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Yongning Bridge is the best viewing spot in Xitang Ancient Town and is most popular among photographers and painters.
Standing on Yongning Bridge, you can have a panoramic view of both sides of Xutang River. Looking south, you can see the ancient covered bridge, the residential buildings of different heights, the blue bricks and black tiles and the stone river bridge.
If you get up early, you can enjoy the Xitang slowly waking up in the early morning. At night, the light and shadow of lanterns reflected on the water surface are very charming.
Attraction Location: XiTang Ancient Town, Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, China (浙江省嘉善县西塘古镇)
History: Yongning Bridge is one of the iconic stone arch bridges in XiTang, originally built during the Ming Dynasty. It has been reconstructed and maintained multiple times, preserving its historical style. The bridge has long served as a vital pedestrian crossing over the local waterways and a landmark of the ancient town.
Architecture: The bridge is a traditional stone arch design, featuring elegant curvature and carved balustrades. It spans the river with a single arch, reflecting in the water to create picturesque scenes typical of Jiangnan water towns.
Cultural Value: Yongning Bridge represents XiTang's ancient water town culture, connecting residential areas, temples, and marketplaces. It is also a symbol of local craftsmanship and the harmonious integration of human architecture with natural waterways.
Other Information: The bridge is often photographed for its reflections in the river, especially at dawn or under lantern-lit evenings, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese water town scenery.
Opening Hours: 24 hours (accessible anytime)
Ticket Price: Entry to XiTang Ancient Town: CNY 80 per person (ticket covers main streets and bridges including Yongning Bridge)
Best Photo Spots: Mid-span of the bridge for symmetrical reflections; riverside at dusk for lantern reflections; approaching the bridge along canal streets
Time Reference: 30–60 minutes to explore the bridge and nearby canals
Other Information: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture the best light. Nighttime offers a romantic atmosphere with traditional lantern lighting.
If you get up early, you can enjoy the Xitang slowly waking up in the early morning. At night, the light and shadow of lanterns reflected on the water surface are very charming.
One of the famous attractions in Xitang, where you can take pictures of the sunset!
Yongning Bridge is the best viewing spot in Xitang Ancient Town and is most popular among photographers and painters.
The best viewing and photo spot, especially at night when you can see the bar lanterns of the entire ancient town
One of the best viewpoints in Xitang, and the name is nice too.
Very good👍? Are you a man? But this
I like sitting by the stone bridge, watching the flow of people and the water town.
At the easternmost point of Xitang's Shihe River lies Yongning Bridge, a local term for a flat bridge. To the west of the bridge are West Street and the Misty Rain Corridor, while across the river to the east are Tangdong Street and Shao Hong Kong. Here, the east-west Shihe River, Yangxiujing, meets the north-south Xutang River, making this location the transportation hub of the entire ancient town.
Xitang's best vantage point offers a glimpse into the ancient town's highlights. On one side, the Misty Corridor, and on the other, a street of shops and bars, offer stunning photographs. The Chaonandai Corridor on the north bank of the river curves like a winding dragon, with pedestrians and cyclists crisscrossing beneath it, creating a unique charm rarely seen in other ancient towns. The south bank, behind West Street, boasts a cluster of residential buildings of varying heights, most dating from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China.
When looking at bridges, they are all beautiful with lights at night.
There are so many bridges in Xitang. The Jiangnan water town is so unique. Take a cruise to see the scenery and then become someone else's scenery.
Yongning Bridge is by far the best viewing spot in town, a favorite among photographers and painters. Standing on the bridge, one can take in a panoramic view of both sides of the Xutang River, with the quaint covered bridge to the south. The Xutang River narrows into a water lane, with a replica of an ancient street to the west and the ancient Tangdong Street to the east.
On the north bank of the river, the Chaonandai Promenade stretches like a winding dragon along the water's edge, with pedestrians and cyclists crisscrossing beneath it. On the south bank, behind West Street, stands a cluster of residential buildings of varying heights, most dating from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period. The towering wind and fire walls of the mansions offer a panoramic view of the blue bricks, black tiles, and stone river bridges.
This bridge feels different from the others, it's rather rigid
There are many bridges in Xitang. There are several famous ones with good geographical locations. This is one of them.
The most famous scenic spot in the ancient town, and a favorite place for photographers to take pictures!
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.
Xitang is a place I have always wanted to visit. This time I finally fulfilled my wish. Although it has become very commercialized, you can still see the Xitang you want to see in the early morning, sunset and evening, the water town in your dreams.
One of the three most famous ancient bridges in Xitang Scenic Area. This type of bridge is very common after seeing many traditional Jiangnan ancient towns.
Yongning Bridge is by far the best viewing spot in the town, a favorite among photographers and painters. Standing on the bridge, you can take in a panoramic view of both sides of the Xutang River, and gaze south at the quaint covered bridge.
Standing on Yongning Bridge and looking at Xitang, it looks like an ink painting. In ancient times, those who were talented but not appreciated and who failed in their endeavors often expressed their feelings in nature through mountains and rivers. Seeing such a beautiful scenery will surely ease the depression in your heart.
One of the many bridges in Xitang. You have to look at the map to find the name after walking across it.
Yongning Bridge, originally located at the western end of Xizha River, was abandoned long ago. Today, standing on Anjing Bridge, one can enjoy a panoramic view of both sides of the Xutang River, with the quaint covered bridge to the south. The Xutang River narrows into a water lane, with a replica of an ancient street to the west and the ancient Tangdong Street to the east.
The night is beautiful, the water is sparkling. I am drunk...
The core scenic area of Xitang is located at the intersection of two rivers, one horizontal and one vertical. It has scenery in all directions and is suitable for viewing and taking photos.
I stood on Yongning Bridge and looked at the Misty Corridor, feeling filled with emotion. A big brother patted my shoulder and asked me to make way because he wanted to take a picture.
There is not much to see during the day, but it is very beautiful at night.
Yongning Bridge is probably the busiest bridge. Jay Chou’s MV of “Traveler in the World” was filmed here. We came here for Jay Chou, hehe.
I don't have any particular experience, and it feels very commercialized, but as a northerner, I can still appreciate the feeling of small bridges, flowing water, and people. The night view is beautiful. Before I went, I thought it would be convenient to stay in the bar street, but when I got there, I realized it's a small place and it's convenient to stay anywhere. Don't stay in the bar street, it's very noisy at night~~~
Xitang is connected by various bridges, and the night view from the bridge is also quite good.
Yongning Bridge is a small bridge in the Xitang Scenic Area, nothing special.
It's beautiful here at night, the scenery is great, but it's a bit noisy at night.
I personally think that Yongning Bridge itself is nothing special, but due to its geographical location, Yongning Bridge is currently the best viewing and photography spot in Xitang. The following two photos are both of Xitang scenery I took from Yongning Bridge. This is the place with the most people during holidays.
The most lively bridge at night, with ancient buildings on both sides and a bar street on one side of the T-shaped river. It is the best spot to take a vertical photo standing on the bridge.
Yongning Bridge is probably the busiest bridge. Jay Chou's MV "Traveler" was filmed here. I stood on the bridge, trying to find the mood in Jay Chou's song.
This is the most lively place in Xitang... Especially at night, the night view is beautiful
Next door is the famous "Bar Street," a narrow street lined with over 30 bars. The larger bars have people soliciting customers outside, blaring deafening songs while men and women dance like crazy. Smaller bars, many tucked away in alleys, have resident singers playing guitar and singing old love songs, while people chat and relax in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere.
The water town is full of countless bridges, each different but all the same. The scenery is even better when standing on the bridge.
Beautiful, very beautiful. Beautiful, very beautiful.
Yongning Bridge is located at the crossroads of Xitang Ancient Town. It is bustling with pedestrians and is currently the best viewing point in the town.
Compared with Wuzhen, it doesn't seem too commercialized.
There are so many people! Important things should be said three times...
Yongning Bridge is by far the best viewpoint in town. Standing atop the bridge, one can enjoy a panoramic view of both sides of the Xutang River, with the quaint covered bridge to the south. The Xutang River narrows into a water lane, with a restored antique street to the west and the ancient Tangdong Street to the east. This landscape is a favorite among photographers and painters, serving as a prime spot for their creative pursuits.
Every day in Xitang is extremely beautiful. At night, Xitang is not as crowded as during the day, and there is no noise from people coming and going. In summer, buy a bayberry from the old lady under the bridge, wander in the cool breeze at night, and remove all fatigue. In the distance, the lively music from the bar street can be heard from afar. The contrast between silence and noise is more obvious. It is a very good place. Come here to play when you have time. It is not expensive and fun.
There are many bridges in Xitang. Standing on the bridge, you can see the boats coming and going on the river. There are also some boats parked on the shore to attract tourists.
Yongning Bridge is still worth a visit, especially at night, you can take pictures of the night view at Yongning Bridge, the effect is also great
The best place to see the whole view of Xitang! The uncle and the younger brother I met on Yongning Bridge are both very reliable.
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.
I don’t remember which bridge it was, I just remember walking across all of them.
This is the most lively area in Xitang. On the bridge, the entire ancient town's flowing water and houses are all in place, and the panoramic view is in sight. Occasionally, one or two boats pass by under the bridge. Standing at the bridgehead, it feels like traveling through time.
It seems like I didn't leave any impression after passing by, haha
There is only one bridge, so it's nice to go there and have some fun.
The bridge in Xitang is easier to identify because of its square bridge opening.
After walking across one bridge after another, many bridges are similar.
Beautiful, very nice environment. Beautiful, very nice environment.
One of the 27 ancient bridges in Xitang Ancient Town, it is the best viewing point for watching the Misty Corridor. The bridge is exquisitely crafted and has been well preserved after hundreds of years. It is known as "Crouching Dragon Lingbo, Rainbow Flying Bridge".
Yongning Bridge is very beautiful and charming at night.
The whole Xitang feels very good. The bustling places have their own bustling flavor, and the quiet places have their own quiet flavor.
It has the characteristics of a water town, is a very lively place, and is also a key scenic spot where no tickets are required.
I learned about the history of Yongning Bridge and the night view is pretty good.
Yongning Bridge looks better at night than during the day. The view is great.
There are a lot of people and the scenery is really good, but there are a lot of people on National Day
Yongning Bridge is the best viewing spot in the town and is the most popular among photographers and painters. I was no exception and kept taking pictures of the Yongning Bridge.
Yongning Bridge is by far the best viewing spot in town, a favorite among photographers and painters. Standing on the bridge, one can take in a panoramic view of both sides of the Xutang River, with the quaint covered bridge to the south. The Xutang River narrows into a water lane, with a replica of an ancient street to the west and the ancient Tangdong Street to the east.
On the north bank of the river, the Chaonandai Promenade stretches like a winding dragon along the water's edge, with pedestrians and cyclists crisscrossing beneath it. On the south bank, behind West Street, stands a cluster of residential buildings of varying heights, most dating from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period. The towering wind and fire walls of the mansions offer a panoramic view of the blue bricks, black tiles, and stone river bridges.
The beauty of Xitang can be summed up in three words: quiet, peaceful and elegant.
Standing on the bridge and taking pictures of the scenery is really beautiful.
The night view is beautiful... It's worth staying in this ancient town
The view during the day is nothing special, but it is still very nice at night.
Standing on the Yongning Bridge, it feels like you are at a major intersection in a city. A branch of the T-shaped river flows through the bridge hole. Under the bridge is a restaurant. Sitting on the bridge, you can hear the lively Wu Yue singing in the restaurant and the sounds of stringed instruments are endless.