Xitang Travel Guide: A Poetic Retreat Through a Thousand-Year-Old Water Town

Xitang Travel Guide: A Poetic Retreat Through a Thousand-Year-Old Water Town Xitang, known as a "living ancient town for thousands of years," has become a poetic retreat for countless travelers with its Yanyu Covered Corridor, small bridges over flowing water, and rich local atmosphere. Whether it's the bluestone road in the morning mist or the river channel illuminated by lights at night, Xitang can always heal every visitor with its tranquility and romance. Must-Visit Attractions in Xitang 1. Yanyu Covered Corridor: The most distinctive architecture in Xitang, with a total length of nearly 1,000m, provides both shade and rain protection. Stroll through it and experience the unique feeling of "no rain on rainy days and no sun on sunny days." In the early morning or at dusk, the light and shadow under the corridor intertwine with the reflections on the river, making it an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts. 2. Shipi Lane: The longest lane in Xitang, with the narrowest point being less than 1m, forming a unique "skyline" landscape. Walking through it feels like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. 3. Songzi Laifeng Bridge: The most interesting bridge in Xitang, with steps on one side and a slope on the other. Legend has it that men who walk the steps will rise step by step, and women who walk the slope will manage the household steadily. 4. Xiyuan Garden: The residence of the wealthy Zhu family during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The garden has small bridges, flowing water, rockeries, and pavilions arranged in a well-proportioned manner. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, osmanthus in autumn, and different scenery in all seasons. 5. Anjing Bridge and Yongning Bridge: Anjing Bridge is suitable for portrait photography with soft light in the evening; Yongning Bridge offers a panoramic view of the Yanyu Covered Corridor and is a classic photo spot in Xitang. Featured Experiences - Hanfu Culture: Xitang is one of the birthplaces of Hanfu culture. Rent a set of Hanfu and stroll through the ancient town to experience the poetic feeling of "walking in a painting." The Hanfu Culture Week held every autumn attracts Hanfu enthusiasts from all over the world. - Night Tour of Xitang: Take a flower boat along the Xutang River, enjoy the Hanfu parade and light show, and experience the charm of the ancient town at night. - Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts: Experience the traditional dyeing process of making blue printed cloth, or make exquisite buttons by hand at the Button Museum. Food Recommendations 1. Lotus Leaf Steamed Pork: Made with streaky pork and spiced rice flour, wrapped in lotus leaves and steamed. The meat is soft and glutinous, with a fresh and non-greasy fragrance. 2. Guan Laotai Stinky Tofu: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a special sauce, it is a signature snack of Xitang. 3. Bazhen Cake: Made from local glutinous rice and eight Chinese medicinal herbs, it has a sweet, crispy, and loose taste, incorporating medicinal properties into the diet. 4. Songzi Longti (Braised Pig Knuckle): Bright in color, rich in collagen from pig knuckles and skin, soft, glutinous, and delicious, not greasy. Useful Information - Tickets: CNY 85/person, CNY 170/2 people - Transportation: - High-speed train: Take a high-speed train from Shanghai or Hangzhou to Jiashan South Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Xitang (approx. 30 mins). - Self-driving: Approx. 1.5 hrs from Shanghai, approx. 1 hr from Hangzhou. - Accommodation Recommendations: Choose a riverside inn near the "Yanyu Covered Corridor" for a view from the window; or a B&B converted from an ancient Ming and Qing dynasty house to experience the unique charm of carved beds and antique furniture. - Best Time to Visit: The essence of Xitang lies in the early morning and evening. The ancient town in the morning mist and the river channel with its bright lights at night are the most charming. Copywriting Inspiration "Waiting for someone to accompany me to Xitang. Under the halo of the mist, it is like a light-colored rice paper painting. Walking into the ancient town, the corridors are old, and the alleys are deep, as if entering a distant history... Find a waterfront inn, either open the window and look out, or sit on a recliner in the waterfront courtyard, make a cup of tea, and quietly enjoy the slow time of the ancient town." "The beauty of Xitang is the elegance and tranquility precipitated by history, the joy and etherealness that loneliness and contentment sprout in the heart at the same time." "Jiangnan is charming because of Xitang, and Xitang is graceful because of water. Xitang in the mist carries the gentle and graceful charm of water, leaning delicately on the beautiful waters of Jiangnan." Travel Tips 1. The stone roads in the ancient town are slippery, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes. 2. Respect local customs and avoid making loud noises in religious places. 3. Visiting during non-holidays can avoid peak crowds and better experience the tranquility of the ancient town. 4. It is recommended to arrange at least a 2-day, 1-night trip to truly appreciate the charm of Xitang. The charm of Xitang lies in its ability to awaken your imagination of Jiangnan with its ancient bridges and flowing water, and to heal your tired heart with its starry lights. Whether you are strolling in the morning mist or taking a night tour on the brightly lit river, this ancient town will give you a journey through time in the gentlest way.