Xitang Water Town is a small ancient scenic town on water that still preserves its original look. It is sited in Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, China, near to Hangzhou and Shanghai with convenient transportation. It takes just 90 minutes by bus from Shanghai or Hangzhou (or shorter, if you take the train to nearby Jiashan) first. Xitang is famous for it numerous bridges, alleys and sheltered corridors three features. The 1300 meters sheltered corridors in Xitang is a unique site in the town.
There are nine rivers running through Xitang, dividing it into eight parts, with stone bridges, quiet streets, and sheltered corridors running throughout town. But many old-fashioned bridges link this water town together (anciently called as "nine dragon old pearl" and "wind from 8 sides"), The bridges of Xitang date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as does most of the architecture throughout town.
Inside the town, there are many well-preserved architectural groups constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties, which boast a higher artistry and study value, thus being highlighted by the experts at home and abroad studying antique buildings.
Through a bird's-eye view of the whole town, green waves ripple everywhere and every family resides near water. In the morning, water flows beneath bridges, thin mist is like silk, pinkish walls on both banks stand tall and tiled houses are reflected inversely in the water. In the evening, the setting sun shines slantwise, songs come from fishing boats, lamps flicker and the fragrance of wine drifts. The whole old town is like a poem and a picture.
In this town, people will feel that they are seemingly in an earthly paradise. It is hard to know that people exist in the picture or picture exists in the heart of people.
How to get to Xitang Water Town
Sited in Jiashan County in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, Xitang enjoys convenient transportation. Visitors who travel to Xitang usually needs to go to Shanghai or Hangzhou first, then transfer to Xitang from there.
→ From Shanghai: travelers may take direct buses from Shanghai South Long-distance Bus Station or Shanghai Long Distance Central Bus Station to get there.
→ From Hangzhou: You may take direct buses from Hangzhou Jiabao Bus Center Station to get there.
It is recommended to spend a whole day to visit the water town
Related readings:
• How to Get to Xitang Water Town from Shanghai?
• How to Get to Xitang Water Town from Hangzhou?
• How to get to Xitang Water Town from Suzhou?