Xitang Ancient Town
Xitang Ancient Town
Historical Overview
Xitang’s origins date to the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC), but it flourished during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties as a hub for salt trade and textiles. Its strategic location near The Grand Canal attracted merchants and artisans, who built elaborate residences, bridges, and temples. Over centuries, Xitang withstood wars and modernization, retaining its core layout of canals, alleys, and communal courtyards. In the 20th century, it gained fame as a filming location for movies like Mission: Impossible III and Painted Skin, blending its heritage with global recognition.
Structural Layout
Xitang is divided into 11 ancient neighborhoods, each connected by 9 stone bridges and crisscrossed by canals. Key features include:
Covered Corridors (Langtang): Over 1,000 meters of elevated walkways lining the canals, unique to Xitang.
Stone Bridges: Iconic spans like the Sendai Bridge and Wan’an Bridge, offering postcard-worthy views.
Courtyard Houses (Shikumen): Traditional homes with shared central courtyards, reflecting communal living.
Alleys (Longtang): Narrow, winding lanes flanked by wooden residences, ideal for exploring on foot.
Major Attractions
Sendai Bridge: A quintessential Xitang landmark, offering panoramic views of the town’s canals and corridors.
West Garden (Ni Garden): A serene Ming Dynasty garden with pavilions, rockeries, and a lotus pond.
China Film and Television Base: A studio where historic dramas and films are shot, with replicas of ancient streets.
St. Mary’s Church: A quaint Catholic chapel built in 1920, blending Western and local architectural styles.
Root Carving Art Museum: Showcases intricate root sculptures crafted by local artists.
Wine Culture Museum: Explore Xitang’s traditional rice wine production and sample local brews.
Night Cruise: Glide under lantern-lit bridges on a traditional wooden boat, experiencing Xitang’s magic after dark.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Sendai Bridge → Covered Corridors → West Garden → St. Mary’s Church → Night Cruise
Highlights: Iconic bridges, gardens, and evening ambiance.
Extended Route (4–5 hours):
Sendai Bridge → Covered Corridors → West Garden → China Film and Television Base → Root Carving Art Museum → Wine Culture Museum → Night Cruise
Highlights: Addition of cultural museums, film sets, and local libations.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Sendai Bridge → Covered Corridors → West Garden → St. Mary’s Church → China Film and Television Base → Root Carving Art Museum → Wine Culture Museum → Traditional tea House Visit → Night Cruise
Highlights: In-depth cultural immersion, including tea ceremonies and artisan workshops.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official Xitang tourism website or WeChat mini-program (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the town entrance.
Prices:
Standard Ticket: ¥95 (adults), ¥45 (students/seniors).
Combined Ticket (Includes Museums): ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Train:High-speed trains to Jiashan South Station (30 minutes from Shanghai/Hangzhou), then a 20-minute taxi ride to Xitang.
Bus:Direct buses from Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Suzhou to Xitang Bus Station.
On-Site Transport:Walking or renting bicycles is recommended; electric carts available for the elderly/disabled.
Departure: Buses and taxis available from Xitang to nearby cities.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (7:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends, holidays, and golden week (National Day, Chinese New Year) are busiest; weekdays in spring/autumn are ideal.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestone paths and alleys).
Bring a light jacket (evenings can be cool).
Photography allowed (ideal during sunrise/sunset for golden-hour reflections).
Prohibited items: Loudspeakers, drones in restricted zones.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
