Beizha Street

北栅街

Beizha Street is located within Xitang Ancient Town, with the famous Wolong Bridge at its end. This street is home to many Xitang restaurants, including Laopinfang, Songzideyuelou, and Yijiangnan, specializing in local specialties. Most of these restaurants are located along the river, offering good value and a wide variety of food. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, exploring the diverse shops and savoring their unique cuisine.

Introduction

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

  • History: Beizha Street is one of the oldest and most historically preserved streets in Xitang. It dates back over a thousand years and was a hub for merchants, artisans, and local residents. The street has maintained its traditional Jiangnan water town charm, reflecting the region's commercial and social life through the Ming and Qing dynasties.
  • Architecture: The street features classical Jiangnan architecture, including grey brick buildings, black-tiled roofs, arched stone bridges, and canals running alongside. Wooden verandas and latticed windows line the waterway, while cobblestone paths invite leisurely walking. Small side alleys lead to hidden courtyards and tea houses.
  • Cultural Value: Beizha Street preserves traditional water town culture, including residential layouts, local crafts, and canal-based trade history. It is famous for capturing the essence of old Jiangnan towns and has inspired painters, photographers, and filmmakers, especially for historical dramas.
  • Other Information: The street is lined with shops, local eateries, and galleries. Nighttime illumination highlights the canal reflections and traditional architecture, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: "8:00 AM – 9:00 PM"

  • Ticket Price:
    Xitang Ancient Town Entrance: ¥100 (full ticket)
    Discounted: ¥50 (students, seniors)
  • Best Photo Spots: Canal bridges, arched stone pathways, reflections in water at sunrise or sunset, lantern-lit streets at night, traditional wooden shop fronts.
  • Time Reference: 1–2 hours to walk through Beizha Street; 3–4 hours to explore other streets and canals of Xitang.
  • Other Information: Visit early morning to avoid crowds, or evening for illuminated canal reflections. Weekends can be crowded with tourists and photography enthusiasts. Walking shoes recommended.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury:
    Xitang Yunhe Boutique Hotel (西塘运河精品酒店)
    Xitang Hua Yun Hotel (西塘华云酒店)
  • Mid-range:
    Xitang Riverside Inn (西塘河畔客栈)
    Xitang Ancient Town Hotel (西塘古镇酒店)
  • Budget & Boutique:
    Xitang Youth Hostel (西塘青年旅舍)
    Waterfront Guesthouse (水乡客栈)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    Xitang White Fish Soup (西塘白鱼汤)
    Steamed River Crab (清蒸河蟹)
    Glutinous Rice Dumplings (粽子)
  • Famous Spots:
    Xitang Old Town Restaurant (西塘老街餐厅)
    Canal View Tea House (水巷茶馆)
    Lantern Street Snacks (灯街小吃)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • "Traditional silk scarves, bamboo handicrafts, handmade fans, miniature canal models, local snacks like dried river fish and glutinous rice cakes."

Transportation

  • "From Shanghai: Take high-speed train or bus to Jiashan, then taxi or local bus to Xitang (~1.5 hours). From Hangzhou: Bus or taxi (~1 hour). Walking is the primary way to explore Beizha Street; small electric carts are available for short-distance travel in the town."

Nearby Attractions

  • "Within 2 km: East Gate Street (东栅街) ~1 km, Ancestral Hall of Shen Family (沈厅) ~0.5 km, Canal-side Piers ~0.3 km, Xitang Museum (西塘博物馆) ~1.5 km; reachable by walking along the canals or cobblestone paths."

Tips for Visitors

  • "Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets. Visit early morning or late evening for fewer crowds. Bring cash for small shops and snacks. Respect local residential areas. Photography is best during sunrise, sunset, or lantern-lit evenings. Avoid weekends if seeking a quieter experience."

Recommended itineraries

  • Half-Day Cultural Walk:
    D1: Beizha Street (北栅街) → Canal-side Piers → Lantern Street Snacks
    Transportation: Walking
  • Full-Day Xitang Exploration:
    D1: Beizha Street → East Gate Street (东栅街) → Shen Family Ancestral Hall (沈厅) → Canal-side Tea House → Evening Lantern Walk
    Transportation: Walking or electric carts
  • 2-Day Water Town Immersion:
    D1: Beizha Street → East Gate Street → Canal Bridges → Photography Session
    D2: Xitang Museum → Riverside Tea Houses → Nighttime Lantern Walk → Local Dinner
    Transportation: Walking, electric cart, short taxi rides

User Reviews

By Thirty years old |

This street is packed with snacks and restaurants. But I went to a particularly good one. A very chic restaurant called Denghuo Lanshan Restaurant is right on this street. I stopped by last time and had a meal there. It has many riverfront locations, is affordable, and the food is delicious. Its prime riverfront location is a real shame to miss.

By Passenger Journey |

Xitang is a very lively street, suitable for strolling

By Watercolor car and Melaleuca |

The bars and coffee shops on this side of Beizha Street are very quiet. Locals still live in many places. Melodic tunes and the sound of radios can often be heard in the alleys. Life in the water town continues here.

By Excep_M |

Wuzhen, a place worth visiting, where you will be reluctant to leave and leave unforgettable memories...

By J Bear |

It feels like West Street. I went there at night and during the day.

It feels great to take photos no matter it is day or night

By C^H_E^N |

The Jiangnan water town is unique and worth visiting.

By Ray |

I have been working here for nearly half a month. I have been almost everywhere in Beida Street and Madao Lane. It is really deserted hhh

By A person as quiet as a chrysanthemum |

I walked along the road and each alley in Xitang a little bit. Because I went there twice, I walked around more thoroughly. I personally like Xitang more. It is also a representative of the Jiangnan water town. It is quite good.

By Avatar |

A street in Xitang Ancient Town, along the river, very quiet

By AllenL AllenL |

Compared to the noisy bars on Tangdong Street, the bars and cafes on the Beizha Street side are much quieter, but the melodious tunes coming from the shops from time to time often make passers-by slow down their pace and turn their heads to look in the direction of the sound.

By In 2014, I walked through Jiangnan |

A north-south street, perpendicular to the Misty Rain Corridor, but much quieter than the Misty Rain Corridor

By World Peace |

Walking on this street, looking at the dazzling array of goods, and taking a leisurely stroll is really a great feeling.

By |

Xitang Rainbow Inn is located near Wolong Bridge in the Xitang Ancient Town scenic area, opposite the Yellow Rice Wine House and adjacent to the Misty Corridor. It offers an elegant environment and beautiful scenery. The hotel offers a variety of rooms, including single, double, and standard rooms, each with a king-size bed decorated with antique carvings. Rooms are fully equipped with free broadband internet access (some with computers), digital TVs, air conditioning, private bathrooms, and toiletries. Affordable accommodations are ideal for families and friends, where you can enjoy tea, conversation, and bamboo rafting by the river, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We welcome you to stay.

By FFFFFF |

Every street is lined with shops of all kinds. Beizha Street is probably the most famous, with the ferry terminal at the end. There are also many shops along the street.

They sell all kinds of ethnic-themed items at reasonable prices. Those who like ethnic styles can enjoy shopping. My friend and I each bought a few as souvenirs.

By Young |

As soon as we entered the gate, we were on Beizha Street, which is located in Xitang Ancient Town. At the end of the street is the famous Wolong Bridge. Beizha Street is home to various shops, inns and restaurants, making it a popular street.

By early summer |

A must-go for anyone going to Xitang. It's very small and you can walk around it in an hour. There are all kinds of bars here, and at night the bars are colorful and lively, and the prices are not cheap. The environment here is very relaxing. I personally like it very much. It's very quiet, with small bridges, flowing water and people's homes. I will go again!

By Carina Sissi |

Walking on this street, looking at the dazzling array of goods, taking a leisurely walk, it really feels good.

By Tracy McGrady |

It is basically enough to go to Xizha and Dongzha. In fact, it is not necessary to go here.

By User Ellipse |

There is a street in Xitang Ancient Town that is very crowded with tourists. I remember there were many restaurants on this street. One of the restaurants even raised alpacas. They were not used for eating, but to attract customers.

By Giant vetch in the reed marsh |

The inn we booked was nearby. When we came back from the bar street at night, there were not many people here. It felt special to walk slowly. The years were quiet and peaceful.

By A small lamp! |

There are very few local people, almost all of them are tourists, it is very crowded, and the public facilities need to be improved.

By Siberian wolf |

It's too commercialized now, it's meaningless

By Glamorou$ |

Walking on the narrow stone path in the corridor, it feels like going back to the Qing Dynasty, my favorite Li Wei is an official in the Jiangnan Water Village.

By Lazy Cat |

Personally, I think Beizha Street is an extension of the Misty Corridor.

By Zhao Huoding |

Beizha Street is located in the ancient town of Xitang, and at the end of the street is the famous Wolong Bridge.

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 rush through them with the crowds and not really know the differences between them.

By Kangaroo Country's Cousin |

Xitang, one of China's first ten famous historical and cultural towns, has been inscribed on UNESCO's tentative list for World Cultural Heritage. The old town boasts a 250,000-square-meter complex of well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, a scale and exceptionally well-preserved site rarely seen in Jiangnan. The ancient Jiangnan waterside village landscape has shaped Xitang's rich natural landscape, with streets crisscrossed by rivers and residential buildings built alongside the water. Within the one-square-kilometer old town, there are 27 stone bridges, 122 ancient alleys, and over a thousand meters of covered corridors. Nearly 20 attractions are also featured, including the West Garden, Zhongfu Hall, Shipi Lane, Root Carving Museum, Button Museum, Holy Hall, Seven Lords Temple, and Ni Tianzeng's ancestral home.

By Ten Miles of Spring Breeze |

After a day of sightseeing in Xitang, the weather was unpredictable in summer, with both blazing sunshine and torrential rain. We took shelter at Qiantang Renjia (a Chinese restaurant). It was lunchtime, and there were so many tourists lining up. Perhaps that's why everyone was rushing to try the food. Finally, I was hungry, and finally, I was treated to a delicious meal. It was a delightful experience to sit by the window and enjoy the view. I still savor the steamed pork with rice flour. Its glutinous texture left a lingering aftertaste. I'm going to try it again when I have time. It was fantastic!

By Elk |

Personally, I think Beizha Street is an extension of the Misty Rain Corridor. The things here are basically the same as those in the Misty Rain Corridor.

By 皜[hào] |

Xitang still has a strong commercial atmosphere, the only difference is that many local people still live there.

I went there twice, but I didn't buy tickets, so I didn't go into the attractions.

By Cappuccino |

It is adjacent to the Misty Corridor, located by the river, and has various specialty shops.

By Little beautiful pig 🎀 |

In contrast, the alleys of Xitang are lined with stalls selling small items. However, they retain their local character and haven't become overly commercialized due to tourism. Take a stroll and experience the local life.

By Unless |

For the attractions in Xitang, I recommend 4 stars because Xitang is a place worth visiting, especially at night.

By Heart is far away |

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

By A small six |

The scenery of Jiangnan ancient town should be fresh to those who are not from Jiangnan. In fact, there are often such scenes in Shaoxing, such as Baji Bridge, the hometown of scholars, Cangqiao Street. Why did I advertise it? It’s just that I went to Xitang four years ago. At that time, I didn’t see the scenery, but saw the people who saw the scenery.

By Island Mountain No. 17 |

Connecting to Wolong Bridge, the corridor street is lined with a variety of snacks and souvenir shops. At night, the bright lights illuminate the dark tiles and gray walls.

By Wendy |

Xizha is really worth a visit, with natural wind and shadows and many well-preserved buildings.

By Mars Crystal |

I met two dogs... One is probably a shaved Old English Sheepdog... The other is a silly little Samoyed... The little Samoyed is so cute...

By Baby elk |

The scenic spots in Xitang Ancient Town are quite good and full of ancient charm.

By Warm World Travel |

The most famous street, the Misty Corridor, is very charming.

By anjella_w |

A famous scenic spot in Xitang Scenic Area, you can walk there.

By Half Heart |

Xitang is not big. I stayed in the north gate of the scenic area and walked around Xitang many times in two days.

By Go with the flow |

It's a great feeling, especially the bar street

By Grass on the horizon |

I'm not commenting on this place, I locked it and unlocked it and it finally worked. I've been there and it's not bad.

By Peak wearing a straw hat |

Compared to the hustle and bustle of West Street and Bar Street, Beizha Street is much quieter and less crowded, so you can stroll along slowly!

By Flowers fade and fly |

Xitang is the most beautiful ancient town I have ever visited, and its development is also relatively reasonable.

By Ming Ruo Xiyan |

A famous street in Xitang, with snack shops, handicrafts and other specialty shops.

By sushi0451 |

It's a beautiful street, especially beautiful at night when the sun sets.

By Coffee Afternoon Tea |

Beizha Street is located in Xitang, and at the end of the street is the famous Wolong Bridge. There are all kinds of shops on Beizha Street, and it is a good place to buy some souvenirs to take home.

By Jesse |

Several famous small towns in China have fallen~~~

By Lorina |

There are all kinds of special snacks and literary shops, selling everything.

By The wingless |

Beizha Street is closely connected to the Misty Rain Corridor. After crossing the Yongning Bridge and walking straight ahead, you will reach Beishan Street, which is similar to the Misty Rain Corridor, and there is also a cute alpaca.

By WPX |

There are many specialty shops on the street, it's interesting to visit

By ‥♡Domineering Little White Rabbit |

There are many shops selling ethnic styles. I bought two. The decoration is very Chinese and comfortable. The street is full of paintings of misty Jiangnan. It is very beautiful.

By Tickets |

Xitang is a great place for encounters. Drinking and listening to music in the bar street at night is very exciting. The ticket price is 100 yuan, which includes three combined tickets for small attractions. It seems that entry is free before 07:00 or after 17:00, or if you book a local inn, the owner will take you in for free. The food there is relatively cheap. Compared with other scenic spots where eating is very expensive, this place is still very cost-effective.

By Xixi - Wen Xiaoyin |

Beizha Street has many shops, delicious food and beautiful scenery along the way. It is a beautiful road.

By orange |

The easternmost end is the Wolong Bridge Pier. It’s great to walk to the end and take a small boat!

By sll |

One of the main streets, it has the characteristics of Xitang, with waterfront, covered corridors, lanterns, and Jiangnan style.

By Clouds disperse and rain falls |

Walking on such a path requires cheongsam, oil-paper umbrella, and light rain.

By LAREINAT |

In Xitang, we walked and ate, wandered through the ancient streets, and waited for the night to come.

By Sea breeze boat |

Beizha Street is an ancient street on the west bank of the Xitang River. Covered with covered porches, it can also be described as a misty corridor. The commercial atmosphere of this street is slightly less, making it quite leisurely to walk around.

By Candy |

Beizha Street is along the river, very close to the bar street. I went there several years ago and I don’t know if it has changed now.

By Mint |

It’s okay, but generally not as beautiful as Xizha and Dongzha!

By He Yi Mi Huo_Eva |

I like Xitang very much. I stayed here for four days and was very happy every day.

By saikte |

Xitang is an ancient town with small bridges, flowing water, and houses, but it is still a bit commercial at night.

By Never miss Z |

The cobblestone streets and various specialty shops are perfect for a leisurely stroll and a taste of the local culture. This is the charm of the ancient town.

By Summer, summer, summer, summer |

It is located on the north side, so it is called Beizha Street, which is more famous. I went there early. I have the impression that the ticket to Xitang is about 100 RMB. Bring your student ID. I guess there are discounts in many places, but not all. Beizha Street is in one direction along the river in Xitang. It is mainly an ancient street. There are pillars on the riverside to assist support and protect safety. There are characteristic streets such as Bar Street next to it to meet the needs of all kinds of tourists. You can experience eating, drinking and having fun here. The flow of people is not very large. It is a relatively quiet area that meets the needs of tourists who like a comfortable, quiet and slow life. There are also many inns for overuse. The prices are affordable and the environment is also very good. Standing on Beizha Street, the view on the opposite bank is very good, and the night view is panoramic when night falls.

By Mingyang |

Beizha Street is brightly lit at night, with a constant stream of people, and it is very lively. I took pictures of the scenery on the other side of the river on this street.

By A raincoat to protect the life |

After passing the Misty Corridor, you will arrive at Beizha Street. There are relatively fewer people here, so you can quietly appreciate the charm of the Jiangnan water town.

By Jenna |

I remember the entrance fee to Xitang being around 100 RMB. I'm sure you'll get discounts at many places with your student ID, but not all. Beizha Street, which runs along the Xitang River, is a charming, quaint street with pillars along the river for added safety. Nearby, there's a bar street and other unique streets, catering to all tastes. Enjoy a wide variety of dining, entertainment, and fun.

By By chance |

Compared with other streets in Xitang, Beizha Street is a relatively quiet street. Because of this, it is also a very authentic ancient street.

By Lillian__ wants to get what she wants |

It's quite lively and you can also see the swan boats next to it.

By Still Happy Meatballs |

During the day, you can see various women's needlework and local food, buy a local shawl, and watch the beautiful night view at night.


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