Half Fireworks, Half Poetry: Xitang Ancient Town Travel Guide

"Spring and autumn waters, a town from the Tang and Song dynasties, Ming and Qing architecture, modern people" - Xitang, this living thousand-year-old ancient town, is like an ancient poem with every corner flowing with the charm of Jiangnan watertown. If you're yearning for a world of white walls, black tiles, and bridges over flowing water, follow this guide and let's explore Xitang together! 🌉 I. Essential Information 📋 Address: 258 Nanyuan Road, Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province Tickets: Adult ticket 95 yuan, student ticket half price. Free entry before 8 AM or after 5 PM (after 9 PM on holidays), but some smaller attractions still require tickets. Opening Hours: Summer 8:00 - 17:00, Winter 8:00 - 16:30, though you can actually visit all day, and Xitang has its own special charm at night. Climate: Jiashan County is located in the southeastern monsoon area at the southern edge of the north subtropical zone, with a mild climate and four distinct seasons. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 3.6°C; July is the hottest with an average of 28.1°C. The annual average temperature is 15.6°C. Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack appropriate clothing. II. Attraction Routes and Planning 🚶‍♀️ 1. Morning: Enter through the West Main Entrance of Xitang Ancient Town, first arriving at the Water Stage to experience the vitality of the watertown. Then stroll to the Five Girls Theme Park to learn about local legends. Next, head to the Water Theater where you might encounter a wonderful opera performance. Then visit the Hanfu Culture Museum for an immersive experience of traditional Chinese clothing culture. 2. Noon: Enjoy local cuisine near the Huguo Suiliang Wang Temple and take a short rest. 3. Afternoon: Visit Zui Garden to appreciate its exquisite landscape. Stroll along the Rainy Corridor, enjoying the comfort of "no rain on rainy days, no sun on sunny days." Cross the Huanxiu Bridge to the Wang Residence to experience the charm of a prominent Ming Dynasty family home. Then visit West Garden to enjoy the garden scenery. Continue to visit Zhang Zheng Root Carving Art Gallery, Tile End Culture Museum, and Button Museum. 4. Evening: Starting from Anjing Bridge, pass through Lu Family Bridge and Ni Residence to reach the Holy Hall. As night falls, head to the bar street to experience the lively nightlife of the ancient town. Finally, you can have a drink at the Wine Culture Experience Museum to end a wonderful day. Must-Visit Attractions Rainy Corridor: Xitang's most iconic structure, nearly a kilometer long, built along the river. Walking here with the breeze on your face and the sound of flowing water, you can both shelter from sun and rain while enjoying the watertown scenery - every photo you take will be stunning. Stone Skin Alley: The longest and narrowest alley in the ancient town, less than 1 meter at its narrowest point, creating a unique "one-line sky" view. Walking in the alley feels like traveling through time, experiencing the ancient town's simplicity and tranquility. Tangdong Street (Bar Street): When night falls and the lights come on, red lanterns illuminate the ancient alley with a special atmosphere. Here, you can find a bar, listen to folk music, enjoy fine wine, and experience the romantic evening of the ancient town. West Garden: The largest garden in the ancient town, with an ingenious layout and beautiful scenery. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and osmanthus in autumn, with different beautiful scenery in all four seasons. The garden also houses the Nanshe Exhibition Room, showcasing Xitang's history and culture. III. Culinary Delights of Xitang 🍜 Grandma's Chicken Feet: Tender and flavorful, giving you a sense of happiness with every bite, one of Xitang's must-try snacks. Tai Fish Cake: Available in various flavors including milk and chocolate, with crispy skin and sweet filling. Guan Laotai Stinky Tofu: Xitang's signature snack, crispy outside and tender inside, paired with special sauce - smells strong but tastes delicious. Bamboo Tube Ice Cream: Not only delicious but also very photogenic, perfect for taking pictures. Vitality Bean Cake: Multiple flavors to choose from, with a delicate texture and rich bean aroma. Yuxiangqi Handmade Hot and Sour Noodles: Sour and spicy, leaving a lingering taste. Begonia Cake: Rich in ingredients and flavor, sweet cake topped with red dates, melon seeds, and more - every bite is satisfying. Spicy Fried Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with spicy seasoning - so good you can't stop eating. Besides these snacks, Xitang has many specialty restaurants such as Qian Yuman Nostalgic Restaurant, Xitang Zuixiaolou, and Chengshang Caixuan Restaurant where you can taste authentic Jiangzhe cuisine. IV. Accommodation Options 🏠 It's highly recommended to stay inside the scenic area to enjoy Xitang's beautiful night views. If you stay overnight, you can freely explore most areas the next day except for some small attractions, essentially enjoying Xitang for free. Guesthouses near the "Rainy Corridor" are good choices, where you can see the scenery right from your window and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. Additionally, renovated Ming and Qing dynasty residences offer unique experiences with carved beds and antique furniture. V. Transportation Guide 🚗 High-speed Rail: Take a high-speed train from cities like Shanghai or Hangzhou to Jiashan South Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi directly to Xitang, with the bus journey taking about 30 minutes. Driving: From Shanghai or Hangzhou, take the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway to the Xitang exit, about a 1.5-hour drive. Bus: Take bus K215 from Jiashan Transportation Center directly to Xitang Ancient Town. VI. Important Notes ⚠️ Xitang has multiple entrances, but only the West Main and East Main entrances have parking facilities. There are many stone paths in the ancient town that can be slippery at times, so it's recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. Xitang is like a secluded Jiangnan dream. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully enjoy this tranquility and beauty. Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to Xitang! 🥰