Xitang Ancient Town - West Street

Xitang West Street, a vibrant link between past and present, lies in the heart of Jiangnan Water Village, Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province. Strolling here feels like stepping into a delicate ink painting, where the stone pavement echoes the footsteps of history. Shops crisscross the street, offering everything from quaint handicrafts to authentic snacks, each exuding a rich sense of life and cultural charm. At night, lanterns light up one after another, creating a play of light and shadow that adds a touch of mystery and romance to West Street. Whether searching for unique souvenirs or seeking a glimpse into authentic Jiangnan life, Xitang West Street is a must-see. Its indescribable charm captivates every visitor, leaving them reluctant to leave.

The commercial street is full of people and all kinds of vendors are selling everything except stinky tofu.

It is a narrow street with scattered shops. There are not many tourists, so it is a good place to stroll around.

A street in Xitang is also quite lively.

Xitang's busiest street, with its dense commercial concentration on both sides of a narrow street, is the most popular shopping destination, with various shops, handicraft shops and snack bars. Crowded during the day, West Street only reveals its natural beauty on rainy days and in the early morning.

West Street is the main street of Xitang Ancient Town and also a commercial street. There are many alleys next to it where you can take photos.

It was raining but there was no visible rain. There were only slight traces of rain on the stone bricks, and pedestrians were walking deeper into the alley with umbrellas.

If Xitang is regarded as a city, West Street is the most prosperous and lively place in the city.



The streets are narrow, the houses tall, and it seems the upper floors are all inns. Shops are stacked side by side, selling a wide variety of goods, but the categories are highly similar, with various cakes, noodles, stinky tofu, and other items. A few handicraft shops are worth seeing.



There are also some independent attractions on this street. The common problem is that there are few exhibits and they are not innovative. Let’s talk about this separately.

Dazzling array of sights



West Street, with its typical water town street layout, is only wide enough for farmers to transfer their loads, a mere shoulder pole. Distinct from the leisurely mornings and the tranquil nights, it has been the town's bustling commercial street since the Ming and Qing dynasties.



The houses facing the street often have extended eaves above the second floor. The houses facing each other are close to each other. You can use bamboo poles to hang out to dry clothes and quilts, open the windows and talk with each other, or even shake hands, forming a unique small town scenery.



In the long alleys, you can find jade jewelry, wood carvings and porcelain with unique craftsmanship, blue printed cloth and handicrafts with distinctive style, and local snacks and delicious specialties with unique flavors... If you can calm down and look slowly, you might find a treasure!



The mansion's gardens and various scenic spots offer unique experiences, from west to east: Shipi Lane, Zhongfu Hall, West Garden, China Button Museum, and Jiangnan Tile End Exhibition Hall. Sip tea, admire the scenery, chat, and savor the leisurely elegance that has faded away from the hustle and bustle.

It is prosperous and lively, with all kinds of snacks available.

There are far fewer people at night than during the day. It is so quiet that you can better explore the original appearance of this place.

I visited Xitang on a road trip in April 2008. Back then, Xitang was still a relatively newly developed old town, with buildings beginning to take shape, few tourists, and simple folk customs. West Street, a bustling commercial street offering restaurants, inns, entertainment, and local specialty stores, was also home to attractions like Shipin Lane, Xiyuan Garden, and Zhongfu Hall.

The area is bustling with people both during the day and at night, with shops of all kinds on both sides, selling paintings, snacks, handicrafts, clothes, etc. It's not very distinctive, with a number of inns and restaurants on the second floor overlooking the lake. In the early morning, the area returns to its original appearance, quiet and pure. An interesting alley called Shipi Lane is located on West Street.

It focuses on retro and ethnic styles, and sells clothes, accessories, various small ornaments, and musical instruments. You can also wear clothes from different dynasties and take photos against the corresponding backgrounds. Of course, the indispensable ones are various snacks, such as the good ones like the water chestnut cake, braised dishes such as the pig's trotter, and drinks such as coconut juice. There are all kinds of things, and you will find surprises.

A small commercial street. Of course, the things in the store are also available in most of the scenic spots.

West Street is the main street in Xitang, bustling with people.

Xitang West Street should be the most prosperous commercial street in the town

I went there during the Qingming Festival holiday and stayed in a waterfront inn on West Street. The town is small and has a strong commercial atmosphere. There is not much point in strolling around. I just lay leisurely on the large terrace of the inn, which is full of flowers and plants, making tea, eating some snacks, watching the cruise ships going back and forth in the river below, the bustling crowds in the misty corridor on the shore, and the fat and lazy dog raised by the owner of the restaurant opposite. I waited until the crowds flocked to the bar street in the evening and then went out to stroll along the river. There was no one around, the white walls and black tiles, the flowers and trees and the red candles, which had a lingering charm of Jiangnan.

The cobblestones show the vicissitudes of time. The footsteps of passers-by have worn the originally rough and uneven stones smooth, revealing various imprints and patterns. They have witnessed many ups and downs, the joys and sorrows of life.

There are many places called West Streets across China. The most famous is West Street in Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Nicknamed "Foreigner Street," Yangshuo West Street boasts a history of over 1,400 years. Other locations include West Street in Yi County, Yiyang, Xiangcheng, and Quanzhou, each with its own legendary history.

Xitang is not very big overall, so you can get up early and explore it in 2 hours!

The thousand-year-old town has a unique and leisurely atmosphere. However, as a commercial street, it also sells tickets, which is a bit of a rip-off.

West Street, Misty Rain Corridor, Bar Street, Xitang's main street. Personally, I think West Street is more worth visiting than Misty Rain Corridor, but Misty Rain Corridor is more beautiful by the river.

It’s a commercial street, not too long, so those who love shopping can go there.

Except for the Button Museum, the rest of the West Street is full of shops.

It should be said that Xitang is very good, even better than Wuzhen

I like the small restaurants on West Street, the aroma of wine is so charming!

It is probably the most prosperous and distinctive street in Xitang.

Every scenic spot has a snack street. It looks good, but the taste is very average. There is a lot of traffic. People with trypophobia should consider it carefully.

Xitang is full of small streets, alleys and bridges.

I personally prefer this kind of place.

Although Xitang is an ancient town

But now it is very commercial

So if you want to experience a quiet life, then don't go there

Compare the ancient and modern

hehe

Walk, stop, look, eat, play, look around, feel dizzy and the scenery is beautiful.

A very distinctive street with a wide variety of goods on both sides.

I went there in March because it was the off-season and there weren't many people. I booked an inn in the scenic area in advance, and the inn owner took us in without paying for tickets. He told everyone that from 7pm to 8am the next day, you don't need a ticket to enter or exit Xitang. Haha

Xitang is a place that makes people linger. I really like the atmosphere of the Jiangnan water town. It feels great. The scenery at night is really beautiful!

I am from the north, and when I came to the south, the house was really cold, the living environment was not very comfortable, and I couldn't get used to the food.

But the beautiful scenery of Xitang will not disappoint you.

An unassuming street, with bluestone pavement, wooden buildings, and unique shops – this is the epitome of Xitang.

I'm quite fond of the boat tour. There are different prices for tickets and no tickets. You can charter the boat individually. The legendary water town is lined with quaint folk buildings. Faint lights can be seen in the distance, and the boatman quietly rowing the boat is truly a different kind of leisure and comfort.

West Street is the main east-west street in Xitang. It is divided into two sections, the upper and lower sections. In ancient times, the east was considered the upper section and the west was the lower section, hence the distinction between Upper West Street and Lower West Street. West Street is bustling with people on weekdays, even on rainy days.

Most people come here to buy things, such as stinky tofu, ice cream, etc.

Great! Mrs. Guan’s stinky tofu is so delicious!!!

I strongly recommend you not to buy this ice cream. It looks cute but tastes terrible. 20 each.

West Street is lined with shops selling all kinds of small souvenirs, various delicacies, and postcards, which are the favorites of literary youths.

The thing that impressed me most was one of the delicious snacks here - preserved vegetable pancakes.

Even if you have visited here, taking a photo will make you feel a little bit of presence.

West Street is a street with a wide variety of activities, including food, shopping, postcards, tea, music, and piano playing!

To be honest, most ancient towns are commercialized. I just haven't been there, so I think they are all good. Isn't traveling like this? To see scenery you haven't seen before? It doesn't matter whether there are many people or not. What matters is the mood.

Xitang was much quieter than Wuzhen in June 2012. I didn't go to the light bar and stayed there for one night before going to Shanghai.

The West Street in Xitang is also in the style of Jiangnan water towns, so beautiful!

I like West Street, an ancient and deep alley that shows us its years. There are many unique shops on both sides, and there are also delicious specialties.

Walk through all the streets and alleys with food and sights, it is best to wear flat shoes

West Street is an ancient street in the south of Yangxiujing in Xitang Ancient Town. There are all kinds of shops on the street, and there are also many snacks and things that literary and artistic youth love.

A typical Jiangnan water town with white walls and black tiles. In fact, rainy days are more charming than sunny days.

I think West Street is the most prosperous commercial street in Xitang. It contains many Xitang attractions and famous snack shops. I like the quiet West Street in the early morning. It is not as busy as during the day. Looking up, the alleys are generally narrow and long, which has a unique charm.

Actually, I didn’t take many pictures, mainly because a good friend of mine was leaving Shanghai, so I chose Xitang as a place to say goodbye. There were a lot of people when I went there on weekends, but it was mainly about my mood. I got up very early in the morning and saw the quiet Xitang. After having breakfast in the morning, I found a cafe to sit quietly, chatting, talking about the future, and talking about my future boyfriend. It feels pretty good just thinking about it!

It's ok, but the water is too dirty. Those restaurants even put the fish in the water to wash. What are they thinking? The hygiene is really disgusting.

West Street is incredibly quiet at 6:30 in the morning. Walking along the bluestone pavement, the sound of footsteps only accentuates the tranquility of the street. The street isn't wide, but some of the buildings on either side are quite tall.

Besides the Misty Corridor, Xitang Ancient Town's most famous landmark is West Street. This main street, which runs through the town, is lined with Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. While many of these have become tourist-oriented, the relaxed and comfortable lifestyle of the Jiangnan people remains. I'm not a fan of the bustle of Bar Street, so I barely even quicken my pace as I pass by. I prefer the tranquility of Xitang Ancient Town at dawn; that stillness is its true essence. West Street is home to numerous inns, each nestled by the water, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Xitang looks more prosperous and bustling, but it does not conflict with its tranquility.

I like the panoramic view and detailed description. This should be the scene of West Street. I have been to Jiangnan many times, and it feels the same to me. There is nothing new.

From Jiashan South Station, take the K222 bus to the Xitang Scenic Area. West Street, Xitang's main street and its most bustling, is home to two museums: the Button Museum and the Tile Museum. My inn was also on this street. Since I arrived here, the inn owner picked me up and I had free admission to the scenic area. Free admission is available after 5 PM. Admission to the museums is 100 yuan, so I recommend choosing one if you're interested. Staying within the scenic area is very convenient; you can rest after lunch and continue exploring in the afternoon. This street is packed with snack shops selling steamed buns, xiaolongbao, and specialty pastries. There are also many clothing stores and boutiques, all at reasonable prices. There's a foot massage parlor where you can place your feet in a tank and small fish will swim over—you know, it's so relaxing! This main street offers a comprehensive package for food, accommodation, travel, and entertainment, making it incredibly convenient. It wasn't a holiday when I visited, and the price was 150 yuan per night, which was quite good. The price doubles on weekends! Of course, there are inns in other streets, and the prices are different. Mine is not the Linshui Inn, which seems to be more expensive. To have fun in Xitang, you must come in the off-season and not on weekends.

I bought sunglasses on West Street and wrote myself a postcard. A year later, I might get teary-eyed when I receive this postcard.

Get up early in the morning and enjoy the tranquility of the Jiangnan town before the tour group arrives. After 6:30, go back to sleep! The nights are especially lively, with handsome men and beautiful women gathering...

There are many shops, some are ancient and some are fresh, as well as a variety of delicious food

It's packed with people... all I see during the day are heads... Xitang only looks good in the morning... It became a popular ancient town because of the filming of Mission Impossible... but personally, I think it's really just average...

The West Street in the morning was quiet with drizzle. The ancient alleys accompanied by the shouts of shop owners were also quite interesting... You must go to Xitang

West Street is the main east-west street in Xitang, divided into two sections. In ancient times, the east was the upper section and the west was the lower section, so there is a distinction between Upper West Street and Lower West Street.

West Street has a very typical street layout of a water town.

In fact, to sum up, the feeling of Xitang is similar to that of Hongcun, an ancient town type.

West Street is an afternoon tea street with many unique shops. When you are tired of shopping, you can take a break, have a cup of tea and enjoy the scenery outside.

One pot of tea, two hours, three people

During my May Day holiday, from parking to strolling through the cobblestone streets, the crowds were so overwhelming I couldn't even take in the scenery. The parking lot outside the building was 50 yuan for 12 hours, while parking at the main gate was 10 yuan a day—a rip-off. The night view was free, and the crowds were even more intense. Streetside Hakka snacks ranged in price from 10 to 50 yuan. In short, shop around and don't rush. Prices can vary greatly depending on the location of the same shop. One scoop of HG ice cream at the entrance was 40 yuan, while two scoops at the Misty Gallery were 20 yuan. The coastal local cuisine restaurant was a rip-off, not as good as the local restaurants just outside the street. They're affordable and delicious, so I'd recommend checking out the West Street snack street. My friend specifically told me the pineapple rice was delicious, and the copper fish sizzle with milk was amazing. Finally, the deafening bar street was a blast. Oh my god, I opted for a quiet bar.

West Street is the main street in Xitang Ancient Town. It has a typical Jiangnan water town street layout. The stone slabs bear the weight of time, becoming slightly uneven. The narrow street is lined with mostly two-story buildings, some with extended eaves. The buildings face each other so close together that you can practically see into your neighbor's house. While the view from below can be somewhat depressing, it also creates a unique townscape.

West Street is now extremely commercialized, its narrow streets lined with a variety of specialty shops, clothing stores, and small restaurants, making it the most popular shopping destination. Day or night, the streets are always packed with people, and the streets are shoulder to shoulder. Only in the early morning is West Street's most beautiful time to show off its beauty.

Many inns along the river have their doors on West Street, making it easier to attract guests. If you want to stay on West Street, it's best to book in advance. If you're looking for a place to stay late, be sure to arrive early, as it's usually fully booked.

Walk through the long lane to the riverside. The inns by the water all have a small courtyard with tea sets. In the hot summer noon, you can lazily "stay" on the lounge chair, drink tea, watch the water, "talk about mountains", and spend half a day like a "god".

West Street was unusually quiet in the early morning. At 5:30 in the morning, apart from a few of us, the only other people walking by were the hardworking people.

You can come to the bar here at night. There are very romantic self-playing and singing bars, and there are crazy singing bars. You can choose according to your needs.

There are many cute little shops that I like. I sent a postcard from the Xitang Post Office.

West Street is the busiest place here, and of course, it's also the place most different from the gentle water town. However, here you can experience the strong impact of tranquility and bustle.

West Street, Xitang's main east-west thoroughfare, is divided into two sections: Upper West Street and Lower West Street. West Street has a typical water town street layout, with its minimum width barely wide enough for farmers to transfer their loads—just the width of a shoulder pole. Shops line both sides, lending it a vibrant commercial atmosphere.

West Street, also known as the Shopping Street, is lined with exquisite shops and inns along the river. It's a nice place to stroll around when you have nothing to do.

We stayed in a riverside inn on West Street, which was very nice. If we got up early in the morning, we could still feel the tranquility and elegance of the ancient town!

Walking into West Street, you will see crowds of people, prosperous yet quaint. This is the bustling shopping street in Xitang, with restaurants and specialty shops lined up next to each other on both sides of the street.