Introducing Xitang Ancient Town
Xitang Ancient Town, formerly known as Xietang and Pingchuan, is located in Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. It is 10 kilometers from downtown Jiashan. One of the six ancient towns of Jiangnan, it boasts a thousand-year-old history and has long been included on the World Heritage Tentative List.
Xitang's most distinctive feature is the nearly 1,000-meter-long covered streets along the river, offering protection from rain and sun. The ancient town boasts numerous well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, including Zhongfu Hall, Zunwen Hall, and Xue's Residence, all of which are ancient yet simple.
Xitang Ancient Town is a beautifully preserved pristine water town. Here, you can experience the tranquility and simple charm of the Jiangnan water towns. The riverside inns offer stunning views, and the guesthouses are unique. The bars are bustling at night, and the night view is beautiful, but it's also quite commercialized.
Climate and best time to travel
Best in March and April.
Spring is the best time to visit Xitang. In April, there is a drizzle in the south of the Yangtze River. It is very pleasant to stroll in Xitang in the rain and enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Xitang is quite hot in the summer , but you can avoid the sun by walking in the Misty Corridor and taste the specialty "June Crab" which is only available at this time.
Xitang in autumn is a place filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, where you can experience the tranquility of autumn.
In Xitang, winter also has its own unique flavor, where you can experience the flavor of the Spring Festival in the ancient town with the people of the water town.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Tickets
The Tang Ancient Town Scenic Area implements a one-ticket system. The listed entrance price is 120 yuan per person; individual visitors can purchase a discounted ticket price of 100 yuan per person. During the night tour, discounted tickets are available for 50 yuan per ticket after 5:00 PM. Tickets are valid for the day. During the scenic area's opening hours, visitors can enjoy free admission with a valid ticket. (For specific opening hours, please refer to the scenic area's on-site announcements.)
Attraction opening hours
March 1st - October 31st: 8:00-17:00
November 1st - February 28th: 8:00-16:30
(For specific opening hours of scenic spots, please refer to the on-site announcement of the scenic spot)
Most Popular FAQs for Xitang Ancient Town
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Xitang Ancient Town is a historic water town in Zhejiang Province, dating back over a thousand years. It is famous for its well-preserved canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture, reflecting Jiangnan culture and heritage.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province.
- Accessible by bus or taxi from Jiaxing city; about 1–1.5 hours drive from Hangzhou or Shanghai.
- No metro connections directly; local buses and taxis are the best options.
- Walking is recommended once inside the town to explore narrow alleys and canals.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best times: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Entrance fee: around 100 RMB per person (for core scenic area).
- Tickets can be purchased onsite or online through official tourism websites or ticketing platforms.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended during weekends or holidays; otherwise, tickets are generally available onsite.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- Half a day to a full day for a comfortable visit.
- 1–2 days if including leisurely boat rides, photography, and exploring nearby alleys and shops.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Ancient canals and waterways.
- Historic bridges like the Covered Corridor Bridge.
- Stone-paved streets and traditional residences.
- Riverside tea houses and local markets.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided tours available in Mandarin; some English-speaking guides may be arranged through travel agencies.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Bridges over the canals during sunrise or sunset.
- Riverside cafes and alleys with traditional architecture.
- Covered corridors and stone archways.
- Boat rides for water-level photography.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start from the main entrance, walk along the canals to visit bridges and shops.
- Take a boat ride to see the town from the water.
- Explore alleys and local markets, ending at a riverside tea house or restaurant.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Night visits are available; the town is illuminated, creating a picturesque scene for evening strolls and photography.
- Special cultural performances may be scheduled during holidays or festivals.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Crowded on weekends, national holidays, and peak tourist seasons.
- Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public toilets, riverside restaurants, cafes, and tea houses.
- Souvenir and handicraft shops are scattered throughout the town.
- Rest areas and benches are available near major bridges and scenic spots.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Main streets and some scenic areas are accessible, but narrow alleys and stone steps may be difficult for wheelchairs.
- Children and elderly should be accompanied when exploring bridges and waterways.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Cash is accepted; mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely used at shops, restaurants, and ticket counters.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Riverside restaurants serving Zhejiang cuisine and local specialties.
- Tea houses and cafes along canals offering snacks and drinks.
- Street vendors with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian options are available in restaurants; halal options may require prior inquiry.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Guesthouses and boutique hotels within walking distance of the town center.
- Hotels in Jiaxing city, 30–60 minutes away by car, offer more options.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Nanxun Ancient Town and Wuzhen Water Town.
- Xiziwan Scenic Area and local tea plantations.
- Jiaxing city historic sites.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Traditional silk, embroidered crafts, handmade fans, and local snacks.
- Small antique items and water town-themed keepsakes.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or private car to nearby water towns or Jiaxing city.
- Bus connections to Hangzhou, Shanghai, and other regional destinations.
- High-speed train from Jiaxing city for longer trips in Zhejiang Province.
