Located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, Xitang Ancient Town is a national 5A-level scenic spot known as "a living ancient town with a thousand years of history". The core area covers 1.01 square kilometers, preserving 250,000 square meters of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture and 1.3 kilometers of covered corridors along the river. With 9 crisscrossing waterways and 104 ancient bridges, it perfectly retains the Jiangnan water town features of "many bridges, lanes and corridors".
History and Culture
Xitang was built during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, with a history of more than 2,500 years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it became an important commercial town in Jiangnan, where merchants gathered and culture flourished. The ancient town still retains the regional cultural characteristics of "Wu Root and Yue Corner", serving as a living museum of Wu-Yue culture.
The most representative architectural feature of Xitang is the covered corridor (locally called "Misty Rain Corridor") built along the river. This unique architectural form not only provides shelter from rain and sun but also creates a distinctive waterscape. There are 122 well-preserved Ming and Qing residences in the ancient town, among which Zunwen Hall and Zhongfu Hall are considered models of Jiangnan residential architecture.
Xitang is also a place where literati gathered. Historically, it produced 19 Jinshi (imperial examination graduates) and 31 Juren (provincial examination graduates). Modern famous poet Liu Yazi and painter Feng Zikai once lived and created here, leaving rich cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
Misty Rain Corridor
The most characteristic landscape of Xitang, this 1.3-kilometer-long covered corridor keeps visitors dry in rain and shaded in sun. When lanterns are lit at night, their reflections in the water create dreamy scenery, making it a favorite spot for photographers.
Songzi Laifeng Bridge
Built in the Ming Dynasty, this single-arch stone bridge is exquisitely carved with reliefs. Legend has it that newlyweds walking across this bridge will be blessed with children early, hence the name "Songzi Laifeng" (Bringing Children and Phoenix). It's the most legendary ancient bridge in the town.
West Garden
The best-preserved Jiangnan garden in the ancient town, covering 3,000 square meters. With delicate layout of pavilions, towers, rockeries and ponds, it demonstrates the artistic feature of "seeing big in small" of Jiangnan gardens.
Local Cuisine
Gorgon Fruit Cake
A traditional Xitang pastry made from gorgon fruit powder and glutinous rice flour, with soft and sweet taste. The century-old "Qian's Gorgon Fruit Cake" is a must-buy souvenir for visitors.
Steamed White Fish
Made with local wild white fish and steamed only with ginger and scallion, the fish meat is extremely tender. The "Lao Pin Fang" restaurant is highly recommended for its excellent steamed fish.
Ticket Information
The entrance ticket costs 95 yuan per person, covering 11 attractions. Night ticket is 60 yuan (entry after 17:00). Free for seniors over 70 and children under 1.2m, half price for students with valid ID. The ticket is valid for 2 days.
Recommended Route
Main entrance → Misty Rain Corridor → Songzi Laifeng Bridge → Drunk Garden → West Garden → Button Museum → Tile-End Exhibition Hall → Zhang Zheng Root Carving Art Museum → Ming-Qing Wood Carving Museum → Wine Culture Museum → Sacred Hall → Return to main entrance. The whole route takes about 3-4 hours.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Take train to Jiashan South Station, then transfer to bus K222
- Coach: Direct tourist buses available from Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center
- Self-drive: About 1.5 hours drive from Shanghai via Hukun Expressway
Must-Visit Attractions
- Misty Rain Corridor: Iconic landscape of Jiangnan water town
- Songzi Laifeng Bridge: The most legendary ancient bridge
- West Garden: Exquisite representative of Jiangnan gardens
- Drunk Garden: Small but delicate private garden
Travel Tips
- Best visiting time is early morning or evening to avoid crowds
- Recommend staying overnight in local inns to experience night view
- Wear comfortable flat shoes as stone roads are uneven
- Rent Hanfu costumes for photos to blend in ancient town atmosphere
- Combo ticket is more economical covering multiple attractions
Precautions
- Protect ancient architecture, no climbing or carving
- River is deep and dangerous, keep away from water edge
- Some alleys are narrow, pay attention to safety
- Check expiration date and hygiene when buying food
- Take care of personal belongings in crowded areas