Anjing Bridge

安境桥

Anjing Bridge, built during the Ming Dynasty, serves as the town's transportation hub. Its arched arches provide a panoramic view of three different bridges, a rare sight in other ancient towns. From Anjing Bridge to Lujia Bridge, the east-west river beneath the bridge leads to Shao Hong Kong.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "XiTang Ancient Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China (浙江省嘉兴市嘉善县西塘古镇)"

  • History: Anjing Bridge is one of the historic stone arch bridges in XiTang, dating back several centuries. It has been an important pedestrian and transport bridge connecting the east and west parts of the ancient water town. The bridge is part of the town’s legacy of waterways and commerce.
  • Architecture: The bridge is built in traditional Chinese stone-arch style with elegant curves, carved stone railings, and subtle decorative motifs. Its reflection on the canal forms picturesque views, especially at night when lanterns are lit.
  • Cultural Value: Anjing Bridge represents XiTang’s classic Jiangnan water town aesthetics. It is a cultural landmark for photography, local festivals, and canal-based trade traditions. The bridge and surrounding waterways embody the historic lifestyle of XiTang residents.
  • Other Information: The bridge is pedestrian-only and is surrounded by historic riverside shops, tea houses, and residences, making it a vibrant spot for exploring traditional life.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:00

  • Ticket Price: XiTang Ancient Town Entrance: 80 CNY (adult)
    40 CNY (child/student)
    Free for children under 1.2m
  • Best Photo Spots: The bridge itself from the canal side, nighttime with lanterns reflected in water, views from riverside tea houses, and surrounding stone-paved alleys.
  • Time Reference: 30 minutes to 1 hour at the bridge; combine with half-day walking in XiTang Ancient Town. Sunset and evening lights are ideal for photography.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: Panxi Hotel (西塘泛溪酒店)
    XiTang Boutique Resort (西塘精品度假酒店)
  • Mid-range: XiTang Riverfront Hotel (西塘河景酒店)
    Ancient Town Riverside Inn (古镇河畔客栈)
  • Budget & Boutique: Lantern House Hostel (灯笼客栈)
    XiTang Guesthouse (西塘客栈)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Steamed River Shrimp (清蒸河虾)
    XiTang-style Braised Pork (西塘红烧肉)
    Local Sweet Rice Cake (糯米糕)
  • Famous Spots: Riverside Tea House (河边茶馆)
    Anjing Bridge Snack Street (安境桥小吃街)
    Old Alley Noodle Shop (古巷面馆)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Handmade silk scarves (手工丝绸围巾)
    Lanterns (灯笼)
    Local crafts and small wooden carvings (手工木雕)
    Tea from nearby Zhejiang plantations (浙江茶叶)

Transportation

  • From Shanghai: Take a bus from Shanghai South Bus Station to XiTang Ancient Town (~1.5 hours).
    From Jiaxing: Local bus or taxi to XiTang (~40 minutes).
    By car: Drive along G60 Hukun Expressway or S12 to XiTang Ancient Town. Parking is available outside the town walls; walk to the bridge.
    By high-speed train: Take a high-speed train to Jiaxing South Station, then taxi or local bus to XiTang.

Nearby Attractions

  • Fangsheng Bridge (放生桥) – 0.5 km, walk along the canal path.
    Huangpu Old Street (黄浦老街) – 1 km, walk through town alleys.
    Jiuxian Garden (九贤园) – 1.5 km, short walk along riverside paths.

Tips for Visitors

  • Visit early morning or evening to avoid crowds.
    Wear comfortable walking shoes; streets are mostly cobblestone and narrow.
    Photography: evening lights on the water are particularly beautiful.
    Carry cash; some local shops may not accept cards.
    Respect local residents; the town is still inhabited.
    Try exploring small alleys for authentic local experience.
    Bring light rain gear if visiting in spring or autumn; the town has many waterways.

Recommended Itineraries

  • D1: XiTang Anjing Bridge (西塘安境桥) → Fangsheng Bridge (放生桥) → XiTang Riverside Tea House (河边茶馆); walk between locations along canal paths.
  • D1: XiTang Anjing Bridge (西塘安境桥) → Huangpu Old Street (黄浦老街) → Old Alley Noodle Shop (古巷面馆); walk through alleys and enjoy local snacks.
  • D1: XiTang Ancient Town full exploration (西塘古镇) including Anjing Bridge (安境桥), Jiuxian Garden (九贤园), Lantern-lined alleys → D2: XiTang Night Market → Riverside photography walk; transport on foot throughout the town.

User Reviews

By DrZou |

Cross Anjing Bridge to Lujia Bridge, and the east-west river under the bridge is Shao Hong Kong.

By Passenger Journey |

It's a beautiful bridge with a nice name.

By Silent Valley Facing the Wind |

Looking south from Yongning Bridge, you'll see Anjing Bridge, spanning the Xutang River. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the east and west sides of the river belonged to two different townships, with the Xutang River serving as the boundary, hence the name "Anjing Bridge."

By Mushroom Mushroom I am a big head |

When I first heard it, I didn’t understand the meaning of the song, but when I listened to it again, I became one with the person in the song.

By Jenny |

In the ancient town of Xitang in Jiashan County, during the 2005 filming of "Mission Impossible III," Tom Cruise made a memorable leap from the "Ming and Qing Dynasty" onto Anjing Bridge. Located next to the Ming and Qing Dynasty Food Court, Anjing Bridge serves as the town's transportation hub. The three most common bridge styles in Jiangnan are arch, flat, and folding. Anjing Bridge is an arch, Yongning Bridge is a flat, and Wan'an Bridge is a folding. Standing on Anjing Bridge offers a panoramic view of all three bridge types.

By Xiaofeng |

Xitang Ancient Town is located in Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai provinces. When "Mission Impossible III" was filmed in Xitang in 2005, Tom Cruise jumped from the "Ming and Qing Era" to Anjing Bridge, and then ran to Yongning. Anjing Bridge is located next to the "Ming and Qing Food Era".

By Mars User |

Every different bridge actually has a different story~

By C^H_E^N |

There are so many bridges in Xitang. The Jiangnan water town is so unique. Take a cruise to see the scenery and then become someone else's scenery.

By China-TravelNote users |

The Dragon Boat Festival holiday arrived here in 2012. I took a peek early in the morning before the tourists woke up.

By Nicholas Penguin |

There are always many small bridges in the ancient town where people of all kinds can be seen. Some people paint on the bridges and take pictures of the scenery on both sides.

By _____ Ugly |

It's OK, there are many different styles of bridges.

By A person as quiet as a chrysanthemum |

There are so many bridges in Xitang that I can’t remember their names, they are all one after another.

By Look around |

I visited Xitang on a road trip in April 2008. Back then, it was still a relatively newly developed old town, with simple folk customs. In the mornings, the town seemed even more tranquil and elegant. Walking through the narrow bluestone-paved alleys in the rain, the faint fragrance of rapeseed flowers wafting through the damp air, I was deeply intoxicated by this ancient town.



Here are the photos I took at that time. You can see how much it has changed.

By Wang Yucheng |

A stone arch bridge in the center connects Tangdong Street and Yanyu Corridor

By Lin Yutian |

Any small bridge can be transformed into a beautiful fan with just a few strokes by a local master craftsman!

By Mai's Divination |

It has a long history and can be regarded as a tourist attraction in Xitang!

By World Peace |

The bridge hole is in the shape of a round arch, which is an arch bridge. Standing on the Anjing Bridge, you can have a panoramic view of three different types of bridges, which is rare in other ancient towns.

By Xiaomi |

The central location is also a good place to take photos!

By FFFFFF |

Anjing Bridge is located on the Xutang River. It is the transportation center of Xitang Town. Standing on the Anjing Bridge, you can see the most iconic scenery of Xitang. The night view is really beautiful.

By Young |

Anjing Bridge is also near West Street. In fact, there are too many bridges in the ancient town, so there is no need to be obsessed with their names!

By Tracy McGrady |

It's quite average, not particularly recommended.

By mumu |

Standing on Anjing Bridge, you can have a panoramic view of three different types of bridges. It is a great location. Cross Anjing Bridge to Lujia Bridge, and the east-west river under the bridge is Shao Hong Kong.

By Ancient Yao |

There are many bridges in Xitang, and I didn't pay special attention to the names of each bridge when I was visiting. But when I saw the promotional brochure, I realized that the angle of my photo was the same!

By Zhuomo Basang |

To be honest, the scenery in Xitang is just average. It’s a very small place and there’s nothing special about it.

By Hunter |

The night view is picturesque, and you can experience the Jiangnan water town here!

By ❤Liangzi💤 |

As one of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River, I personally feel that Xitang is average and much inferior to Wuzhen. I think the only feature is the local ghost rumors, dogs everywhere, and the alleys that are almost too narrow for two people to pass through at the same time.

By Dongfang Xu❤️ |

Connecting to Tangdong's bar street, you can see three bridges from the bridge, and the scenery is very beautiful. At 6:30 in the evening, the lights and music of the bars are turned on. The music of the two bars on both sides of the bridge is so loud that you can feel the vibration when standing on the bridge.

By Mr. Jiajia |

I don't have any particular experience, and it feels very commercialized, but as a northerner, I can still appreciate the feeling of small bridges, flowing water, and people. The night view is beautiful. Before I went, I thought it would be convenient to stay in the bar street, but when I got there, I realized it's a small place and it's convenient to stay anywhere. Don't stay in the bar street, it's very noisy at night~~~

By Little Youth |

Xitang is so quiet in the early morning. I happened to meet a sketch artist who was painting a bridge.

By dragon-shaped jade pendant |

It was nice, I took a lot of photos there.

By Xiapu Linsheng |

Where there is a lot of water, there naturally needs to be a bridge. Although every bridge looks similar, it becomes more interesting when you listen to the stories behind them.

By Cythia |

Small bridges, flowing water, and houses by the water create a beautiful Jiangnan scenery.

By celandia |

When I was in Xitang, I would walk along both sides of the lake and have a look. I have been to Xitang three times.

By stella |

Xitang is one of the most impressive ancient towns.

By Jiejie |

I love the bridges in the ancient town. Each bridge has a unique feel.

By Zhao Huoding |

Where there is a lot of water, there naturally needs to be a bridge. Although every bridge looks similar, it becomes more interesting when you listen to the stories behind them.

By Rain in the third year of the Republic of China |

It is best to visit many bridges in Xitang when there is no more time, otherwise you will just follow the crowds and not know the difference between these bridges.

By HiBike |

Xitang is really beautiful, you can go anywhere on weekends.

By Xuan |

Anjing Bridge, built during the Ming Dynasty, serves as the town's transportation hub. Its arched arches provide a panoramic view of three different bridges, a rare sight in other ancient towns. From Anjing Bridge to Lujia Bridge, the east-west river beneath the bridge leads to Shao Hong Kong.

By Two years |

There are not many bridges in Xitang, but each one is unique!

By tiffany_Naa |

There are so many bridges in Wuzhen, and each one is different.

By June Unfinished |

The original old stone bridge has become smooth and round after being eroded layer by layer by wind and rain.

By Archer |

There are so many bridges in Xitang, especially the arch bridges that I can't tell them apart. But when it comes to this bridge near Bar Street, I remember it.

By I love to laugh |

The key is that it was built in the Ming Dynasty, the food is very busy and special, and there are many such bridges in the Jiangnan water town.

By HONG |

Located in Xitang Ancient Town, it is the transportation center of the town.

By Ma Tingting |

I hope I can really smile calmly and be my favorite self.

By Caterpillar 🐛 |

Another bridge, haha, I've walked across many bridges

By July and August are not cold |

A bridge. It's nice to play along the way.

By Rong'er |

There are too many people, I can't feel it slowly!!!

By Seven-fold Buddha's Grace |

A very famous bridge, it seems to be the largest bridge here. The hole in the middle is very beautiful. The scenery from the bridge is beautiful. The night view is super beautiful at night, with bright lights and reflections in the water, which looks like a painting.

By It only takes one sentence to see through a person |

The first time I went to Xitang, the owner of the inn took us into Xitang from this bridge.

By Dragon King Online |

How to distinguish the bridges in Xitang? This one is a three-arch bridge.

By Ren Aiyue Wuhen |

Ancient towns are all characterized by bridges. In Jiangnan, bridges are essential transportation. Now, bridges have become a culture, a unique Jiangnan culture. Here are some bridges in Xitang. There are many, some I can't name. Each one is unique.

By Moyou Wenhua |

There are of course many bridges in the water towns of Jiangnan, and people have given them many meanings.

By wn196111 |

Walk, stop, look, eat, play, and look around. There are heads everywhere and the scenery is nice.

By Polly |

My first visit to Xitang reminded me of Houhai in Beijing. I went there during the day to eat some snacks while walking and eating. There were a lot of them. The night view was very beautiful and there was a lot of atmosphere. There were all kinds of small gift shops. I personally think it is better than Wuzhen and not as commercialized as Wuzhen.

By Heart is far away |

Beautiful, very nice environment. Beautiful, very nice environment.

By Rain |

To make up the word count, you can go to a place that you will visit when you go to Xitang anyway.

By Unless |

They are all on a line within Xitang, and you can see all the bridges along the way.

By ben021005 |

There are many bridges like this. They are not rare in Xitang, nor are they strange in other ancient towns. The slope is not as steep as Fenglai Bridge. In Xitang, there is a very famous bridge, which seems to be the largest bridge here, and it is one of the best photo spots in Xitang. The night view from this angle is very beautiful. It’s a pity that I don’t have a tripod, but it’s okay to take pictures on the bridge pier.

By Niu You Tian Xia |

The arched bridges in Jiangnan Water Village are very distinctive. The scenes often seen on TV are everywhere here. It feels very lively, especially after the rain. The bridges and people are very charming.

By juana |

Nothing special, all water towns are the same, and the mornings are still very comfortable.

By Jingle Bells |

It's very beautiful and has a very poetic atmosphere. However, the stone bridge is very slippery on rainy days, so everyone should be careful. I saw a girl fall on her butt.

By anjella_w |

It has the characteristics of a water town, is a very lively place, and is also a key scenic spot where no tickets are required.

By Playful Sagittarius |

The second time I went to Xitang, the small bridges and flowing water in the south of the Yangtze River still attracted tourists with its unique charm.

By Xixi is a crazy young man |

This bridge is quieter and has better views.

By sweet lazy bear |

Learned about the local history and customs. Recommended.

By More than just understanding |

Where there is a lot of water, there naturally needs to be a bridge. Although every bridge looks similar, it becomes more interesting when you listen to the stories behind them.

By Ares-LI |

It's such a small place, if you can't turn to this bridge, you will lose a lot. You must walk there. The scenery is beautiful and the photos are beautiful.

By Grass on the horizon |

It’s quite nice that each bridge has its own name.


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