Xitang: A Waterside Slumber in Old Jiangnan

[A Thousand-Year Murmur in Ink and Wash] Morning mist drifts over stone bridges, the sound of oars shattering reflections. Xitang is the undried ink of a scholar's brush. White walls and grey tiles conceal stories of the Ming and Qing dynasties, lanterns whisper in the twilight, and gondola boats carry the slow passage of time, gliding quietly past the eyes of visitors. If you have a fondness for old things and poetry, this is Jiangnan's long letter to the world. [Must-See Time Slices]📷 1️⃣ [Covered Corridors] (Free) The 1.3 km wooden corridor is the backbone of Xitang. On rainy days, the eaves drip into lines. Wear a Hanfu, hold an oil-paper umbrella, and capture the melancholy of "Rainy Alley." 2️⃣ [Songzi Laifeng Bridge] (Free) The two bridges nestle together like butterfly wings. At dusk, the arch of the bridge swallows the last rays of the setting sun. Couples holding hands as they cross are said to hear the soft chirping of a phoenix. 3️⃣ [West Garden] (Included in the combined ticket) A secluded Ming Dynasty courtyard, with hidden melodies among the rockeries and corridors. From the tea room on the second floor, the dark-colored ridges of the roofs are visible through the window. It's a perfect place to copy half a volume of the Heart Sutra. 4️⃣ [Yongning Bridge] (Free) After nightfall, lights illuminate the river. Photography enthusiasts set up their tripods, capturing long exposures of the flowing lights that resemble a shattered Milky Way. 5️⃣ [Tangdong Bar Street] (Night) Quiet old alleys by day, they come alive at night with the collision of folk and electronic music. Choose a small bar by the window, listen to music, and watch the swaying shadows of boats. [Accommodation: Waterside Living] 🏨 Fusheng Liuji Yinlu (High-end) A renovated Ming and Qing Dynasty house with carved wooden windows facing the river. Wake up to a boatwoman delivering sweet osmanthus porridge. Enjoy a private courtyard for 600+ RMB per person. 🏡 Jiuqi Xitang Mantin (Mid-range) A waterside inn with an open-air tea platform. The owner brews his own bayberry wine. Tatami rooms feature skylights. At 200+ RMB per person, it's the king of value. 🛏️ Mingjufang Youth Hostel (Budget) A gathering place for backpackers. People often play guitar and sketch in the courtyard. Clean and cozy beds are available for 40 RMB, perfect for solo travelers to exchange stories. [Flavors: A Feast for the Senses] 🍜 Breakfast must-try: **Qian's Douhua** (Lower West Street): Salty douhua sprinkled with dried shrimp and seaweed, served with freshly fried dough sticks. 🍡 Afternoon dessert: **Forest Water Chestnut Cake** (Covered Corridor): Soft, glutinous, and slightly sweet. The osmanthus flavor is recommended. 10 RMB per box, perfect as a souvenir. 🍲 Dinner recommendation: **Qiantang Renjia** (Next to Yongning Bridge): Steamed white water fish, as tender as tofu. Enjoy the view of passing gondola boats for around 60 RMB per person. 🍶 Late-night snack: **Lao Gujia Restaurant** (Stone Road): Mei Cai Kou Rou (braised pork belly with preserved vegetables), rich but not greasy. Pair it with a pot of yellow wine and get lost in the Jiangnan night. [Transportation: A Guide to Navigation]📖 🚄 High-speed rail from Shanghai/Hangzhou/Suzhou to Jiashan South Station. Take bus K222 directly from the station (last bus at 20:30). 🚌 For self-driving, navigate to the "Third Parking Lot." Entry is free after 17:00. 🛶 Inside the ancient town, everything is within walking distance. Wear comfortable shoes for the stone roads. Rickshaws are available for 10 RMB per ride (negotiable), but not recommended due to the short distances. [Avoid the Pitfalls: Friendly Reminders]😮💨 ⚠️ The combined ticket costs 95 RMB and includes 11 attractions, but entry is free after 17:00. It's recommended to arrive in the evening to save on the ticket. ⚠️ Be cautious when buying silver or silk. Compare prices for water chestnut cakes and choose established brands within 10 RMB. ⚠️ Be careful with cocktails on Bar Street. A certain bar called "First Sight" has been criticized for using artificial coloring. ⚠️ Wear non-slip shoes on rainy days, as the moss by the river can be slippery. ⚠️ Capture the empty Rainy Alley between 6:30 and 8:00 in the morning. Tour groups arrive after 9:30. The beauty of Xitang lies in the quiet moments after the crowds have dispersed. As the lanterns light up one by one and the sound of oars fades away, you'll understand—some places are meant to slow down into a poem.🌸✨This took a lot of effort to create. If it was helpful to you, a fellow lover of art and travel, please follow ❤️ + like 👍 + save ❤️