XITANG HISTORIC TOWN OF CHINA(Xitang Ancient Town)

Xitang has nice scenery, but it's quite desolate. Many shops were closed when I went there on New Year's Day. However, I ate at a very good restaurant called Qian Yuman. They were incredibly generous with the freebies and had excellent service.

On a weekday, Xitang is peaceful and tranquil with plenty of sunshine. The level of commercialization is just right, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. If you get hungry, just randomly pick a shop and grab a bite of local cuisine.

Xitang, nestled by the water, offers a stolen moment of tranquility. Stepping into Xitang is like stepping into a watercolor painting. The cobblestone streets, polished smooth by time, creak underfoot, like the ancient town whispering tales of a thousand years. Black-awning boats glide swaying on the emerald water, their oars shattering the reflections on the surface, and also silencing the hustle and bustle of the world. The covered walkways, long and short, connect along the streets, providing shade on sunny days and shelter from the rain, embodying the most comfortable daily life of the people of Xitang. Elderly people sit on bamboo chairs under the walkways, chatting and fanning themselves; the sweet aroma of water chestnut cakes and the refreshing scent of green bean tea waft from the shops, enticing you to stop and linger. Turning into the deep alleys, old houses with white walls and black tiles are scattered in a charmingly disordered manner, their mottled walls covered with ivy, exuding a gentle warmth of time amidst the lush greenery. As dusk falls, Xitang transforms. Red lanterns lit up one after another, their warm yellow glow spreading across the river and reflecting in the water like a flowing galaxy. Melodious songs drifted from the riverside taverns, carried on the evening breeze, intoxicating the tourists and enchanting the Jiangnan night. No need to rush to see the sights, no need to hurry. In Xitang, simply slow down, stroll along the riverbank, watch the boats come and go, watch the clouds drift by. Those little surprises hidden in the alleyways, those leisurely moments infused with the everyday life, are what make Xitang so captivating.

Xitang Ancient Town is very close to Shanghai, and it only takes about an hour to drive from Xuhui District. Xitang Ancient Town operates by buying tickets during the day and free in the evening. I feel comfortable visiting the scenic area during the day when I bought tickets, because there are not many people and there is no crowd when taking photos; it also allows many tourists to enter the scenic area in the evening, which makes it more popular. If you stay in the scenic area in the evening, the next day is also free. In this way, a balance will be achieved between tourists and businesses. The area of ​​the ancient town scenic area is not small, and it really takes two or three days to visit it slowly.

Xitang Ancient Town is located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province. It is one of the six ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River and is famous for its "many bridges, alleys, and corridors". Xitang Ancient Town is famous for its water town landscape, with crisscrossing rivers and numerous ancient bridges. There are a total of 24 stone bridges connecting the ancient town. Visitors can take a wupeng boat, travel between rivers, and experience the unique charm of the Jiangnan water town. The ancient town has preserved a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The most famous of them is the Misty Corridor, a corridor built along the river with a total length of about 1,300 meters that can both provide shade and shelter from rain. Xitang Ancient Town is famous for its Hanfu Culture Week and Drama Art Week, and is a gathering place for traditional culture enthusiasts. When night falls, the lights in the ancient town light up, and the lights and the moon are reflected on the river, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Tickets: Adult ticket price is 95 yuan, student ticket price is half price. Entry is free before 8 am or after 5 pm (after 9 pm on holidays), but some small attractions still require ticket inspection. Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 in summer time, 8:00-16:30 in winter time. Recommended attractions Misty Corridor: The landmark building of the ancient town, suitable for taking photos and checking in. Shipi Lane: Xitang’s “One Line of Sky”, a narrow and deep lane. Huanxiu Bridge: A stone arch bridge from the Ming Dynasty, suitable for taking photos in the morning and evening. China Button Museum: Showcasing Xitang’s unique craftsmanship.

Ancient town with poems and paintings, water town people are full of wine and tea! #Water town style, ancient and modern integration I. Introduction to the ancient town Xitang Ancient Town is located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, with convenient transportation. As one of the representatives of Jiangnan water towns, Xitang attracts countless tourists to explore with its simple and elegant architectural style, rich cultural heritage and unique water town style. It not only has a history of more than 800 years, but is also one of the birthplaces of ancient Wuyue culture, and is known as the "living thousand-year-old town". II. Transportation Guide Train: Xitang has no railway station, but the nearest Jiashan Station and Jiashan South Station have abundant train schedules, which can be connected to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and other cities. From Jiashan Station or Jiashan South Station, you can easily reach Xitang by bus or taxi. Bus: Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing and other cities have direct buses to Xitang, which is the most convenient choice to reach Xitang. After arriving at Xitang Bus Station, you can walk or take a local tricycle to the ancient town. 3. Recommended tour routes Route 1: Wang's House - Ni's House: This route allows you to appreciate the ancient charm of Xitang Ancient Town. Along the way, you can enjoy historically significant buildings such as Wang's House, Xiyuan, and Ni's House. It is recommended that you take photos with the door frames, window frames and other characteristic elements in the ancient house when you visit. Route 2: Ni's House - Bar Street: Starting from Ni's House, you can stroll to the lively bar street and feel the unique atmosphere of the blend of ancient and modern times. The bars here have their own characteristics and are a good place to relax. Route 3: Bar Street - Huguo Suiliangwang Temple: After Bar Street, you can go to Huguo Suiliangwang Temple, which is a temple of historical significance and worth a visit. If you have enough time, you may wish to visit the ancient town again at night to experience its unique charm. 4. Food Recommendations Cicada's Shell Baoyuan: Golden skin and delicious fillings are one of the specialties of Xitang. Steamed Pork with Rice Flour: Steamed pork with pork belly wrapped in rice flour, with a unique taste that is memorable. Steamed Baishui fish: Baishui fish is fresh, tender and smooth, and paired with simple seasoning, it is more authentic. Stinky tofu: As a representative of Jiangnan folk cuisine, stinky tofu exudes a unique fragrance and is one of the must-try delicacies. 5. Accommodation recommendation There are many unique homestays and hotels in Xitang Ancient Town, and you can choose the accommodation that suits you. It is recommended to book in advance to avoid delaying the trip. 6. Warm Tips Xitang Ancient Town has multiple exits. Please be careful not to walk out of the ancient town by mistake when visiting. If you walk out accidentally, you can enter again with your ticket. Some sections of the road in the ancient town are slabs, so please pay attention to safety when walking. Some attractions in the ancient town require tickets. It is recommended to understand the ticket prices and preferential policies in advance. Taking photos is quite good

This time I chose to go there at night, so I could get free tickets. There were still a lot of people. But eating there is really not cheap. I walked around and saw the legendary bar street after crossing a bridge. It felt like I had entered another world. There were some young men and women welcoming guests at the door. The lights were dim inside. Through the window, I could feel the deafening music and crazy people drinking and dancing. I didn't dare to go in with my children. Haha! There are so many people taking travel photos, and it has become a trend now. The rest is the scenery that all ancient towns have.

It's worth taking your family, friends, and children for a stroll! It's worth a walk! The food is simple and the scenery is beautiful!