West Park

🌠Xiyuan Garden is located near the Huanxiu Pavilion in Xitang Ancient Town. It is the most popular gathering place for scholars in the town. In the winter of 1920, Liu Yazi came to Xitang and took a photo with his friends from the Southern Society in Xiyuan Garden. He named the photo "The Second Elegant Gathering in Xiyuan Garden", which is how the garden got its name. 🌅The garden faces east and is small and exquisite. At the entrance, there is a small bridge over a stream and a stone lion gatehouse. Inside, there are flowers, plants, rockeries, pavilions, pools, and trees. ⏳Recommended visit time: 30 minutes 💰Ticket price: Ancient town ticket: CNY 95 per person. Free admission after 5:00 pm from Monday to Wednesday and after 9:00 pm from Thursday to Sunday. 📍Address: No. 258, Nanyuan Road, Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province

☘️Xiyuan Garden is located in Jijiangong Lane, West Street, Xitang Ancient Town. It was originally the private estate of the Zhu family in the Ming dynasty, covering an area of 16 mu (1.07 hectares) and built in the style of Suzhou Yiyuan Garden. 🌿The garden is not large, but it has all the features of a traditional Chinese garden, including pavilions, towers, winding bridges, and ponds. It is divided into front and back gardens, connected by a climbing tower and a street-crossing tower. There are several exhibition areas, including the Zhu Nianci Fan Calligraphy Art Museum, the Hundred Seals Museum, and the South Society Exhibition Area. ⏳Recommended visit time: 30 minutes 💰Ticket price: Ancient town entrance ticket: CNY 95 per person. Free admission after 17:00 from Monday to Wednesday, and after 21:00 from Thursday to Sunday. 📍Address: No. 258, Nanyuan Road, Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province

Suzhou|When you say spring is not late, I have truly arrived in Jiangnan!!!🏮 ✨ This is a gentle dream woven with small bridges, flowing water, old streets, alleys, and blue bricks with gray tiles. Suzhou 🚘 1 hour direct, taking you through the thousand-year-old Jiangnan water town~ 🌈 Free admission guide: 🆓 Enter before 8 AM & after 5 PM (The ancient town is even more charming at night 🌙) 📸 Photo hotspots: 📍 Yongning Bridge & Xiyuan The same filming location as Jay Chou’s "Tianya Guoke" MV! Ancient bridge + Jiangnan water town = instantly atmospheric masterpiece! 📷 📍 Anning Bridge Best spot right next to Anjing Bridge Overlooking the misty rain corridor, capturing the most beautiful poetic Jiangnan angle 📍 Huanxiu Bridge Using the bridge as a frame and the rowing boat as a brush Every shot looks like an ink and wash painting 🏞️ 📍 Misty Rain Corridor Strolling through it feels like traveling through a thousand years Experience the unique tenderness and poetry of Jiangnan~ 🚗 Transportation tips: 🚖 Self-driving: 1-1.5 hours direct from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai (Suzhou/Shanghai/Hangzhou friends are so lucky!) 🚅 High-speed rail: Get off at Jiashan South Station Take bus K222 directly to the scenic area 💡 Tips: ✔️ Bring an oil-paper umbrella for better photos ✔️ Lanterns look especially beautiful at night ✔️ Recommended to wear Hanfu or traditional Chinese clothing ✨ The ancient town is even more amazing at night! Black-awning boats docked by the shore Ancient buildings reflected in the water Every snap is a wallpaper-worthy beautiful photo 🏮 Address: No. 258 Nanyuan Road, Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province ⏰ Opening hours: All day (some attractions charge from 8:00 to 17:00)

🌸 You must visit Xitang in spring!! It's truly breathtaking…😭✨ I was just casually strolling around Xitang, but I was completely captivated by the magnolias in Xiyuan Garden!! No special search for spots, no filters used, just a very real, very peaceful kind of beauty— blue tiles and white walls + a whole tree of magnolias, it instantly transports you into the Jiangnan scenery of ancient poetry🌿💫 · — Xitang Ancient Town · Xiyuan Garden Located inside the scenic area, very easy to find 🕒 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 💰 95 RMB (Xitang combined ticket) ⏰ Recommended visit time: about 1 hour, just right · — 🌸 Why must you visit Xiyuan Garden? ✔️ Xitang’s largest private garden Though not big, it’s truly exquisite Every few steps is a new scene, perfect for a leisurely stroll🚶‍♀️ ✔️ Perfect for photos!! White walls + corridors + flowering trees, every shot looks amazing📸 No filters needed to look great ✔️ A pleasant surprise!! This is actually a filming location for Jay Chou’s "Tianya Guoke"🎶 You can find the same photo spot on the second floor, making your photos full of atmosphere · — 🌼 Some tips about magnolias 🌸 The blooming period lasts until about the end of March These few days are the most beautiful!! If you want to take photos, don’t miss it, or you’ll have to wait a whole year😭 🌿 It’s better to go early when there are fewer people for better shots 📷 Wearing light colors or traditional Hanfu makes photos even more stunning, enhancing the atmosphere · — 💭 A little reflection Spring in Xitang isn’t a bustling kind of beauty, but a gentle, quiet kind. Standing under the flowers, you suddenly feel, “Ah, so this is what Jiangnan really looks like.” You’ll definitely want to come again🌸

South China Agricultural University Wetland Park Travel Guide The Wetland Park of South China Agricultural University is located inside South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, about 70m south of Poyang Lake. It is a popular spot on campus for taking photos. Reservation and Admission You need to follow the WeChat official account of "South China Agricultural University" in advance, and make an appointment for people or vehicles to enter the campus in the "Visit Appointment" in the service column. Alumni can enter the school on foot with their alumni card without an appointment, and can also bring relatives, but they still need to make an appointment to drive. After the reservation is successful, swipe your ID card to enter. Best time to visit The scenery varies in different seasons. Spring (March - April) is the most charming, with Chinese red cherry blossoms, Bauhinia flowers, and Yellow Trumpet trees. The lakeside is full of flowers. In summer (June - August), you can see lotus and water lilies blooming, and the fish in the lake are happy, which is a paradise for children to play and fish. Kapok blooms in autumn (September - November). Winter lotus can be seen in winter (December - February of the following year). Featured Landscape · Natural flowers: There are pink cherry blossoms and romantic Bauhinia in spring, quiet lotus and water lilies in summer, and different flowers in all seasons, such as firecracker flowers, Bombax ceiba, and Jacaranda mimosifolia, which are distributed along the lake and trails, making them super beautiful for taking pictures. · Ecological lake: The lake is clear and shaped like a map of China. The banks are full of greenery and dotted with quaint pavilions, which contrast with the yellow water lilies. It is beautiful and you can see ducks playing in the water. Things to do · Leisurely stroll: Stroll along the lakeside path, breathe fresh air, admire the natural beauty, relax and enjoy the quiet time. · Take photos: There is beautiful scenery everywhere. Whether it is flowers, lakes, ancient pavilions, or grasslands, they are all great for taking pictures. · Parent-child interaction: Many children catch fish by the lake. It is a good place for urban children to find wild fun, and families can enjoy parent-child time together. Nearby food · South China Agricultural University Yogurt: There is a service point in the wetland park, about CNY 4 a cup, with a rich variety. Classic yogurt (gold packaging) has a smooth taste; yogurt (blueberry jam flavor) has a perfect blend of fruit and yogurt flavors. · Lv Rong Yuan: Not far from the wetland park, the Lv Rong Restaurant on the 4th floor has a hall and private rooms with a good environment. Many canteens on campus also offer a variety of delicacies, such as Xiyuan barbecue and Heyuan spicy hot pot. However, a 20% handling fee will be charged for mobile phone payments. It is recommended to eat at off-peak times. Traffic Guide · Subway: Guangzhou Subway Line 3 Wushan Station Exit A directly reaches the southwest gate of South China Agricultural University. It is within walking distance from the subway station. · Bus: You can take bus B10 to the main gate of South China Agricultural University, and then walk to it.

The ancient towns of Jiangnan always evoke a sense of longing. Wuzhen, one of the representative ancient towns in Jiangnan, attracts countless tourists with its unique water town scenery and rich history. However, there's another permanently free ancient town in Jiangnan that boasts equally captivating scenery and profound cultural heritage, rated as one of the most worthwhile ancient towns to visit in Jiangnan: Xitang. Located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, Xitang is an ancient town with a history of over a thousand years. Known as the "living ancient town of a thousand years," it features unique water town scenery and ancient architectural styles. Here, you can see ancient streets, bridges, docks, and residences, experiencing the unique charm of Jiangnan water towns. The night view of Xitang is even more breathtaking. As night falls and the lights come on, the entire town is bathed in a dreamy glow. You can stroll along the ancient streets, admiring the beautiful night scene and soaking in the romantic atmosphere of the Jiangnan water town. Besides its beautiful scenery, Xitang also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Here, you can find many ancient cultural relics and traditional handicrafts, such as the Xitang Ancient Town Museum, the West Garden, and the Button Museum. These cultural relics and handicrafts not only showcase the history and culture of Xitang but also allow visitors to better understand the traditional culture of Jiangnan water towns. Compared to Wuzhen, Xitang is more accessible and natural. It's not as commercialized as Wuzhen and doesn't have as many tourists. Here, you can experience the tranquility and peace of a Jiangnan water town and get a taste of the local lifestyle and cultural traditions. Moreover, Xitang is permanently free, giving more tourists the opportunity to visit. Xitang is a truly worthwhile ancient town to visit. Its unique water town scenery, beautiful night views, and rich cultural heritage will make you linger. If you appreciate the charm of Jiangnan water towns, then come to Xitang. You're sure to be captivated by its allure. Travel Tips: · Transportation: You can travel to Xitang by high-speed train, bus, or plane. If you choose the high-speed train, get off at Jiashan South Station and take a bus or taxi to Xitang. If you choose the bus, get off at Jiashan Bus Station and take a bus or taxi to Xitang. If you choose to fly, you can land at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport or Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and then take an airport bus or taxi to Xitang. · Best time to visit: The best time to visit Xitang is during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful. · Precautions: When visiting Xitang, please protect the environment and do not litter. Also, pay attention to safety and avoid climbing dangerous areas. When enjoying the local cuisine, pay attention to hygiene and avoid eating stale food. Have you ever been to Xitang? What are your impressions of Xitang? Feel free to share your experiences and feelings in the comments section.

Xitang Ancient Town's West Garden (Xiyuan) is a renowned Jiangnan water town attraction in Jiashan. Tucked away deep within Sujia Alley, it beautifully blends traditional Chinese architecture with classic garden landscapes. On a rainy day, taking in the damp air and dancing tree shadows adds a touch of poetry, while the blue paper-cut art hanging on the wooden doors highlights the elegant charm of Jiangnan. West Garden isn't just a picturesque spot for photos; it's the perfect place to experience the slow-paced Jiangnan lifestyle. Visiting on a weekday offers a lively yet uncrowded vibe, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. Recommended Route We suggest starting from the main entrance of Xitang Ancient Town. Follow the flagstone paths through the water alleys to Sujia Alley, then head into West Garden. The garden's layout offers surprises at every turn. Take your time to admire the classical architecture, rustic wooden doors, and elegant window lattices—perfect for a slow walk and some memorable photos. Wandering under the shade of trees, a sudden drizzle only deepens the authentic Jiangnan water town vibe. Must-Visit Photo Spots 1. Blue Paper Cutouts on Wooden Doors: Delicate paper-cut art hangs by the main gate. The overcast lighting adds great depth to your photos, so try snapping some shots in the morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds. 2. Garden Pavilions: The classic pavilions harmonize beautifully with the surrounding trees. It's a great spot to sit, relax, and soak in the garden's serenity. 3. Small Plaques & Scholarly Vibes: You'll find refined wooden plaques scattered along the walls. Paired with the ancient architecture, they create a rich cultural atmosphere that's perfect for aesthetic shots. 4. Waterside Corridors: Parts of the garden border the canals. In the rain, the reflections on the wet flagstones and water surface are incredibly poetic—highly recommended for a slow stroll and photography. Travel Tips 1. Visit on a weekday to dodge the holiday crowds and get clean backgrounds for your photos. 2. Opening hours are 08:00–17:30. A morning visit is highly recommended for the best lighting, fewer tourists, and an overall better experience. 3. Waking up early on a rainy day actually lets you experience the truest vibe of a Jiangnan ancient town. Just don't forget your rain gear! 4. The garden is meant for a slow pace. Set aside about 2 hours to fully appreciate all the intricate architectural details. 5. Since most structures are made of wood, the grounds can get slippery in the rain. Comfortable, slip-resistant shoes are a must. Things to Note Most areas of the ancient town still feature their original architectural styles, so please help protect the environment and historical relics. Be mindful of slippery paths inside the garden. Since some pavilions offer no shelter from the rain, bringing an umbrella and a waterproof bag for your camera is a smart move. Closing Thoughts Have you ever visited West Garden in Jiashan's Xitang Ancient Town? Did you manage to snap your own Jiangnan paper-cut photo?

Ten miles of spring breeze can't compare to the time when magnolias bloom. Strolling around Xiyuan, the largest private garden in Xitang Ancient Town, I unexpectedly came across a tree full of blooming magnolias! It really shows that flower viewing is best done in gardens, instantly appreciating the ancestors' aesthetic! This magnolia tree is located at the exit of Xiyuan, with a backdrop of white walls and black tiles, making every photo beautiful! 📷 Recommended shooting angles: ✅ From directly below, shoot upwards to capture magnolias against the sky background ✅ Near the rockery, climb onto it to shoot the rooftops framed by magnolias, very much in the Chinese aesthetic ✅ At the exit, shoot magnolias with another white wall as the background, and include red lanterns for a beautiful Chinese atmosphere ✅ Use a telephoto lens to capture beautiful close-up details of the magnolias 🪄 About Xiyuan: 📌 Xiyuan is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place in Xitang Ancient Town, a small yet stunning garden that impresses you as soon as you enter 📌 Xiyuan was also a filming location for Jay Chou’s "Tianya Guest," where the female lead plays the zither and gazes into the distance from the second floor 📌 Xiyuan is the largest existing private garden in Xitang Ancient Town, with history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. It was originally the Zhu family’s villa, a prominent clan in Xitang. During the Republic of China period, poet Liu Yazi composed verses here and took photos, inspired by the Northern Song Dynasty’s "Xiyuan Elegant Gathering" painting, which greatly boosted Xiyuan’s fame. 📌 The original garden no longer exists; what we see today was rebuilt in 1993, blending Ming and Qing architectural styles. It’s a masterpiece of small-scale beauty with corridors, waterside pavilions, zigzag bridges, rockeries, pavilions, and small waterfalls arranged harmoniously, creating stunning scenery! 🗒️ Xitang Ancient Town - Xiyuan 📍 No. 25 Nanyuan Road, Xitang Scenic Area 🕒 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 💰 95 RMB (Xitang combined ticket price) 🌸 Recommended visit duration: 1 hour 🪄 Photos taken on March 10, 2026. Magnolia blooming period is short, usually 10-15 days, so it’s recommended to visit and shoot soon!