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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.
Attractions Location: No. 258, Nanyuan Road, Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, Xitang Ancient Town Scenic Area (west side)
Tickets:
Included in the Xitang Scenic Area ticket
Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0573-84567890
Transportation:
Walking distance to the ancient town
Time reference: Less than 1 hour
Begin your journey by exploring the scenic canals and ancient streets of XiTang, focusing on Shipi Lane.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in a boutique guesthouse or inn in XiTang Old Town. For dinner, try local dishes along Shipi Lane’s riverside restaurants.
Souvenirs: Handmade fans, embroidered shoes, and local snacks like zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
Delve deeper into XiTang Old Town, exploring the waterways, historic residences, and small museums.
Accommodation/Food: Return to your hotel. Have dinner at a local restaurant featuring seafood and river fish dishes.
Souvenirs: Traditional calligraphy scrolls, silk scarves, and handcrafted miniatures of XiTang buildings.
Visit another famous water town nearby for a contrast to XiTang’s quieter charm.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in XiTang. For dinner, try local snacks like fermented bean curd and XiTang rice cakes.
Souvenirs: Wuzhen blue-print fabric, paper-cut artworks, and local teas.
Combine culture and nature by exploring traditional workshops and nearby natural sites.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in XiTang Old Town. Dinner: try local braised pork and freshwater fish dishes.
Souvenirs: Handmade silk products, painted fans, and local snacks like sugar-coated lotus seeds.
Experience the famous scenic beauty of Hangzhou while staying near XiTang.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in XiTang. Dinner: try local river prawns and steamed fish dishes.
Souvenirs: Hangzhou silk, Longjing tea, and calligraphy sets.
Visit smaller, quieter villages near XiTang for authentic rural charm.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in XiTang. Dinner: try XiTang-style dumplings and fried river shrimp.
Souvenirs: Handmade ceramics, embroidered fabrics, and local preserves.
Conclude your trip with a last walk along Shipi Lane and nearby canals before leaving XiTang.
Accommodation/Food: Depending on departure, have a meal at your accommodation or a nearby restaurant.
Souvenirs: Final purchases of fans, silk scarves, local snacks, and water town-themed souvenirs.
The narrow alleys are like a crack in the sky, just like the ancient stories, which are interesting.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
A very narrow alley, which is very common elsewhere, has become a tourist attraction in Xitang.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
The 2012 Dragon Boat Festival holiday is here. What if two fat guys run into each other? 😊
The first time I came to Xitang was in 2011, with my beloved
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.
One man guards the pass, ten thousand men cannot break through. This alley is too narrow for two fat men to pass through.
A famous alley in Xitang is narrower and smaller than you might imagine.
A small alley with bluestone paving, very historical
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.
The narrowest part is an alleyway where only one person can pass.
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.
A small alley has its own style and charm.
2015.4
This should be the most authentic place in Xitang
You have to be very lucky to take a photo of Shipi Lane without anyone 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.
In fact, it is just an ordinary Jiangnan ancient town or an ordinary alley in the city, nothing special.
The narrow stone lane where time passes by
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.
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.
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...
It's worth a look, take pictures and walk, the alley can only be passed by one person
There are many such lanes in Xitang. I went to find the legendary Shipi Lane for a film or TV series.
A very narrow alley, a must-see when visiting Xitang, it is well-known
A very narrow alley, only wide enough for one person to pass through, not very long, with mottled walls
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.
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.
This alleyway best reflects the characteristics of Jiangnan, with its narrow and narrow shape and mottled stone walls, which are full of historical charm.
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.
Ancient charm, beautiful scenery, classic attractions.
Shipi Lane is the longest lane in Xitang. It is nice to take photos. It is free of charge. It is just one lane.
When we were dating, we traveled for the first time and we were still very young!
Plan, plan ...
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.
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.
I didn’t expect there are such narrow alleys. Actually, there are quite a lot of them in Xitang.
A long and narrow alley in Xitang, only two people can pass through
I like the tranquility of the ancient town. The night in Xitang is quite nice. It is usually too lively.
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.
Shipi Lane, a long and narrow alley, is already filled with inn signs...
The charm of Jiangnan, with round circles and mottled stone walls.
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.
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.
Shipi Lane is really nice, and I took a lot of photos there, but it's not as narrow as described.
When you come here, you must go in and experience it.
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.
I am in Xitang, and will go to Shipinong Ancient Town tomorrow.
Of all the ancient towns in Xitang, Shipin Lane is the most impressive.
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!
It's antique and worth a visit...
Real alleys
There's also a small snack bar inside.
The picture can no longer be found
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.
Shipinong is really unique and worth a visit. Taking photos in Shipinong is very artistic.
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.
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.
A very narrow alley with gray brick walls on both sides. It is very tasteful and suitable for various small fresh styles.
A key scenic spot where no tickets are required. It is a very narrow alley.
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.
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.