Ultra-Practical Guide to Xitang's Transportation, Attractions, and Food

🤗 Xitang, one of the six ancient towns in Jiangnan, is renowned for its "abundance of bridges, alleys, and covered corridors." Best Time to Visit 👍✨ Seasons: April-May when spring is in full bloom, and September-November with crisp autumn air. These periods offer pleasant weather and avoid the summer tourist rush. 🤗 Hours: Fewer visitors from 6:00-8:00 in the morning and after 16:00 in the evening. Xitang is especially charming in the morning mist or sunset, and its night scenery is a must-see. Ticket Information 🎫 Adult ticket: 95 yuan, includes entry to 11 small attractions within the ancient town. Students enjoy half-price. 😇 Free entry after 16:30 on weekdays and after 20:30 on holidays (only for the main streets, small attractions are closed). You can also enter for free before 7:00 AM when staff are not on duty. 👀 Booking a homestay within the scenic area usually includes a ticket and allows free entry and exit. Transportation Guide 👉 External transportation: Take the high-speed rail🚄 to Jiashan South Station, then transfer to bus K222🚌 directly to Xitang Ancient Town, or share a taxi🚕 for about 15 yuan per person. For self-driving🚗, navigate to Xitang Ancient Town Parking Lot, with Lot 5 being the closest to the scenic area. Direct long-distance buses are available from Shanghai South Station and Hangzhou Jiubao Passenger Transport Center. 👉 Internal transportation: The core area of the ancient town is pedestrian-only🦶, so comfortable shoes are recommended. You can also take a rowing boat🚣: 40 yuan/person for day trips, 60 yuan/person for night tours, or 300 yuan for a private boat (up to 6 people). Must-Visit Attractions 🥳 Misty Rain Corridor: A nearly kilometer-long riverside covered corridor, the iconic structure of Xitang, offering a unique Jiangnan ambiance on rainy days. 👀✨ Songzi Laifeng Bridge: The bridge has separate left and right passages, with a tradition of "men left, women right." Covered in wishes, it's a great spot for couples to pray for blessings. 😇 Yongning Bridge: The prime viewing platform in Xitang, offering a panoramic view👀 of awning boats and covered corridors. It was also a filming location for *Mission: Impossible III*. 🤠 Shipi Alley: The narrowest point is only 0.8 meters, paved with 216 thin stone slabs. Walking through, you can touch century-old brick walls. 😊 Xiyuan Garden: A refined Jiangnan-style garden that regularly hosts guqin gatherings. Wearing Hanfu for photos🤳 here is highly photogenic. Unique Experiences ⛴️ Rowing Boat Ride: Night tours cost 30 yuan/person (17:00-20:30), lasting about 25 minutes. The evening is recommended to enjoy the illuminated riverside scenery. 🤠🤳 Hanfu Photo Shoot: Many rental shops inside and outside the scenic area offer Hanfu for 60-100 yuan/set. The riverside and ancient bridges are perfect backdrops. ☺️ Yue Opera Performance: Free Yue opera shows are held on weekend afternoons at the Xitang Ancient Stage (near Songzi Laifeng Bridge). Food Recommendations 👉 Qiantang Renjia: ⛳ Located next to Yongning Bridge, their straw-wrapped pork with bazhen cake is a must-try, around 45 yuan per person. 🥰 Lu's Small Wontons: Thin wrappers with flavorful broth, 10 yuan per bowl. They may sell out by 3:00 PM, so go early. 👍❤️ Granny Guan's Stinky Tofu: The most authentic at No. 17 Tangdong Street, crispy outside and tender inside, best with special spicy sauce. Accommodation Recommendations 👉🎉 Fusheng·Pillow Water Residence: Located in the middle of the Misty Rain Corridor, with river views from the window and smart home features. Prices start at 500 yuan/night in the off-season. 🤓🤠 Liangrang Xitang Art Hotel: Modern design blended with water town elements, featuring an organic farm, ideal for family trips. Prices start at 1200 yuan/night. 👉 Youth Hostel Stay: ⛳ Located on Beizha Street, beds at 60 yuan/night, perfect for backpackers. The rooftop offers a great view of the ancient town at night.