Xitang Ancient Town: A Thousand-year-old Journey through the Marketplace from the roots of Wu and the Corners of Yue to the Houses by the Water

Thriving through Business - From "Xietang" to "Xitang"
The story of the ancient town originated from the land where the Wu and Yue States vied for supremacy during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, thus it is called "the root of Wu and the corner of Yue". During the Tang and Song dynasties, they began to form villages. Due to the crisscrossing of rivers, they were named "Xietang". Since the Yuan Dynasty, taking advantage of its water network, Xitang gradually developed into a market. It was the eastward expansion of Huizhou merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties that truly made Xitang strong and rich in texture. Merchants from Anhui Province used this place as an important trading port and settlement. They built mansions and guild halls, bringing the delicacy of Huizhou-style architecture and infusing it with profound commercial genes. As a result, Xitang became a prosperous town where "the streets were built along the river and the houses were constructed by the water", and the hustle and bustle of life has been continuous since then.

Conservation and Revitalization - From Static Ancient Towns to Residential Communities
The core of Xitang's modern path lies in the preservation and respect for the word "life".
- Original Background Color (late 20th Century) : Unlike some overly commercialized ancient towns, Xitang established the principle of "protection first, moderate development" very early on, preserving the vast indigenous community to the greatest extent. Nearly ten thousand residents in the entire town are still leading a genuine life within the ancient town, which is the cornerstone of the soul of Xitang.
- Signature Element - The Birth of the corridor: It is said that the unique kilometer-long corridor in Xitang originated from a section of bamboo pole set up by a shopkeeper under the eaves to provide shelter for passers-by from the rain. Neighbors followed suit and gradually formed a continuous network, creating a unique street scene where people could walk around without getting their shoes wet on rainy days. This is not only a manifestation of business wisdom but also a materialization of the warmth of the common people.
- Poetic Breakthrough (21st Century) : Thanks to the filming of movies and TV series such as Mission: Impossible III and the spread of its original ecological beauty at dawn and dusk in the photography circle and on social media, Xitang has attracted global attention. It has not transformed into a pure scenic area but has developed a dual quality of being traditional during the day and fashionable at night. The rise of the waterfront bar street has injected youthful vitality into the ancient river course.

> In-depth Understanding: Explore More Unique Water Towns with Chinese Charm in the Jiangnan region >> [Wuzhen] [Nanxun Ancient Town]

The Dream of the Corridor - The Backbone of the Ancient Town and the Bustling Corridor
The verandas of Xitang are the most distinctive symbol that sets it apart from other water towns. This is not merely a building; it is a public living space.
The kilometer-long misty and rainy Corridor: A stage and viewing platform for life
The section from Beizha Street to Chaonandai Corridor: This is the highlight of the Xitang Corridor, meandering along the river. On one side are shops and residences, and on the other side are the river and boats. Its charm lies in the dynamic experience: on a sunny day, light and shadow move along the colonnades and flagstone paths, the elderly sit idly, and children play. On a rainy day, sitting on the edge of the corridor, watching the raindrops fall into the river and listening to the sound of raindrops hitting the tiles, is the most ultimate artistic conception of Jiangnan. At night, the red lanterns under the eaves lit up one after another, reflected in the ink-black river water, like a flowing light band.

Bridge Lane Ensemble - A Three-dimensional Maze and the marks of Time
"Many Bridges, many lanes and many verandas" are the "three more" of Xitang.
- Ancient Bridges: 27 stone Bridges connect the ancient town. Yongning Bridge is the transportation center of the ancient town and also the best vantage point for capturing the panoramic view of "river port, boats, pavilions and ancient houses" in the same frame. The Huanxiu Bridge is tall. Standing on the top of the bridge, one can see the East and West Shi Rivers in full view. The Feng Bridge for Sending children is unique. The bridge deck is separated by a flower wall and divided into two corridors on the left and right. It is said that if men and women leave separately, they can pray for a noble son or a thousand daughters.
- Ancient Lanes: The 122 lanes are the capillaries of Xitang, among which the most famous one is the Stone Skin Lane, which only allows one person to pass through. It is paved with 216 thin stone slabs, with towering gable walls on both sides. Looking up, one can only see a narrow strip of sky. Walking through it, it feels as if one has traveled through a time tunnel, deep and peaceful, in sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the main street.
- Ancient Residence
Xiyuan: The largest garden in the ancient town, it is fully equipped with pavilions, terraces, rockeries and fish ponds. It was a gathering place for scholars and literati in the past.
The Ni Residence: A typical layout of a shop in the front and a house at the back, it was originally the ancestral home of Ni Tianzeng, the magistrate of Jiashan County. It showcases the lifestyle of grassroots officials in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China.
Drunken Garden: Named after the "Drunken Scripture Hall" within the garden, it is small and exquisite. The brick-carved gate tower and the mini water bridge in the courtyard are particularly interesting.
- Folk collection museums: such as the Button Museum (Xitang is known as the hometown of buttons in China), the Wine Culture Museum, etc. These small objects reveal a big history and are full of fun.

Photography Secrets:
Best panoramic shooting position: 1) On Yongning Bridge, you can capture the panoramic view of the corridor and the river in the morning and evening. 2) At the top of the Huanxiu Bridge, one can overlook the passing ships and the houses on both banks.
Classic humanistic shooting positions: 1) Under the corridor, use the depth of the corridor columns and light and shadow to shoot people; 2) At the entrance of Shipi Lane, capture the deep depth of field of the lane. 3) The opening of any bridge frames the scenery on the opposite bank.
Night view and slow Shutter: After nightfall, use a tripod and slow shutter to take pictures by the river. The lights of the cruise ships can be stretched into brilliant lines, and the reflections of the lanterns in the corridor are dreamlike and illusory.
Life moments: The old man washing clothes by the river in the early morning, the cat dozing off under the corridor in the afternoon, and the smoke from the coal stove in the evening are all the most touching scenes of Xitang.

Five Must-do Things to Unlock a Complete Trip to Xitang
1. Walk through the Long Corridor of Misty Rain, whether it's sunny or rainy
- Experience: Whether it's sunny or rainy, walk from Feng Bridge to Huan Xiu Bridge to feel the various aspects of life under the veranda. On sunny days, watch the light and shadow; on rainy days, listen to the sound of rain. This is the exclusive gift that Xitang offers you.
2. Take a gondola and view Xitang from a different perspective
The key point is that the boat experience during the day and at night is completely different. During the day, what I see are the details of life on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. At night, one can enjoy the dazzling lights and the colorful glassware. It is recommended to board the ship at sunset to experience the magical moment of the transition between day and night all at once.
3. Explore a few deep and secluded ancient alleys and be a "explorer"
- Experience: Apart from the Stone Skin Lane, if you randomly venture into any nameless little lane, you might discover the tightly closed gates of deep houses, exquisite brick carvings, or a cluster of wildflowers in the corner. This is your own adventure.
4. Soak in a riverside bar and experience the collision of the past and the present
- Experience: The night in Xitang has two sides. On one side, there is the tranquility of traditional red lanterns; on the other, there is the fashionable hustle and bustle of Tangdong Street (Bar Street). Finding a quiet bar with a resident singer and a pleasant atmosphere, sitting by the window and watching the flowing water and neon lights outside is the most beloved experience of blending the old and the new among young people.
5. Taste a table full of the flavors of the Jiangnan market
Must-order dishes: Steamed white thread fish, stir-fried snails in sauce, wonton and old duck stew, and cicada wrapped dumplings.
- Snack Tasting: Guan Laotai Stinky Tofu (available in many places with slightly different flavors), Lotus Seed Cake, Lu's Small Wontons, Qian's Tofu Pudding. Enjoy them along the way.

Suggested tour route
One-day "Essence Stroll" Tour (Suitable for Those with tight schedules)
In the morning: Enter from the main entrance → Visit the Drunken Garden to experience the charm of the small garden → Walk to the Sendzi Laifeng Bridge to experience the "men and women on both sides" → Stroll westward along the Misty and Rainy Corridor (facing the south section).
At noon: Choose a riverside restaurant near Yongning Bridge for lunch and taste the authentic river delicacies.
In the afternoon: Cross Yongning Bridge, visit the West Garden → Visit Ni's residence → Enter Shipi Lane to experience its depth → Visit the Button Museum.
From evening to night (Highlights) : Take a gondola at the Huanxiu Bridge Pier to enjoy the sunset and the first lights of the night → After disembarking, experience the hustle and bustle of the Tangdong Street Bar Street or find a quiet bar to sit in → Then take a night tour of the quiet veranda to experience two different night scenes → End the trip.
IntoTravelChina Tips: This itinerary is compact and covers the core of Xitang's "corridors, Bridges, alleys and residences". If you want to experience the bar culture, you can change the evening cruise to the afternoon.

Two-day "Deep Leisure" Nearby Combined Tour (Highly recommended, Experience morning and evening)
Day 1: Arrive in Xitang in the afternoon and check into the Linshui Inn → Start your tour with ease. You can slow down the pace along the one-day tour route and focus on savoring the details of the West Garden and the corridor → Be sure to experience a boat ride in the evening → Enjoy the night in the bar street or a bar.
Day 2: Get up before 7 a.m. (No admission fee is required at this time), and enjoy Xitang that is completely local: quiet cobblestone roads, curling smoke from chimneys, and washing by the river → Have breakfast with authentic soy milk, fried dough sticks or small wontons → After checking out, you can choose
Option A (Water Town Extension) : Drive to another ancient town in Jiashan County, Ganyao or Taozhuang, which is about a 30-minute drive away, to explore a more primitive and undeveloped village in the Jiangnan region.
Option B (Extension of Red Culture) : Drive to South Lake in Jiaxing (about 1 hour's drive), pay homage to the Red Boat, and visit the Yanyu Tower on the lake island.
Option C (Fashion Extension) : Drive to Shanghai Hongqiao or Hangzhou (both about 1.5 hours' drive), and switch from the ancient water towns to modern cities.
IntoTravelChina Advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina can offer you a private customized itinerary, including a dedicated tour guide, transportation and activity arrangements, allowing you to enjoy a deep and worry-free trip. >> [Consult for Customization Now]

How to reach: The convenient node in the center of the Yangtze River Delta
Xitang is located at the center of the "Golden triangle" formed by Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, with extremely convenient transportation.
- From all over the country: The most convenient way is to take the high-speed rail to Jiashan South Railway Station. After exiting the station, transfer to the K222 Tourist Special Line bus directly to the Xitang Scenic Area (about 40 minutes). Or go to Jiaxing South Railway Station and then transfer to a bus or take a taxi.
From Shanghai: Self-driving/high-speed rail + bus, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. There are also direct tourist buses from the Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center to Xitang. Travel Tip: There is an exit at Xitang on the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway (G60).
From Hangzhou: Self-driving/high-speed rail + bus, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. There are direct buses from Hangzhou East Bus Station and Jiubao Passenger Transport Center.
- From Suzhou: By car or bus, the journey takes about 1 hour. There are direct buses from Suzhou North Square Bus Station and Suzhou Railway Station North Square Bus Station.
Important Ticket Reminder: Xitang Scenic Area implements a ticket system. However, after 5 p.m. and before 7 a.m. the next day, there may be no ticket checking at the entrance of the alleys in the core area of the ancient town (the main entrance is still manned). At this time, you can freely enter to experience the atmosphere of life, but you still need to purchase a separate ticket to visit the residential area scenic spots.

Best visiting time
Xitang is beautiful all year round, but it is most charming during the misty and drizzling rain season.
- Spring and autumn golden seasons (March to May, September to November) : The climate is pleasant, with spring flowers and autumn moons, making it the perfect time for strolling. In April, azaleas are in full bloom, and in October, the weather is clear and refreshing.
- Summer rainy season (June to August) : During the plum rain season, it is the best time to experience the charm of "Misty and rainy Jiangnan", but the weather is muggy and humid. The bar street is especially lively on summer nights.
- Winter Quiet Season (December - February of the following year) : There are few tourists, and there is a chance to witness the breathtaking scene of snow falling on Xitang (a rare encounter). The festive atmosphere is strong around the Spring Festival, but it is damp and cold to the bone, so it is necessary to keep warm.

Accommodation options
- Within the ancient town (first choice, immersive experience) :
1. Linshui Boutique Inn
- Experience: Open the window and see the river. Sleep by the water and you can directly watch the gondola gliding by from your room or terrace. The night view is excellent.
- Disadvantages: The price is relatively high, and it's hard to find a room on weekends and holidays. Some old houses may have poor sound insulation and moisture-proofing.
Suitable for: those seeking the ultimate atmosphere, photography enthusiasts and couple tourists.
2. Lane inns in the ancient town:
- Experience: Located deep in a quiet ancient lane, it offers good privacy and allows you to better experience the serene essence of the ancient town. The cost performance is usually higher than that of riverside houses.
Suitable for: Tourists who enjoy quietness and wish for deep rest.
- Accommodation outside the scenic area (flexible economy option) :
Hotels in the ancient town and new district: Most of them are modern hotels with new facilities, convenient parking, and it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the entrance of the scenic area. They offer good value for money.
2. Hotels in Xitang Town area: More choices, more affordable prices, and a short drive to the scenic area.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Suggestions
We strongly recommend booking the characteristic accommodation in the ancient town at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially the waterfront rooms and during holidays. By booking through us, you can not only get priority room status, but also package tickets and boat tickets, and receive professional advice on free morning visits and the best photography spots, making your trip to Xitang both cost-effective and in-depth. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

Xitang is an excellent hub to unlock the diversity of Jiangnan, easily connecting the city, gardens and lakes and mountains.
A 2-day Tour of Hangzhou Elegance and Xitang Fireworks: This is a short and concise journey, dedicated to experiencing the two ultimate aspects of "elegance and vulgarity" in the Jiangnan region. The itinerary can be designed as follows: Hangzhou (Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake, Lingyin Zen) → Xitang Ancient Town (Corridor Night View, Life-like Water Town). Within two days, you will easily switch from the classical poetry and refined taste of West Lake in Hangzhou to the bustling streets and the sounds of OARS and lanterns in Xitang, completing a deep immersion from a "paradise of elegance" to a "corridor of life", and efficiently experiencing the diverse charm of the core area of Jiangnan. Check out the classic combined tour route of West Lake and Xitang Ancient Town in Hangzhou on the 2nd

The story of Xitang is the warmth of human feelings brought by a bowl of tea under the corridor, the family secrets behind the tightly closed wooden door at the end of the deep exploration, and the harmonious coexistence of the tranquility of the day and the hustle and bustle of the night. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our Jiangnan travel experts can help you:
- Tailor-made itinerary: Based on your preferences (photography, food, history or nightlife), we design the most suitable itinerary for Xitang and its surrounding areas, avoiding the crowds and discovering exclusive perspectives.
One-stop butler service: Handle the reservation of characteristic inns, scenic spot tickets, gondages, cross-city transportation, and provide a map of local delicacies.
Exclusive experience arrangement: Arrange a "free time period" in-depth walk tour led by a guide in the early morning, connect with local cultural experts for exchanges, or reserve an excellent viewing spot at a riverside restaurant.

Let your trip to Xitang be more than just a check-in, but an immersive life experience that delves into the texture of the Jiangnan market.
Start planning your journey right away
Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants. We will provide you with a customized itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]