Ink-and-Wash Xitang: A Millennia-Old Dream Journey Through Jiangnan Water Towns

Xitang Ancient Town | A Thousand-Year Rendezvous with Water Town Charm "The waters of Spring and Autumn periods, the town of Tang and Song dynasties, the architecture of Ming and Qing eras, and the people of modern times." This poetic line perfectly captures the unique charm of Xitang Ancient Town. As one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan, Xitang carries a thousand years of history and culture, being one of the birthplaces of ancient Wu-Yue civilization, often referred to as the "Root of Wu, Corner of Yue." Strolling along its bluestone-paved lanes feels like traveling through time for a romantic encounter with antiquity. 📍Historical Background With a history dating back to the Spring and Autumn period, Xitang was the borderland between Wu and Yue kingdoms. By the Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan era, numerous villages had formed along its waterways. During Southern Song, these settlements grew into market towns, flourishing commercially by Yuan Dynasty. By Ming-Qing periods, Xitang had become a major hub for Jiangnan's handicrafts and trade. Preserving numerous Ming-Qing architectural treasures, it remains a living testament to millennia-old water town culture. 🎫Ticket Information Admission costs ¥95/person, covering 11 minor attractions and Five Maidens Park. Free entry is available before 8:00 or after 17:00 (20:30 on weekends), though individual attraction tickets remain required. Students enjoy 50% discounts with valid IDs. 🚗Transport Guide • High-speed rail: Jiashan South Station offers frequent connections. Taxis (¥45, 25min) or bus K222 (¥2, 40min) complete the journey. • Self-drive: Convenient from Shanghai/Hangzhou. Navigate to Xitang's 3rd Parking Lot (¥20/day, near entrance). Holiday travelers should plan routes early to avoid congestion. 🏡Accommodation For immersive experiences, stay within the scenic area. Yongning Bridge vicinity offers optimal accessibility. Contact lodgings in advance for pickup service—most arrange parking at 2nd Parking Lot. 🍜Must-Try Delicacies • Granny Guan's Stinky Tofu: Crispy exterior gives way to bursting juices, enhanced by signature sauce. • Qian Family Bean Curd: Silky texture topped with crullers creates layered bean fragrance. • Lu's Wontons: Thin-skinned shepherd's purse dumplings in soul-warming broth. • Xitang Dragon Trotters: Glazed ruby-red, fatty yet balanced with sweet umami sauce. 📸Photography Tips • Golden hours: Dawn mists create dreamlike scenes; dusk transforms canals into liquid gold beneath red lanterns. • Prime spots: Misty Corridor (ancient street vibes), Son-Bringing Phoenix Bridge (water town vitality), Shipi Lane ("sliver of sky" perspective), Huanshou Bridge (rustic charm), Drunken Garden (exquisite landscaping). 💡Itinerary Ideas • Classic Day Tour: South Gate → Guardian King Temple → Drunken Garden → Huanshou Bridge → Wang Residence → West Garden → Zhang's Root Carving Museum → Tile-End Gallery → Button Museum → Anjing Bridge → Lu Family Bridge → Ni Residence → Ming-Qing Woodcarving Exhibit → Bar Street. • In-Depth 2-Day: Day 1: Morning arrival → hotel check-in → West Street exploration → Misty Corridor ("rainproof" walkways) → bridge-hopping → sunset boat ride → bar street nightlife. Day 2: Dawn tranquility → Shipi Lane's narrow passage → Ni Residence history → Sacred Hall's religious culture → Flower Lane's Instagrammable lantern alley → departure with memories. 💕Traveler's Reflection Time slows in Xitang. Meandering the Misty Corridor with lapping oar sounds brings profound peace. Every stone, bridge, and alley whispers millennium-old tales. Whether shrouded in morning haze or bathed in evening glow, its beauty enchants. Nightfall transforms the town into a lantern-lit dreamscape, transporting visitors to ancient China—a perfect escape from urban bustle. Xitang lingers in the heart, making farewells difficult and returns inevitable.