, the activity of releasing river lanterns can be carried out regardless of the weather.
6.4 Bar Street
There is a "Bar Street" in Xitang Water Town, which is not commonly seen in other ancient towns, the Bar Street is quite quiet during the day, while its prosperity comes alive at night. Men and women in various bars will raise their glasses at midnight, singing loudly "Not going home tonight". This is also the place where the most "romantic encounters" and "chance meetings" happen in the ancient town.
7. Best Time To Go
Since Jiashan County, where Xitang Ancient Town is located, is in the Southeast Asian monsoon region on the southern edge of the north subtropical zone, it enjoys a mild climate, distinct seasons, and abundant sunshine. January is the coldest month with an average monthly temperature of 3.6℃, while July is the hottest with an average monthly temperature of 28.1℃.
The best seasons to visit Xitang Ancient Town are spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November). During these two seasons, the weather is relatively pleasant, making it suitable for a leisurely tour and photography.
Spring (March - May)
In spring, Xitang Water Town is warm and humid. Everything comes back to life. Willows turn green and peach blossoms are in full bloom, presenting a vibrant scene. Especially around the Qingming Festival, there are more tourists in the ancient town. However, the warm climate and beautiful natural scenery in spring make this season very suitable for outings.
Autumn (September - November)
In autumn, the weather in Xitang Ancient Town is very cool and pleasant, which is very suitable for a leisurely tour and photography.
8. What To Eat In Xitang Ancient Water Town
8.1 Traditional Cuisines And Snacks In Xitang
Traditional cuisines in Xitang include white - water fish, sweet lotus root, sliced cold chicken, Xitang sponge cake, whitebait soup, stir - fried shrimp, dry - pot bamboo shoots, etc.
The well - known snacks in Xitang mainly include the following:
Stinky Tofu: As a folk dish in the south of the Yangtze River, the stinky tofu in Xitang is quite famous. The deep - fried tofu is crispy on the outside and delicious, and when paired with the sauce, it tastes extremely delicious.
Lu's Small Wontons: The wontons at Lu's are small in size, with thin skins and not much meat, but they are extremely fresh in taste. The specially - made thick soup is rich and delicious, making people unable to resist.
Qian's Ancestral Tofu Pudding in Xitang (between Laifeng Bridge and Yongning Bridge): Qian's ancestral tofu pudding in Xitang is one of the famous snacks in Xitang. The tofu pudding comes in two flavors, sweet and salty, and the salty tofu pudding is recommended, it is made of milky white soft tofu, paired with dried shrimps, laver, and pickled mustard tuber. The tofu is tender and smooth, melting in the mouth with an excellent taste.
Ancestral Sweet Fermented Glutinous Rice: When it is paired with a bowl of sweet rice wine made through special fermentation, the taste will be wonderful!
8.2 Special Local Products Of Xitang
Jiashan Yellow Rice Wine: It is brewed in winter using glutinous rice as the raw material, following traditional recipes and techniques, so the wine is with a rich and mellow fragrance.
Lotus leaf wrapped Steamed Pork with Rice Flour: It is made by stir - fried rice flour and seasoned pork with fresh lotus leaves. After steaming, it has a delicate fragrance and is very suitable for eating in summer.
Gorgon Cake: It is a soft traditional characteristic pastry. The main ingredients are composed of fresh gorgon fruits and rice flour, people can eat it with sugar.
"June Red" River Crab: In the sixth lunar month, the river crabs produced in the rivers and lakes around Xitang Water Town are commonly known as "June Red". The crabs are strong and plump, and it can be steamed with flour or mixed with ginger, white sugar, soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Smoked Green Beans: They are chewy and very popular among people, chewing them from time to time leaves a lingering aftertaste, so they are favored by people.
9. The Differences Between Wuzhen And Xitang
There are significant differences between Wuzhen and Xitang in terms of historical background, architectural style, cultural activities, and tourist experiences.
Historical Background
Wuzhen Water Town is with a history of more than 7,000 years and a town - building history of over 1,300 years. It is a typical ancient water town known as the "land of fish and rice, home of silk".
Xitang's history can be traced back to the Song Dynasty 700 years ago. It is one of the birthplaces of ancient Wu - Yue culture and is called as the "thousand - year - old ancient town where people live".
Architectural Style and Cultural Activities
The architectural style of Wuzhen is mainly based on traditional buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The black tiles, white walls, bluestone roads, and winding bridges showcase the unique charm of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River. It also hosts many traditional cultural activities, such as water - town folk performances, classical music concerts, and tea culture festivals.
While Xitang's architectural style also features in traditional buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, but it is famous for its exquisite woodcarvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings. There are many traditional cultural activities in Xitang Ancient Town, such as lantern festivals and boat - lamp festival performances, which is totally different from Wuzhen Water Town.
Tourist Experiences and Cuisine
Wuzhen is suitable for tourists who like the quiet and primitive atmosphere of the water towns and are interested in traditional handicrafts.
Xitang is suitable for tourists who like to experience the daily life of the ancient town and the Hanfu culture. The night views in Xitang are also very lively, especially the bar street, which attract many tourists.
Tickets and Expenses
The ticket price of Wuzhen is 150 yuan for Xizha, 110 yuan for Dongzha, and 190 yuan for the combined ticket, so the consumption in Wuzhen is relatively high.
The ticket price of Xitang is 95 yuan. There are certain periods when entry is free, and the consumption is relatively lower than that of Wuzhen.
In addition, if tourists want to travel from Wuzhen to Xitang Ancient Town, the best way of transportation is to start from Wuzhen Bus Station. There are direct buses to Xitang Tourist Scenic Area and the ticket price is 30 yuan, and it takes about 60 minutes in the journey.