Xitang Travel Guide for February–March

Average temperature: 0–14°C. Be sure to wear a down jacket in February. Cherry blossoms may bloom in Xitang at the end of March! 🍃Xitang 2-Day Tour Guide｜Enjoy a Slow Life in the Water Town of Jiangnan🍃A healing travel destination for friends, couples, and solo travelers! The covered corridors, flagstone roads, and sculling boats in Xitang are all photogenic! Detailed routes, food, and accommodation recommendations are included. Save this guide for your trip! 📅 Itinerary: 2 days and 1 night Day 1: Stroll around the water town and feel the life of the ancient town 1⃣ Morning: Morning tour of the covered corridor 7:00–9:00 Get up early to avoid the crowds! Xitang is shrouded in mist in the morning. The light and shadow under the covered corridor are beautiful. Take a walk along the river and take photos! Yongning Bridge is a must-see (the best viewing point in Xitang, the covered corridor on the north bank is like a dragon, and the photos are like ink paintings). 9:30–11:30 Explore the ancient alleys: From Shipi Lane (the narrowest lane) → Zongfutang (a house from the Ming and Qing Dynasties) → Songzi Laifeng Bridge (a double bridge with auspicious meaning), feel the water town's features of "many bridges, lanes, and covered corridors". 2⃣ Noon: Taste the food in Xitang Must-eat food: Steamed pork with rice flour (pork belly is tender and tasty, with the fragrance of lotus leaves) Guan Laotai Stinky Tofu (crispy outside and tender inside, the sauce is the soul) Gorgon cake (glutinous and sweet, the best gift) Recommended restaurants: Qiantang Renjia (by the river, enjoy the view while eating) or Old Street Snack Bar (authentic and affordable). 3⃣ Afternoon: Cultural immersion tour 14:00–16:00 Visit the Button Museum (Xue's House), Xiyuan (Jiangnan Garden), and Zhang Zheng Root Carving Art Museum to learn about the crafts and history of Xitang. 16:30–18:00 Find a riverside teahouse, drink Biluochun tea, and listen to Pingtan, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. 4⃣ Evening: Boat trip and sunset Rent a sculling boat (CNY 80/boat, 12 people can share the cost), watch the sunset on the river, and listen to the boatman tell the legend of the ancient town. Night tours are more recommended! Xitang is like a dream under the lights. 5⃣ Night: Bar street The nightlife in Xitang starts when the lanterns are lit! It is recommended to listen to folk songs in "Dabing's Cabin" or have a drink in a bar to feel the romance and relaxation of the water town. Day 2: Deep experience and unlock niche activities 1⃣ Morning: Experience the life of the ancient town 8:00–10:00 Get up early to visit the morning market, buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and taste soy milk and fried dough sticks with the locals to experience the original life of the water town. 10:30–12:00 DIY: Try painting a fan or making blue calico, and take home a unique travel souvenir (a studio near "Zuiyuan" is recommended). 2⃣ Afternoon: Explore the surroundings and take photos 13:00–15:00 Visit "Five Girls Theme Park" or "Huanxiu Bridge", wear Hanfu or cheongsam, and take photos of Jiangnan (there are many rental shops in the ancient town, about CNY 50/hour). 15:30–17:00 Avoid the main street, go to the niche alleys such as "Lirengang" and "Shaoxianggang", and find hidden cafes and handmade shops. 🏠 Accommodation recommendations: Stay in the scenery Riverside Inn: "Xitang Fusheng Yisu" and "Mingjufang" are recommended. Open the window to see the river and boats, and sleep by the water at night. Cost-effective choice: Boutique homestays outside the scenic area, such as "Xitang Manyue", are quiet and have new facilities.