Shipi Lane

石皮弄

The narrowest part of Shipi Lane, located between the Wang and Feng residences, is only 0.8 meters wide. When you look up, you see a long and narrow strip of sky, which is known as the "One Line of Sky" in Xitang.
The lane is 68 meters long and is paved with 216 stone slabs only three centimeters thick. Under the stone slabs is a sewer that prevents water from accumulating in rainy days. The skin-thin stone slabs serve as the surface of the sewer, which is also the origin of the name Shipi Lane.
The red lanterns dotted in the narrow and long alleys fully display the charm of the ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, China" (浙江嘉善县)

  • History: XiTang is an ancient water town with over 1,000 years of history. It was historically a hub for silk trade and water transport during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its narrow alleys and stone bridges preserve the feeling of ancient Jiangnan culture.
  • Architecture: XiTang features classic Jiangnan-style architecture, including black-tiled houses, white-washed walls, carved wooden doors, and stone bridges over canals. XiTang Stone Alley (石皮弄) is a key area where the stone-paved streets reflect traditional water town layout.
  • Cultural Value: The town embodies traditional water town lifestyle, ancient crafts, and local folk culture. XiTang has been the filming location for multiple movies and TV dramas due to its historical charm.
  • Other Information: The canals are connected to small stone alleys, allowing visitors to experience gondola-like boat rides. The town preserves ancient lifestyle with teahouses, embroidery shops, and local artisan workshops.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: "07:00–18:00"

  • Ticket Price: Adult: 80 RMB
    Student: 50 RMB
    Children under 1.2m: Free
  • Best Photo Spots: Stone-paved alleys of 石皮弄, Covered bridges, Small canals with reflection, Traditional wooden doors, XiTang ancient riverboats.
  • Time Reference: Morning (08:00–10:00) for quiet alley photos; late afternoon (16:00–18:00) for sunset reflections on the water.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: XiTang Xinhua Hotel (西塘新华宾馆)
    XiTang Fuli Hotel (西塘富丽酒店)
  • Mid-range: XiTang Yanxi Boutique Hotel (西塘燕喜精品酒店)
    XiTang Shijia Inn (西塘世家客栈)
  • Budget & Boutique: XiTang Stone Alley Hostel (西塘石皮弄青年旅舍)
    XiTang River Breeze Inn (西塘河风客栈)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Wonton Soup (馄饨)
    Steamed River Shrimp (清蒸河虾)
    Sticky Rice Dumplings (粽子)
    Pork Belly with Soy Sauce (红烧肉)
  • Famous Spots: XiTang Old Street Restaurant (西塘老街饭店)
    Stone Alley Teahouse (石皮弄茶馆)
    Riverfront Noodle Shop (河边面馆)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Silk products (silk scarves, clothing)
    Handmade embroidery
    Local tea (龙井茶 or 西塘绿茶)
    Traditional clay figurines and mini water town models

Transportation

  • From Shanghai: Take the high-speed train to Jiaxing (嘉兴), then taxi or local bus to XiTang (~30 min).
    From Hangzhou: Take a bus to Jiashan County or drive (~1.5 hours).
    Within the town: Walkable; small canals allow boat rides for scenic transport.

Nearby Attractions

  • Jiashan National Wetland Park (嘉善国家湿地公园) – 1.5 km, take taxi or bike.
    XiTang Ancient Bridges (西塘古桥群) – 0.5 km, walk.
    XiTang West Street (西塘西街) – 0.8 km, walk along stone alleys.

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable shoes; stone alleys can be slippery.
    Best visiting season: Spring and Autumn.
    Early morning or late afternoon are best for avoiding crowds.
    Bring cash; some small shops may not accept cards.
    Respect local residents; some areas are residential.
    Try to take a short boat ride for unique photography angles.
    Summer can be hot and humid, bring water and sun protection.

Recommended itineraries

  • D1: XiTang 石皮弄 → XiTang West Street (西街) → XiTang Ancient Bridges (古桥群) → Lunch at Riverfront Noodle Shop → Evening gondola ride along canals. (All within walking distance)
  • D1: Hangzhou → XiTang (by bus/train) → Afternoon explore XiTang Stone Alley (石皮弄) → Dinner at XiTang Old Street Restaurant → Stay overnight at XiTang Yanxi Boutique Hotel (西塘燕喜精品酒店)
    D2: Morning boat ride on canals → Visit Jiashan National Wetland Park (嘉善国家湿地公园) by taxi/bike → Return to XiTang for tea at Stone Alley Teahouse → Evening photos at sunset.
  • D1: Shanghai → Jiaxing by high-speed train → Taxi to XiTang → Explore Stone Alley (石皮弄) and XiTang West Street (西街) → Stay at XiTang River Breeze Inn (河风客栈)
    D2: Visit XiTang Ancient Bridges → Take local crafts workshop tour → Lunch at local teahouse → Evening stroll and photography along canals.

User Reviews

By Binbin |

Shipi Lane in the scenic area is a very narrow alley. If two people were to cross it, they would probably have to turn sideways. The alley is quite long. As you walk from one end to the other, you might run into other tourists, so both of you would have to turn sideways to greet each other.

By Chu Yunfei QQ |

The narrow alleys are like a crack in the sky, just like the ancient stories, which are interesting.

By DrZou |

The narrowest part of Shipi Lane, located between the Wang and Feng residences, is only 0.8 meters wide. Looking up, you can see a long and narrow strip of sky, which is known as the "One Line of Sky" in Xitang.

By Yan Niu |

Shipi Lane is an alley formed between two residences of the descendants of the Wang family. It is paved with 216 stone slabs and is 68 meters long, with the narrowest point being only 0.8 meters.

By Yutongfay |

Xitang First Lane [Shipi Lane]:

Xitang is really small, with only 4-5 alleys. Shipi Lane is the most distinctive one. In fact, the main reason I went to Shipi Lane was to

After going to Zunwen Hall, I happened to see a photographer taking pictures of a model for the cover. I felt that Shipi Lane was really an ancient open-air lane.

It is very narrow, even narrower than the Chuanxin Lane in Tongli, and only one person can pass through. It is rare in the north, and it feels like a romantic encounter in the past.

The door of Zunwen Hall is located in the upper middle part of the alley. It feels like a thousand years ago, two people turned sideways in the alley and had a romantic encounter with the girl in Zunwen Hall.

Prince of the Wang family

By Qiu Yinan |

Xitang has many small alleys like this. The most famous is Shipinong. This photo I took is from Yejia Lane. It's slightly wider than Shipinong.

I have a natural fondness for narrow alleys like this, but there are so many of them that I haven't walked through them all.

By Xin Yao |

This is Shipinong in the morning. It's much more beautiful this time of day than at noon. And whether you're walking from south to north or vice versa, you don't have to worry about people approaching from the other side. I've also found Shipinong to be quite photogenic, and the photos I took there are quite beautiful.

By Lin Xiaobin |

A very narrow alley, which is very common elsewhere, has become a tourist attraction in Xitang.

By Watercolor car and Melaleuca |

A very unique alley at the end of Xitang West Street. The black wall looks like it has been cast a spell, with ghostly words all over it.

The sewers are paved with thin slabs of stone, hence the name Shipi Lane. A narrow alley only 80 centimeters wide, it's best to go to the innermost part and look outwards for photos. It's also a scenic spot called "A Line of Sky."

By Silent Valley Facing the Wind |

Between the west side of Zhongfu Hall (Wang's residence) and Wenzun Hall (Feng's residence) lies the 0.8-1.1-meter-wide Shipi Lane. Originally a passageway between the two halls, the 68-meter-long lane was paved with 216 3-centimeter-thick stone slabs, with a sewer running beneath them.

By Happy monkey |

Shipinong is a narrow alley connecting Xitang West Street, about 80 centimeters at its narrowest point. It's a common sight for photographers seeking out the sights, often becoming the subject of their own curiosity. There are several small inns within the alley, one of which has an interesting sign at its entrance.

By Jenny |

Shipi Lane, at the end of Xitang West Street, is named after the thin stone slabs that line the sewers. This narrow lane, only 80 centimeters wide, is best photographed from the innermost lane. It's also a scenic spot called "A Line of Sky."

By Quiet Dawn |

It is the most famous lane in Xitang. Among the 122 lanes of different lengths in Xitang Town, Shipi Lane is the narrowest, only 1 meter wide and only 0.8 meters at the narrowest part of the lane entrance. It is 68 meters long and paved with 216 stones. The lane surface is flat, making it the longest lane in Xitang.

By China-TravelNote users |

The 2012 Dragon Boat Festival holiday is here. What if two fat guys run into each other? 😊

By oath707 |

The first time I came to Xitang was in 2011, with my beloved

By Red Tin Man |

Shipi Lane, a lane formed between two residences of descendants of the Wang family, is paved with 168 slabs of stone. It is 68 meters long and only 0.8 meters wide at its narrowest point. Underneath the slabs is a sewer that prevents water from accumulating during rainy days. The sewer is lined with thin, leather-like slabs, hence the name Shipi Lane.

By ┄ˇ |

One man guards the pass, ten thousand men cannot break through. This alley is too narrow for two fat men to pass through.

By Xiaobao |

A famous alley in Xitang is narrower and smaller than you might imagine.

By Garfield |

A small alley with bluestone paving, very historical

By Irene |

In the early morning, walk along the cobblestone road and wander through the small alleys, looking for the narrow stone lanes with a strong sense of history.

By MASK🌸 |

The narrowest part is an alleyway where only one person can pass.

By The red star guides me to fight |

Xitang has a plethora of alleyways paved with bluestone slabs. Having visited many southern towns, I've found this style to be ubiquitous. Shipi Lane is a must-see. The alleyways are incredibly narrow, but precisely because they're so narrow, they feel incredibly long and narrow. Even slightly overweight people would have a hard time walking side by side.

If you like taking photos, you must take some here. I took a lot of photos of the father and son with my camera, but my husband was disgusted by them all, saying that they didn't capture the charm of the place.

By Flowers sleep with time |

A small alley has its own style and charm.

By The wind blows far into the summer |

2015.4

This should be the most authentic place in Xitang

By Chen🔥🔥 |

You have to be very lucky to take a photo of Shipi Lane without anyone around.

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 Travel cultural heritage |

In fact, it is just an ordinary Jiangnan ancient town or an ordinary alley in the city, nothing special.

By mimi |

The narrow stone lane where time passes by

By Ziqin |

It's a very narrow alley, only wide enough for one person to pass through. It's very difficult to hold an umbrella when it rains.

By Seagull |

Shipi Lane is the longest alley in Xitang. It's deep and narrow, its stones as thin as leather. Finding its traces, the mottled walls tell of time. The eye-catching inn signs reflect the passage of time. The clash of old and new creates a somewhat jarring contrast.

By Cherry buns |

I visited Xitang in 2011 and stayed there for three nights, exploring every corner of the city. I stayed in a youth hostel in Shipinong. The narrow alleys, the rich history, the leisurely lifestyle, and the wonderful memories...

By Ta-da |

It's worth a look, take pictures and walk, the alley can only be passed by one person

By Shuishui |

There are many such lanes in Xitang. I went to find the legendary Shipi Lane for a film or TV series.

By Flightless sheep |

A very narrow alley, a must-see when visiting Xitang, it is well-known

By mumu |

A very narrow alley, only wide enough for one person to pass through, not very long, with mottled walls

By Mr. House |

Although Xitang has over 120 lanes, the most popular and narrowest is Shipi Lane… It’s quite narrow, but after visiting Chuanxin Lane in Tongli, I realized it’s not that narrow after all; there’s no single-person lane… However, if it rains a little, and a girl walks by with an oil-paper umbrella, the narrow bluestone streets are truly breathtaking.

By Walking on thin ice |

Shipinong is just a small alley, narrow and long, and it is the landmark of the ancient town. Only after passing through Shipinong can you really enter the ancient town. Outside Shipinong, it is not much different from many other towns.

By Ancient Yao |

This alleyway best reflects the characteristics of Jiangnan, with its narrow and narrow shape and mottled stone walls, which are full of historical charm.

By Brick brick brick brick brick brick |

A restaurant that Brother Rabbit recommended, but I don’t remember the name very well~

But the Laoya wontons are delicious, and the wontons are really super big~~

It was too much for two people to finish, and we ate almost half of it.

The soup tastes good too. It seems to be a famous local dish.

But don’t eat the steamed pork with rice flour. I don’t think it tastes very good.

By Hunter |

Ancient charm, beautiful scenery, classic attractions.

By 3225546 |

Shipi Lane is the longest lane in Xitang. It is nice to take photos. It is free of charge. It is just one lane.

By Violent Little Lamb |

When we were dating, we traveled for the first time and we were still very young!

By China-TravelNote users |

Plan, plan ...

By I am happy |

It's a narrow alley, not too long, not as fun as the legend says. Such alleys may be more common in the south, and they are just famous. If there are too many tourists, especially literary young people, and one of them takes pictures inside, people outside can't get in. You have to wait and see. When people have taken enough pictures, the next wave can go in. At the end are two inns. The alley is nice, but it's a pity that it is overshadowed by the billboards on the wall.

By Lazy Cat |

This long Shipi Lane is the longest in Xitang. Its deep and narrow alley, its stones as thin as leather, gives it the name Shipi Lane. Anyone who has visited Xitang will appreciate bluestone paving. Walking through this long alley, whether in the early morning or at sunset, one can see the swaying figures in long skirts trailing the ground, their footsteps echoing crisply on the bluestone slabs. Looking at Shipi Lane, one imagines a courtyard steeped in history, a time of spring and autumn.

By luomeiruyu |

I didn’t expect there are such narrow alleys. Actually, there are quite a lot of them in Xitang.

By Blurred eyes |

A long and narrow alley in Xitang, only two people can pass through

By Yihe |

I like the tranquility of the ancient town. The night in Xitang is quite nice. It is usually too lively.

By Sugar-x1n |

Shipi Lane is an alley formed between two residences of the descendants of the Wang family. It is paved with 216 stone slabs and is 68 meters long, with the narrowest point being only 0.8 meters.

By Xiapu Linsheng |

Shipi Lane, a long and narrow alley, is already filled with inn signs...

By noraclair |

The charm of Jiangnan, with round circles and mottled stone walls.

By On the river bank |

Shipi Lane is a small alley leading from the back door of Wang's Residence, a scenic spot in Xitang. On either side of the alley are the ancient Wang family residences. The alley is narrow, barely wide enough for one person to pass through. One traveler had a rather large backpack, so he had difficulty slipping sideways. Photographing here creates a breathtaking atmosphere of mist and rain. We took a series of photos in Hanfu here. I wonder if, years ago, a man passed by someone in a rainy alley like this and encountered a girl as melancholic as a lilac. At the end of Shipi Lane is a youth hostel; it would surely be a pleasant and enjoyable stay.

By Monster freedoM |

The YHA where I live is in Shipi Lane. It is a deep alley with various green plants on the roadside. It is a very relaxing and comfortable place.

By Psyche |

Shipi Lane is really nice, and I took a lot of photos there, but it's not as narrow as described.

By Support each other! |

When you come here, you must go in and experience it.

By Clouds passing by |

Walking west along West Street to the end, you'll find Xitang's famous Shipi Lane. Originally formed between two residences built by descendants of the Wang family, it's less than a meter wide at its narrowest point. While Xitang is known for its numerous lanes, Shipi Lane is the longest. Walking through this ancient stone-paved alley, one imagines the courtyards steeped in history, a trance-like feeling of time and space intertwined.

By Musen |

I am in Xitang, and will go to Shipinong Ancient Town tomorrow.

By Lin Datie |

Of all the ancient towns in Xitang, Shipin Lane is the most impressive.

By Cape of Good Hope |

Shipin Lane is a famous lane in Xitang and a must-see place for tourists to Xitang. The main reason why this lane is famous is that it is a bluestone road, very narrow - the narrowest part is only 0.8 meters; very deep - as much as 66 meters; very thin - I haven't counted it, but Shipin Lane is genuine, otherwise it would not have the reputation of Shipin Lane. It is a real Shipin Lane in Xitang!

By Minions |

It's antique and worth a visit...

By China-TravelNote user 93077761 |

Real alleys

There's also a small snack bar inside.

The picture can no longer be found

By Island Mountain No. 17 |

Located between two residences of the Wang family, this lane is only 1 meter wide, with the narrowest point being only 0.8 meters. It is 68 meters long and paved with 166 stones. It is the narrowest of the 122 lanes of varying lengths in Xitang. It got its name because the lane is deep and narrow, and the stones are as thin as skin.

By Baby |

Shipinong is really unique and worth a visit. Taking photos in Shipinong is very artistic.

By China-TravelNote user 92915304 |

The place where Mission Impossible was filmed was really shocking. The hotel where I stayed at night was in this alley, and the proprietress was super welcoming.

By Key enzymes |

The alley is on West Street, near Xiyuan. Xitang is bustling, but Shipi Lane, the narrowest lane here, reveals the town's quiet side. Whether looking in from the outside or the inside, looking up at the sky or pausing to gaze at the walls, one can sense its age.

By Mr. Wandering Fat Rabbit |

A very narrow alley with gray brick walls on both sides. It is very tasteful and suitable for various small fresh styles.

By anjella_w |

A key scenic spot where no tickets are required. It is a very narrow alley.

By Stone Mommy |

The long Shipi Lane is the longest alley in Xitang. Its deep and narrow structure, with its stones as thin as leather, gives it the name Shipi Lane. Anyone who has visited Xitang will appreciate the bluestone paving. Walking through this long alley, whether in the early morning or at sunset, one can see the swaying figures in long skirts trailing the ground, their footsteps echoing crisply on the bluestone slabs. Looking at Shipi Lane, one imagines a courtyard steeped in history, a time of spring and autumn.


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