Xishi River

西市河

Xizha is the place with the most concentrated night lights. Boating along the Xishi River is like wandering in the river of lights, with lights shining on the water.
Crossing the stone bridges is like traveling through a time tunnel, giving you the feeling of going back in time.
You can stop the boat to carefully read the meaningful bridge couplets and savor the fragments of history and culture in the night.

Attractions Location: In the Xizha Historic District of Wuzhen, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province

Tickets:
Included in the Xizha Scenic Area ticket.

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
0573-88731088

Transportation:
Within walking distance of Xizha Scenic Area

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Xishi River tours

Day 1: WuZhen Xishi River

Begin your visit at WuZhen Xishi River, a picturesque canal area in Wuzhen, famous for its serene waters, traditional houses, and Xishi cultural theme.

  • Morning: Arrive at Wuzhen via bus or train from Hangzhou (~2 hours). Take a taxi (~10 min) to Xishi River area.
  • Late Morning: Walk along the river, explore the historic bridges and houses (~1–1.5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Lunch at a riverside restaurant. Visit nearby Xishi Memorial Hall (~1 hour).
  • Evening: Enjoy an evening stroll along the illuminated river (~30–40 min). Check into a local guesthouse.

Accommodation/Food: Boutique riverside guesthouses or small hotels in Wuzhen. Dinner: local specialties like Wuzhen-style river fish, dumplings, and tea.

Souvenirs: Hand-painted fans, Xishi-themed postcards, local teas, embroidered items.


Day 2: Xishi River & Dongzha Area

Combine scenic walks along Xishi River with cultural exploration in the Dongzha section of Wuzhen.

  • Morning: Taxi (~5 min) to Dongzha Ancient Town. Explore ancient streets and small museums (~2 hours).
  • Afternoon: Lunch at a Dongzha riverside café. Visit Mao Dun Former Residence (~1 hour).
  • Evening: Return to Xishi River (~5 min walk) and enjoy a quiet boat ride (~30 min).

Accommodation/Food: Same as Day 1. Dinner: local snacks, Wuzhen-style pastries, and rice wine.

Souvenirs: Handicrafts, miniature boats, local snacks, Xishi-themed artworks.


Day 3: Xishi River & Wuzhen Water Theater

Explore Xishi River in the morning and enjoy a cultural performance in the afternoon.

  • Morning: Walk along Xishi River, photograph the bridges, and visit local artisan shops (~1–2 hours).
  • Afternoon: Lunch riverside. Walk/taxi (~5 min) to Wuzhen Water Theater for a live performance (~1.5–2 hours).
  • Evening: Return to Xishi River for night photography and canal-side tea (~30 min).

Accommodation/Food: Riverside guesthouse. Dinner: river fish dishes, local dumplings, and Shaoxing rice wine.

Souvenirs: Wuzhen theater memorabilia, local artwork, handcrafted dolls, embroidered textiles.


Day 4: Xishi River & Traditional Crafts

Focus on traditional crafts and cultural experiences around Xishi River.

  • Morning: Walk along Xishi River (~1 hour). Visit artisan workshops, including wood carving and dyeing (~1.5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant. Explore Zhaoming Academy (~1 hour) and Yue Lao Temple (~30–40 min).
  • Evening: Relax at riverside cafés or take a short boat tour (~30 min).

Accommodation/Food: Riverside boutique hotels. Dinner: Wuzhen traditional cuisine, tea, and sweets.

Souvenirs: Hand-dyed fabrics, miniature temple models, handcrafted fans, local snacks.


Day 5: Xishi River & Xizha Scenic Exploration

Expand your visit to Xizha, the more scenic and less crowded part of Wuzhen.

  • Morning: Taxi (~10 min) to Xizha Scenic Area. Explore the canals, gardens, and historic buildings (~2 hours).
  • Afternoon: Lunch at Xizha. Visit China Post (Wuzhen Post Office) and Dragon Shaped Field (~1 hour each).
  • Evening: Return to Xishi River (~10 min). Evening stroll along the canals and small bridges (~30 min).

Accommodation/Food: Boutique guesthouse near Xishi River. Dinner: local river fish, Wuzhen dumplings, and rice wine.

Souvenirs: Xizha postcards, miniature canal boats, handcrafted toys, tea sets.


Day 6: Full Cultural & Scenic Experience

Combine scenic walks, cultural visits, and local performances for a full day experience.

  • Morning: Walk along Xishi River, photograph bridges and waterside houses (~1–1.5 hours).
  • Afternoon: Lunch at a riverside café. Visit Wuzhen Xiqing Hall (~1 hour) and enjoy a small traditional exhibition.
  • Evening: Optional short river cruise (~30 min) and tea tasting at local teahouse (~30 min).

Accommodation/Food: Boutique riverside hotel. Dinner: local cuisine with freshwater fish, traditional pastries, and rice wine.

Souvenirs: Hand-painted fans, embroidered items, miniature canal boats, Wuzhen-themed postcards.


Day 7: Departure & Last Scenic Walk

Spend a relaxing morning at Xishi River before leaving Wuzhen.

  • Morning: Breakfast at hotel. Walk along Xishi River (~1 hour), take last photographs, and shop for souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Taxi (~10 min) to Wuzhen Bus Station or Tongxiang Railway Station for departure.

Accommodation/Food: Breakfast at hotel. Light snacks before departure.

Souvenirs: Shaoxing rice wine, Xishi dolls, embroidered fabrics, postcards, small handcrafted canal models.


User Reviews

By Playing around |

Xishi River is the main river in Xizha Scenic Area. You can take a look at it from every bridge along the river.

By Ariel |

The night view is so beautiful that it makes people speechless. It is different from the beauty during the day.

By Xie Meimei |

The night view here is super beautiful. If I have the chance, I would like to go there again in winter.

By Shiny boy |

The main river in Wuzhen Xizha, with many fish in the river

By Mulan |

I like the look of the small bridge and flowing water at night, it seems like another world.

By Huchiao |

I was walking and came here. The lighting is beautiful. It’s just that my phone didn’t capture the beauty.

By Travel to the edge of the universe |

Xishi River is a small river that passes through Xizha

By Kasin_Chan |

The river that runs through Xizha has many bridges connecting the two banks. The scenery on the bridges is very beautiful.

By raorao |

It's beautiful, especially when night falls and the lights come on.

By Photographer Zhang Yang Parkour📷 |

Although the original residents of Wuzhen's West Street were relocated and the area was redeveloped, it still gives people a very traditional water town feel.

By Li travels all over the world |

The Xishi River within Wuzhen's Xizha Scenic Area is lined with houses, showcasing the charm of the Jiangnan water towns. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the ancient charm, ancient scenery, ancient paths, and ancient customs, creating a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere.

By Secret Escape Plan |

We were lucky in Xizha because the weather was clear and the water was even greener, with none of the murky green of the water in Dongzha. Later we bought boat tickets and tried it out. Hahahaha, you'll pass by the ticket office on the roadside. You can pay attention. It's 30 yuan per person in Dongzha and 60 yuan per person in Xizha. Maybe it's because Xizha is bigger. The boat ride lasted about 20 minutes and was quite worth it. However, the view from the boat was not as good as the view from the road on both sides. It can only be said that it was just the fun of the boat ride.

Looking down at both sides, you can find that although the buildings in Xizha are similar, there are still some differences. Each house is different. There is a corner pavilion next to the house for people to rest. Groups of people often come here, and people take pictures from time to time. The actual number of people in Xizha is similar to the picture below. It is said that traveling during the National Day is to change places to see the sea of people. Compared with the attractions in Shanghai, Wuzhen has more roads and the people are dispersed, so it is not much.

Because it was already afternoon when we took the boat tour, the sun was setting and the afterglow fell on the buildings nearby, making them look particularly charming and warm yellow. We were in the extremely quiet boat, listening to the bustling noise outside, which was a unique experience.

By Mouse |

The same lighting bars as all the ancient towns, boring

By stevedom |

The Xishi River at night is very impressive. Although the lights are still a bit garish, it is beautiful to walk on the stone road beside the river alley at night.

By Be the best version of yourself(*^_ |

The river that runs through Xizha has beautiful scenery along the way.

By Yan Xiaobai |

Xishi River runs through the entire scenic area. Basically, you can visit all the scenic spots by walking along both sides of the river a few times.

By Silent Valley Facing the Wind |

Wuzhen's Xishi River runs parallel to Xizha Street, running through the entire area. Yuanbao Lake connects to the river on its south side, making it a convenient entry and exit point for cruise ships. The night view of this river is also one of Wuzhen's most worthwhile attractions.

By Devil—— |

Xishi River—This is where the most vibrant nighttime lights of Xizha are concentrated. Boating along the river feels like wandering in a river of lights, with lights reflecting off the water. Crossing the stone bridges feels like stepping through a time tunnel, a sense of stepping back in time. You can stop to peruse the meaningful bridge couplets, savoring fragments of history and culture in the night.

By Zheng Aiyan |

When I sit casually on the rowing boat, cruising along the Xishi River, feeling the cool breeze on the river, and looking at the night view of Wuzhen illuminated by lights, I want to say, it’s a good thing that I’m here.

By It's okay to bask in the sun |

When you arrive in Wuzhen, you can see the night view from Xizha, which is really nice. However, you should never go when it is crowded. The huge crowds of people will really make you lose interest in shopping.

By Moonlight Meditation_17714 |

The attractions in Wuzhen are all together in Xizha. You can see them all by walking around. When the lights are turned on at night, it is very beautiful.

By Blue. |

The night view is very beautiful, you must take photos here when you go to Wuzhen!

By Tang Xiaoji |

The Xishi River in Wuzhen is a tributary of the Grand Canal, and the old post office of Wuzhen is located on the bank of the Xishi River.

By Jenny |

The Jiangnan scenery of pink walls and black tiles, small bridges and flowing water, and houses evoke a distinctly Jiangnan water town feel. At night, the lights are dazzling and bustling with activity. This is Wuzhen's main scenic area, considered the most illuminated area at night and boasting the most beautiful night views. If you take a boat, you can cruise along the Xishi River, taking in the nightscape on both sides and the people enjoying dinner. It's a truly relaxing experience.

By +Blue Rose+ |

Xishi River runs through Xizha from east to west, and a network of small canals divides Xizha into many small islands, each connected by dozens of ancient stone bridges. Old buildings are built along the water, creating a typical Jiangnan water village scene of small bridges and flowing water.

By Little gray mouse with little turtle |

Xishi River, located within Wuzhen's Xizha Scenic Area, runs east-west, offering the most stunning and concentrated nightscape of the entire area. The river is narrow, barely wide enough for two wupeng boats (black-sailed boats) to sail side by side. Houses line its banks, not neatly arranged but meandering along the water's surface, exuding the unique charm of a Jiangnan water town. During the day, the bustling crowds of tourists drown out the allure. At night, the lights illuminate the Xishi River, the houses on both sides, and the stone bridges over it, transforming it into a breathtaking fairytale. Several riverside cafes and teahouses offer a breathtaking evening experience, offering a relaxing cup of tea on a chair overlooking the river, appreciating the changing nightscape. Alternatively, take a wupeng boat downstream, crossing the stone arch bridges and marvel at the dazzling lights on both sides. A visit to Wuzhen shouldn't miss Xishi River; this fairytale-like scenery is unforgettable!

By Gao Shan Jing Xing |

Xishi River is the most dazzling part of Xizha's nightscape. Flowing along the river, a dazzling display of lights crisscrosses the paths. During the day, the streets are bustling with people, and at night, the activity becomes even more vibrant, with tourists taking photos and admiring the scenery on the bridges. At night, the river, illuminated by the lights, dazzles with its dazzling beauty, immersing you in the tranquility of the ancient town. Walking along the cobblestone paths and strolling through the streets is even more captivating than during the day. Amidst the dazzling lights, a stillness and tranquility descends, drowning out the clamor of human voices, only the chirping of cicadas echoes, further heightening the sense of tranquility and serenity. At night, the Xishi River, illuminated by the lights, is breathtakingly beautiful. Boating along the river feels like floating on a river of lights, the lights reflecting off the water, and the gentle movement of the oars creates a feeling of glittering silver. Crossing the stone bridges is like traveling through time tunnels. If you are interested, you can stop the boat and read the meaningful couplets carefully, savoring fragments of history and culture in the night.

By Xiao Qing'er |

I took a ride from Suzhou to Wuzhen, and the Didi fare was only 90 yuan. The night view here is beautiful. I arrived on the 15th day of the lunar calendar, and the moon was big and round. It was great~ But I think the ticket price for Wuzhen is too expensive~

By Flying LOUIS🐿 |

Very suitable for taking pictures, the night view is very unique, good

By Wuzhen Station |

Take a boat ride along the Xishi River, cross stone bridges, and savor fragments of history and culture in the night without worrying that the streets as bright as day will ruin your mood of seeking seclusion.

By Wuzhen Station |

The Xishi River is beautiful from morning to night, accompanied by gentle snow and gentle night. The small town on a snowy day seems particularly quiet, exuding the flavor of Jiangnan.

By Wuzhen Station |

The clear water of Xishi River reflects the blue sky in autumn. On the emerald lake are located the "Twelve Constellations Couples Rooms" transformed from "fishing nets". The old fishermen's shelters for "fishing and guarding the nets" have been transformed into "Twelve Constellations Couples Rooms" surrounded by water, which have a unique romantic atmosphere.

By Hello Youth |

The scenery of Xizha at night is beautiful and worth seeing

By Backpackers traveling in the South |

No matter day or night, it is impeccable. No more words, please see the picture

By Colorful Wind |

The traffic volume and density of ships on the Xishi River in Xizha are so large that even the Grand Canal cannot match it. However, if you can put aside the clamor of people and the competition for the photo location on a small bridge, the night view of Xizha can be described as "ingeniously conceived and grand in scale."

By Edison, South |

The night view of Xishi River is very beautiful, with the bright lights on both sides, which has a very classical atmosphere. There are many bridges on Xishi River, which connect the two sides and are a beautiful landscape.

By Avatar |

The night view of Xishi River is beautiful and it is the most beautiful section of Wuzhen.

By applexxw |

I passed by here after watching a play in the evening. Wuzhen was very quiet at night. As soon as I walked onto the bridge, the street lights went out. . .

By La la la |

If there were fewer tourists, it would be a great place.

By Flowers sleep with time |

The night view of Wuzhen is naturally very beautiful.

By AllenL AllenL |

Xishi River seems like a dream from another world, with colorful lights reflecting off each other and the tower in Bailian Temple brightly lit.

The brightly lit Xishi River at night becomes the most beautiful place in the entire Wuzhen. Such a scenery will definitely make people unforgettable and fascinating.

By flow |

We chose this place because Xitang in Zhouzhuang was overdeveloped; it’s not bad.

By Si Nian |

This is a must-see, and you must take a boat tour. It's nice to watch it during the day, but the boat tour we did at night really made me feel like I was part of it.

By Stand on tiptoe |

The daytime is calm and the scenery is pleasant, while the night is brightly lit and has a unique flavor.

By Mood |

Xishi River is the most beautiful place for the night view of Xizha lights and a good place for night photography of Wuzhen.

By Shikamaru is afraid of trouble |

The Xishi River at night is dazzling under the light. Feeling the tranquility of the ancient town, walking on the cobblestone road and strolling through the streets of the ancient town are more charming than during the day.

By Zhao Huoding |

It fits my imagination of the rivers in the Jiangnan water town, with rippling blue waves and melodious emerald green. The small stream ripples in the water, seemingly quiet but not quiet.

By Little Nine Nine |

The night tour is great. You can take a boat ride, experience the night cruise on the Xishi River, visit small shops along the river, and release river lanterns.

By cc |

During peak season, you'll have to queue up to visit Xishi River. You can share a boat or charter your own, with prices ranging from 60-60 per person. The boat ride takes over half an hour and is a truly unique experience. Xishi River is illuminated around 6 p.m., and it's at its most beautiful when the lights are on. The entire river is illuminated, and the sunset glow creates a truly breathtaking sight.

By Wang Yucheng |

Wuzhen Xizha is a small town along this small river. The river water is very clean and you can take a boat on the river to enjoy the scenery of Wuzhen.

By China-TravelNote user 91504364 |

It fits my imagination of the rivers in the Jiangnan water town, with rippling blue waves and melodious emerald green. The small stream ripples in the water, seemingly quiet but not quiet.

By Time Village |

The daytime has its own scenery, and the night has its own scenery. It would be better to have a holiday that is not a public holiday, strolling in the garden, listening to the breeze, the small bridges, the flowing water, and the people living there. Fortunately, it is not as noisy as Lijiang.

By Yan Xiaoxi |

Wuzhen at night is intoxicating, while Wuzhen during the day is peaceful.

By Heart is far away |

Xishi River is the brightest place in Xizha's night view. Walking along the Xishi River, you will see a sea of lights.

During the day, the paths on both sides are crowded with people, and at night it is even more lively, with tourists on the bridge taking pictures and enjoying the scenery.

By |

The floating market is located at Shuishikou. The entire water area is about 3,400 square meters and is divided into two parts by the east-west wooden trestle bridge. The wooden trestle bridge and Jingxing Bridge face each other across the Xishi River.

By Hollow Brother |

From the trestle on the south bank of Xishi River, you can photograph the Jingxing Bridge over Jingxing Water Lane, the only way for cruise ships from Yuanbao Lake to enter Xishi River. The pavilions and waterside terraces of the water town are particularly enchanting and vivid in the night.

By Stay for you |

Small bridges and flowing water, with houses built along the river, rowing a boat through the water and waiting for nightfall, creates a unique atmosphere.

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

Is it the river in the Xizha Scenic Area? The night view is beautiful. Anyway, I walked so many streets and bridges that I can't remember them all.

By Haha, enjoy it alone |

It looks very beautiful at night, removing the impetuousness of the day, and the charm floats out

By Yuanyuan |

Recommended for the drama festival: Visit Xizha for a fun-filled drama carnival.

By Young |

Xishi River is the most vibrant spot for nighttime illuminations in Xizha. Boating along the river feels like floating on a river of lights, the lights reflecting off the water, and the gentle movement of the oars cuts through a pool of silver. Crossing one stone bridge after another feels like traveling through a tunnel of time. If you're so inclined, you can even stop and peruse the profound couplets, savoring fragments of history and culture in the night. Suddenly, a sense of urgency arises, prompting the boatman to moor, and then enjoying a glass of wine in a riverside tavern—what a delight!

By Centenary Sugar Cube |

The night view is so beautiful that one can't help but stop and take in every detail. The tranquility is so captivating that one can't help but linger.

By Changhe Y1 |

One of the essences of Wuzhen~~~~~~

By danfu712 |

The Xishi River at night, illuminated by the lights, is breathtakingly beautiful. The shops, bars, and restaurants lining its banks are all unique, making for a truly captivating experience. If you're tired, finding a small bar, ordering a drink, and taking a short break is a delightful experience. Alternatively, you can take a relaxing boat ride to admire the scenery, with several docks offering convenient stops. For photography enthusiasts, set up a tripod on the bridge, adjust the settings, and capture breathtaking night views.

By felicity_H |

During the day, at night, on the shore, on the boat, the scenery is different! They are all beautiful!

By Ning Xiaoning |

Many classic travelogues have this photo, which is considered a symbol of Xitang. I personally think the night view is better than the daytime view.

By Jiangnan Caojiao |

The lights are beautiful, and most decent so-called ancient towns have this kind of thing. But to be honest, this one is considered good.

By ci |

At night, Xizha is illuminated by lights and looks crystal clear. The most concentrated spot of lights is Xishi River, which makes people feel as if they don’t know where they are.

By Flying flowers like butterflies |

Watching Wuzhen at night from a cruise ship, the picturesque scenery seems like a world away.

By ❤Liangzi💤 |

Wuzhen embodies the so-called "Misty Jiangnan." Wuzhen strikes me as a gentle Jiangnan woman: lively, reserved, and subtle. Yet, even in today's commercialized Wuzhen, it's still a rare sight to feel at one with the Jiangnan water mills. Only by truly walking in Wuzhen under a light drizzle can one truly experience the essence of misty Jiangnan.

By Go your own way |

Xishi River is the place where the night view of lights in Xizha is most concentrated. When boating along the Xishi River, the boat feels like it is wandering in the river of lights, with lights shining on the water.

--Crossing the stone bridges is like traveling through a time tunnel, giving you the feeling of going backwards in time.

By Arangy |

Coming here, I think I will pass by here. I forgot where it is.

By Mo Junhe |

It was already dusk when I went there, and the night view slowly unfolded before my eyes. I had heard people say that Wuzhen at night is very beautiful, far more beautiful than during the day. Now it seems to be true. Wuzhen under the cover of night is particularly charming. Walking along the banks of the Xishi River, pedestrians come and go in an endless stream, and I feel the beauty of Wuzhen in the hustle and bustle.

By anjella_w |

It's a great place to watch the night view. The lights are brightly lit and reflected in the water, as if you are in a painting.

By Small fish. |

I have never seen Xishi River during the day, but I was shocked by its night view.

The scenery everywhere is like the prosperous night market in Jiangnan in ancient times, as if it was moved out of the TV.

Walking along the river or taking a boat ride, you can take in the beauty of Xizha.

Anyone who yearns for the ancient charm of Wuzhen must not miss the scenery of Xishi River.


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