[2025 Hangzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Xixing Ancient Town (Updated Feb)

If you are tired of the fast-paced city life, you must go to the old streets in the city to see, this is where life originally looked like. 【Three of Hangzhou's most atmospheric old streets】 1⃣️Shiwuku Alley: Authentic life and the strongest sense of fireworks, very suitable for street photography, basically no tourists, only local residents walking and chatting, a leisurely and comfortable life scene, you can also find a great photo spot beyond the ordinary, the popular photo spot of Wangxian Pavilion, just navigate to 'Balkan Inn (Drum Tower Store)' and look back to see it. 2⃣️Wuliuxiang Historical Street District The quiet bridges and flowing waters, old streets and alleys, and the feeling of childhood memories come flooding back, there is always a phenomenon that can outline the past. There are also many popular cafes to check in, like ghost funky soul, Bamboo Coffee 3⃣️Binjiang Xixing Ancient Town Really did not expect, Hangzhou's bustling internet company gathering place Binjiang, there is still a low-key and niche ancient town - Xixing Ancient Town. This place is not a tourist attraction, there is no commercial development, the great hidden in the city only has the original life breath of ordinary families.

I was indeed surprised to see that it’s still a living area with lots of people living in those houses with such a traditional Chinese architecture. I love Chinese old towns but often get disappointed at how bits of culture are thrown into a highly commercial environment. I’m glad that Xixing isn’t like this at all 👌🏼 There are a few typical Chinese grocery stores and restaurants. This place embraces the slow life pace and feels quite calm amidst the bustling big city life. It embraces authenticity on its own with its touch of raw China✨ Have a stroll along the river and in the alleys. You’ll see the life of locals unfolding for your wandering eyes! #historicplaces#oldtown#xixing#hangzhou#hangzhoutravel#zhejiang

Xixing Ancient Town|||Xixing Ancient Town An ancient town on the south bank of the Qiantang River Xixing Ancient Town on the south bank of the Qiantang River was historically the gateway to Zhejiang, with developed transportation and a strategic location. It has long been known as the "first place in eastern Zhejiang, the throat of Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Taizhou." The history of Xixing can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period. Fan Li, a minister of the State of Yue, built a city here to resist the State of Wu, which was then called Guling. During the Six Dynasties, it was called Xiling. Qian Liu, the King of Wuyue, changed Xiling to Xixing because "ling" was considered an inauspicious word. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Xixing was under the jurisdiction of Xiaoshan County, Shaoxing Prefecture, and this continued during the Republic of China. After liberation, Xiaoshan County was incorporated into Hangzhou, and Xixing became part of Hangzhou. In 1996, the three towns of Puyan, Changhe, and Xixing in Xiaoshan were incorporated into Xihu District, Hangzhou, and later became Binjiang District. Therefore, although Xixing belongs to Hangzhou, its language and architecture are closer to Shaoxing than Hangzhou. The west end of Xixing Old Street in Xixing Ancient Town is connected to the source of the ancient Zhejiang East Canal, which is the origin of the ancient Zhejiang East Canal, which is more than 250 kilometers long. It passes through Xiaoshan, Shaoxing, Shangyu, Yuyao, and Ningbo, and flows into the East China Sea south of Zhenhai City. Xixing is a transit port for travelers from the south and north, with merchants gathering and people coming and going, making it a bustling city. As a result, the "Guotangxing" emerged, which was a "transit line" for transporting goods for passing merchants. Merchants from the north and south, and goods from the east and west, had to gather here for transit, so Guotangxing was everywhere in Xixing, marking the peak of Xixing's commerce. "Xixing Guotangxing and Wharf" is part of the "Zhejiang East Canal" of the "Grand Canal" on the World Heritage Tentative List. At its peak, Xixing had seventy-two and a half Guotangxing. The business scope of the seventy-two and a half Guotangxing was roughly divided: eight for passengers and poultry eggs, including Zhao Yongli and Yu Xiaobafang; four for tea, tobacco, and medicinal materials, including Lai Jinbiao and Sun Taihe; twelve for cattle, sheep, pigs, and fish fry, including Zhong Dachun and Fu Sanfang; six for wine and soy sauce, including Fu Ruxian and Chen Guangji; seven for cotton, silk, and satin, including Cao Dabeng and Shen Huiquan; twenty-nine for miscellaneous goods, lanterns, woodenware, tin foil, and fan bones, including Xie Hengxiang, Xu Bingji, and Shen Bafang; three for building materials, including Yuan Shenghe and Wang Chengfu; two for other goods, including Li Qingji; and only one for silver dollars, Xu Guopei. As for the half Guotangxing, it was because the seventy-two Guotangxing were open all year round, but Sunjia Hui "Huangshanxing" only transported seasonal goods such as eels and was not open all year round, so it was jokingly called half a "Guotangxing." Xixing Old Street is one of the historical streets protected by the "Hangzhou Historical and Cultural City Protection Plan" and is part of Hangzhou as a Chinese historical and cultural city.

Speaking of 'Xixing', many people generally have a few impressions: there is a Xixing station on Subway Line 1, a town of IoT companies listed on the stock market, and a future community filled with young people. Local elders say: 'Hangzhou has West Lake, Xixi, and also Xixing.' The young people are not convinced, Xixing is just a new area that has risen in recent years, how can it compare with West Lake and Xixi? But if you really count it, the history of Xixing is not inferior to West Lake or Xixi at all. Hundreds of years ago, Xixing was even more prosperous than it is today. At its peak, it was a 'town that never sleeps', and the logistics center of the entire Jiangnan region, even the whole country. To find the prosperous past of Xixing, you have to head south, to the Xixing ancient town hidden in the city. It is a dazzling pearl on the Grand Canal, and also a niche check-in spot privately treasured by many people. Xixing ancient town has a typical 'one river with two streets' layout. It takes about an hour to stroll through the entire Xixing ancient town. Walking along the renovated Guanhe Road, you can take in the main features of Xixing ancient town at a glance. On the other side, Xixing Street is where the real old flavor is preserved. Narrow bluestone paths are lined with buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, where people in the past would dock by the river, pass through the houses, and come directly to this street.

🌿Xixing Ancient Town on the south bank of Qiantang River was once the gateway to two towns in history. It has developed transportation and strategic terrain. It has been the first place in eastern Zhejiang since ancient times. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Fan Li, a minister of the State of Yue, built a city here to resist the State of Wu, which was called Guling at that time. King Qian of Wu and Yue thought that "Ling" was not a lucky word, so he changed Xiling to Xixing, which has remained the case ever since. 🧩The more than 250-kilometer-long Zhejiang Ancient Grand Canal originates from here, flows through Xiaoshan, Shaoxing, Shangyu, Yuyao, Ningbo, and flows into the East China Sea in the south of Zhenhai City. In 2014, China's Grand Canal was included in the World Cultural Heritage List, and Xixing Guotangxing Wharf became one of the six heritage sites in the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal. 🧩Three major attractions of Xixing Ancient Town: 🔹Xixing Old Street, with its antique bluestone pavement, old-fashioned barber shops, wooden bench shops, and teahouses, exudes a strong Jiangnan charm 🔹Yakobashi, with its unique architectural style and historical value, attracts many tourists and photographers 🔹Xixing Guotanghang Wharf Special Exhibition Hall, through exhibitions and explanations, visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of the historical background of Xixing Ancient Town and its important role in transportation and trade 🧩Wandering in the ancient town of Xixing, stepping on the quaint bluestone slabs, the quaint atmosphere of slow life hits you. Ancient houses with white walls and black tiles are built along the river, and an ancient stone bridge that is hundreds of years old spans the two banks. A leisurely-flowing river passes between the two banks, with rippling water and shadowy figures of people. 🧩The ancient town is very simple and has no commercial atmosphere. It retains the most authentic historical features and there are still many original residents. This small ancient town, which is overlooked by many tourists, is actually worth a visit! ⛩️Ancient town: Xixing Ancient Town 📍Address: Binjiang District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 200 meters south of the intersection of Gutang Road and Guling Road 🚇Transportation: About 2 minutes walk from Xixing Old Street Bus Station 🅿️Parking: Paid parking, 5 yuan/hour

🌈Highlights: Xixing Ancient Town has a history of over two thousand years and was once a key gateway of the Grand Canal transportation route. As a transfer dock for merchants traveling from the south to the north, it was bustling with traders and had a prosperous cityscape. Despite the passage of many years, it still retains the characteristics of a riverside town in the south of the Yangtze River from the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, along with historical relics. There has not been overly commercial large-scale development, and it still maintains the local life atmosphere of old Hangzhou residents. 🚗Address & Transportation: Near 105 Guanhe Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou. Exit B of Xixing Subway Station on Line 1 🎫Ticket Information: Free ✨Tips: The two sides of the ancient town are densely packed with well-preserved residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties, mostly inhabited by local residents living their normal lives, with only a few doing small businesses. Due to the absence of commercial shops, there are very few visitors here. Personally, I don't think it's worth the detour The original residents and traditional lifestyles have become historical symbols of Xixing Ancient Town PS: The last three photos are of Changhe Old Street

There is a thousand-year-old ancient town hidden in Binjiang District of Hangzhou, known as "Xixing Ancient Town". 🏔Attraction Introduction: Named during the Spring and Autumn period, Xixing Ancient Town is the starting point of the East Zhejiang Canal. Historically, it was the gateway to both Zhejiang provinces, leaving behind famous poems by Li Bai and Du Fu, as well as the story of Xi Shi heading north to Wu. It is also part of the world cultural heritage now. 📝Check-in Strategy: ✨Strolling the Ancient Town: The town is not big, but it has a strong sense of daily life; you will see the life of the townspeople, such as washing clothes, cooking, etc., and experience the life of the ancient town. ☕️Treasure Shops: Although there are not many commercial activities in the ancient town, there are still many treasure shops, such as Guanhe Tile House, Wuji Pai, Yu Yuan, and Cat Grass Courtyard. It's nice to take a break here after walking around the town. ✨Attractions: There are attractions like Wuzi Bridge, Xixing Guotang Wharf Thematic Exhibition Hall, Xixing Art Gallery, Xixing Guotang Wharf, and the ruins of the City God Temple. Friends who like history and culture might want to take a look. 🚗Transportation Information: Get off at Xixing Station on Subway Line 1, then it's a bike ride away, or an 800-meter walk. 🎫Ticket Price: Admission is free

🏰 Xixing Ancient Town, the hidden cultural gem of Hangzhou Among the skyscrapers of Hangzhou Binjiang, there lies a little-known ancient town—Xixing Ancient Town. This place is not only a historical witness to the city built by Fan Li, a nobleman of the Yue State during the late Spring and Autumn period to resist Wu, but also the source of the ancient canal in East Zhejiang, and a part of the World Heritage Site—the Grand Canal of China. 🚇 Transportation Guide - Subway Line 1: Get off at Xixing Station, about 800 meters walk to reach. - Bus route 586: Get off at Xixing Old Street Station. - Self-driving: Parking lot costs 5 yuan/hour, convenient and fast. 🏞️ Travel Tips - Size of the ancient town: The town is not large, it can be toured in one to two hours. - Suggested itinerary: Suitable for a visit when there are other attractions nearby. - Nearby attractions: Changhe Historic and Cultural Block, suitable for strolling. 🍽️ Dining Recommendations - Coffee shops: Suitable for leisurely enjoyment. - Noodle houses: Experience the authentic Hangzhou flavor. 📸 Photography Paradise - Few people, beautiful scenery: Few tourists, suitable for taking photos to remember.

【Transportation Guide】Easily reach this secret realm of time from Xixing Station or Binhe Road entrance. 【Suggested Duration】About 2 hours Stepping into Xixing Ancient Town is like traveling through the bustling city to a tranquil and comfortable era. Although the town is small, its two alleys are enough to give you a taste of its unique charm. A half-hour stroll, coupled with sitting down for tea and tasting the local cuisine, will let you savor the flavor of this ancient town. Many natives live here, leading a leisurely and peaceful life. In the corners and alleys of the ancient town, newly opened tea houses and coffee shops inject youthful vitality into this ancient land. An encounter with a fashionable old man selling antiques adds a touch of interest. A couple taking wedding photos here adds a romantic hue to the ancient town. The central street of the ancient town is like a small market, with a dazzling array of fruits, drinks, and delicacies that make your mouth water. The tempting aroma wafting from the old snack stalls is unforgettable. The roast duck shop at the end of the street is particularly fragrant, and the freshly baked roast duck is irresistible. In addition, try the Henan spicy soup and pan-fried buns for an authentic taste that will leave you craving more.

If it's your first time traveling to Zhejiang and you want to see both West Lake in Hangzhou and the ancient towns of the south, but you don't have enough time, what should you do? I was traveling alone in Hangzhou and found an alternative to Wuzhen and Xitang, which is Xixing Ancient Town located in Binjiang District of Hangzhou. If you're like me, short on time and budget, then come to Hangzhou's Xixing Ancient Town for free to experience the slow life of a southern ancient town. Here's the guide: 1. Address: Xixing Ancient Town, Binjiang District, Hangzhou (near 105 Guanhe Road) 2. Transportation: a. By car: Navigate to Xixing Ancient Town. Parking is available near the D exit of Xixing Station on the subway. b. By subway: Take Line 1 to Xixing Station and walk 700 meters from Exit D. 3. Admission: Free 4. What to do: Walk along Guanhe Road to see the town's folk customs, the old canal of East Zhejiang, Xixing Post, Lu's residence, ancient bridges, and make sure to walk the entire Guanhe Road. The west side has the feel of Xitang Ancient Town's Xiaoxi Street, and the east side has the beauty of the reflections of Wuzhen and Nanxun ancient towns. 5. Suggested duration: A total of 1 hour. The town is not big, and the local residences and the Bald Head Noodle Shop are worth checking in. 6. Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in a homestay near West Lake. There are also folk accommodations in the ancient town, but the scenery is average. 7. Nearby attractions: Xiang Lake, Hangzhou Paradise 8. Tips for visiting Xixing Ancient Town: Do not bring suitcases as the stone roads in the ancient town are uneven. 10. Why I recommend going alone: Hidden in the bustling city, it's suitable for a slow experience to feel the culture of the East Zhejiang Canal and the ancient canal post.

A tranquil millennium-old town hidden deep within Hangzhou. Unexpectedly, such a peaceful ancient town has been preserved in the hidden depths of Hangzhou. It is far from the hustle and bustle of commerce, brimming with the serene atmosphere of life. This little-known place is Xixing Ancient Town, an underrated treasure trove, and even many residents of Binjiang may have never heard of it. As the starting point of the East Zhejiang Canal over 400 years ago, it holds a unique position and is definitely a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. Upon your first visit to Xixing Ancient Town, you will feel its quietness with few people around, yet the place is full of the strong sense of daily life. Stone-paved roads and riverside houses make one feel as if they are in an ancient world. The style of the streets here is somewhat reminiscent of the combination of Shaoxing's Cangqiao Straight Street and Bazi Bridge, with residential houses on one side of the stone-paved road and picturesque scenes of small bridges over flowing water on the other. In the summer evenings, local residents come out to chat and enjoy the cool, bringing the breath of life to you. Xixing Ancient Town is not large, suitable for a leisurely stroll of 1-2 hours. For friends who like to take photos, it is recommended to come around 5 pm, when the sunlight is not too glaring, and you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the sunset from the bridge. Ancient town coordinates: Xixing Ancient Town Address: Near 105 Guanhe Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou Opening hours: Open all day Transportation: You can take a bus to Xiling Station, or take Metro Line 1 to Xixing Station, both are very convenient.

Xixing Ancient Town | The years are full of dust, history comes and goes, what remains unchanged is people's longing for a peaceful life. High-rise buildings are around, and skyscrapers are next door, but such small bridges and flowing water are the eternal habitable places.

In the bustling internet company gathering place of Binjiang, there is a niche ancient town hidden - Xixing Ancient Town! In this bustling internet company gathering place - Binjiang, there is actually a little-known ancient town hidden - Xixing Ancient Town! This is not a scenic spot, there is no commercial development, but it is full of the breath of ordinary people's life. On both sides of the river, the original taste of the ancient town, leisurely stroll in it, feel the charm of the ancient Jiangnan. Here, the historical heritage is not hidden in the scenic spots, but in those "unpopular" alleys. The once bustling street wharf is no longer there, but the stone road still maintains its original appearance, and the stone steps have also become the dock for residents to wash clothes. There is too much historical style preserved here, allowing us to glimpse the past prosperity. In this fast-paced city, it is really rare to find such an original Jiangnan ancient town! Here, the pace is very slow, spend half a day to turn around nearby, as if back to that ink and wash Jiangnan era. Xixing Ancient Town, a niche ancient town in Jiangnan, is waiting for your exploration. It is not a scenic spot, but it is full of stories and history. Once you enter this ancient town, you will definitely be attracted by its tranquility and simplicity, and be intoxicated in this real ink and wash Jiangnan! 📍Hangzhou Binjiang District Xixing Ancient Town 🚇Near Xixing Station on Line 1