Xitang Travel Guide

Xitang Ancient Town, located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, is one of the six famous ancient towns in Jiangnan. Renowned for its "abundance of bridges, alleys, and covered corridors," it preserves the authentic charm of Ming and Qing dynasty water towns. Here’s a guide to help you effortlessly experience the allure of this water town: **1. Basic Information** - **Address**: No. 258, Nanyuan Road, Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province - **Opening Hours**: Open all day (attractions inside the town are open from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) - **Admission**: - Adult ticket: ¥95 (includes entry to 11 small attractions within the town, such as the Button Museum and Xiyuan Garden). - **Free Entry Period**: Weekdays after 4:30 PM, weekends after 8:30 PM (holidays may vary; confirm in advance). - **Transportation**: - **High-Speed Rail**: Take a train to Jiashan South Station, then transfer to bus K222 or take a taxi (about 30 minutes). - **Self-Driving**: About 1.5–2 hours from Shanghai/Hangzhou. Paid parking is available outside the town (¥20–30/day). **2. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Misty Rain Corridor** - A iconic landmark of Xitang, this kilometer-long covered corridor along the river is especially poetic to stroll in the rain. 2. **Yongning Bridge** - Located at the heart of the town, it offers the best vantage point for capturing water town scenery, especially beautiful at dusk when the lights come on. 3. **Shipi Alley** - The narrowest alley in town, only wide enough for one person, with cobblestone paths and weathered walls perfect for photos. 4. **Xiyuan Garden** - A classical garden with rockeries and pavilions, once a gathering place for literati of the Southern Society. **3. Unique Experiences** - **Take a Wupeng Boat Ride**: - Tickets cost ¥30–50/person (more expensive at night). Glide under arched bridges and soak in the "slow life" of the water town. - **Hanfu Photo Shoot**: - Many shops in town rent Hanfu (around ¥50–100/set), perfect for photos against the backdrop of bridges and flowing water. - **Nightlife at Bar Street**: - Tangdong Street (Bar Street) is lively at night, but if you prefer tranquility, opt for a quiet bar with folk music. **4. Food Recommendations** - **Snacks**: - Granny Guan’s Stinky Tofu (crispy outside, tender inside; multiple branches in town). - Qianshi Cake (soft and slightly sweet; recommended: "Forest Qianshi Cake"). - Lu’s Wontons (thin wrappers with flavorful broth). - **Meals**: - Qiantang Renjia **5. Accommodation Tips** - **Riverside Guesthouses**: - Stay in renovated old houses (e.g., "Xitang Floating Life Inn") with views of the canal (¥200–500/night). - **Luxury Hotels**: - Narada Resort Xitang (modern art design, 10 minutes from the town, ideal for those with a higher budget). **6. Notes** 1. The cobblestone paths are uneven; wear comfortable flats. 2. Mosquitoes are common in summer; bring repellent. 3. If attempting to skip tickets, note that some alleys have checkpoints (though small attractions won’t be accessible). 4. Weekends and holidays are crowded; visit early or late to avoid peak times. **7. Sample Itinerary (1–2 Days)** - **One-Day Trip**: Morning: Misty Rain Corridor → Yongning Bridge → Xiyuan Garden → Lunch. Afternoon: Boat ride → Shipi Alley → Songzi Laifeng Bridge → Sunset views. - **Two-Day Trip**: Add a night at Bar Street, then wake early to experience Xitang’s serene morning mist and visit smaller attractions like the Button Museum. Xitang’s charm lies in its laid-back vibe and rustic authenticity. Slow down, sip tea under the covered corridors, and listen to the sound of oars in the water—this is the true essence of Jiangnan.