Xitang Historic Town of China(Xitang Ancient Town)

Xitang Historic Town of China is located in Jiashan, Zhejiang, at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. Historically known as Xietang and Pingchuan, it was the border area between the Wu and Yue states during the Spring and Autumn period, earning the description "Wu's root and Yue's corner." Unlike many overly commercialized water towns, it remains home to numerous local residents. At dawn, seniors can often be seen washing clothes by the riverbanks, while in the afternoon, they leisurely play chess under the covered corridors, giving it the reputation of "a living millennia-old town." Its three distinctive features—numerous bridges, alleyways and covered corridors—set it apart from other Jiangnan water towns.

A nearly km-long covered corridor runs along the river, concentrated around Chaonandai and Beizha streets. Sheltered from rain while walking beneath it, this structure earned the poetic name "misty rain corridor." One side of the corridor features shops selling local specialties and snacks alongside residential houses, while the riverside offers occasional backrest benches for watching paddle boats pass by. During rainy seasons, sitting under the eaves to listen to rainfall and observe the water creates a uniquely charming waterscape. The town also boasts over a hundred ancient alleys, mostly paved with stone slabs. Among these, Xixia Street's Shipi Lane stands out—its narrowest section measures less than m wide, requiring pedestrians to sidle past each other while glimpsing only a sliver of sky above, famously called "Xitang's thread of sky."

Over twenty ancient stone bridges span the river in the old town: Yongning Bridge offers a prime vantage point to overlook the river confluence and rows of dark-tiled roofs, with particularly clean photo opportunities during quiet early mornings. Songzi Laifeng Bridge stands out among Jiangnan's ancient bridges with its roofed top and stone seating for rest. Huanshou Bridge provides distant views of layered gray rooftops, while Wan'an Bridge served as the filming location for the finale chase scene in "Mission: Impossible III," where Tom Cruise sprinted through the town's streets and bridges. Xiyuan Garden and Zui Garden within the town exemplify delicate Jiangnan estate gardens—the former being a Ming dynasty private residence featuring pavilions, towers, and rockeries with fish ponds, the latter showcasing works by printmaker Wang and his son. Grand residences like Zhongfu Hall preserve traditional wealthy family layouts, with Huguo Suiliangwang Temple and Shengtang Temple maintaining strong incense traditions. The Button Museum, Chinese Wine Culture Museum, and Jiangnan Tile-ends Exhibition Hall house local folk memories.

As night falls, Xitang dons a different face, with red lanterns lighting up one after another. Bars line Tangdong Street, filled with alternating songs and music, creating a striking contrast to the town's rustic daytime charm. Here, you might take a paddleboat ride—a cruise pier sits by Songzi Laifeng Bridge, offering a particularly delightful view of the waterfront lights reflecting on the water. Stroll a few steps, and you'll encounter street snacks like stinky tofu, tofu pudding, steamed pork with rice flour, braised pork, gorgon fruit cake, and glutinous rice balls. Authentic Jiangnan dishes can be savored at old restaurants along Beizha Street. Visiting in late autumn, you may catch the Hanfu Culture Week, initiated by lyricist Vincent Fang and held annually for over a decade, when the town brims with flowing traditional robes, enhancing its ancient ambiance. Travelers preferring tranquility can stay at alleyway inns away from the bar street—only by spending a night can one witness the quiet, unspoiled morning charm of the ancient town.