Fang Wang
What You'll Find Here
I still remember my first visit to Xitang. After navigating the crowded streets of Shanghai, I hopped on a bus and within two hours, I was standing on a stone bridge gazing at willow-lined canals and ancient houses that looked frozen in the Ming Dynasty. But I also made mistakes — I arrived at noon under blazing sun, paid too much for a boat ride, and struggled to find a bathroom. This guide is everything I wish I knew before I went.
Why Visit Xitang Ancient Town?
Xitang is one of the best-preserved water towns in the Yangtze River Delta. Unlike more commercialized towns like Wuzhen or Zhouzhuang, Xitang retains a lived-in, authentic feel. You'll see residents drying laundry by the canal, old men playing chess in shaded courtyards, and locals selling handmade tofu pudding from their doorsteps. It's less crowded too — especially on weekdays. Xitang is famous for its covered corridors (langpeng) that run along the waterways, protecting you from rain and sun. The town spans over 20 bridges, each with its own character.
How to Get to Xitang from Shanghai
Getting to Xitang is straightforward, but the options can be confusing. Here's a quick comparison:
| Method | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Bus from Shanghai South Station | 1.5–2 hours | About 90 RMB | Budget travelers; leaves every hour |
| High-Speed Train to Jiashan South | 30 min | 110 RMB | Speed; then take taxi (20 min, 60 RMB) or bus K222 |
| Private Car/Taxi | 1–1.5 hrs | 400–500 RMB | Group of 3-4; door-to-door comfort |
| Didi (Chinese Uber) | 1.5 hrs | ~350 RMB | Convenience; need Alipay/WeChat Pay |
Pro tip: Google Maps won't work well in China. Use Apple Maps (which uses Chinese map data) or the app 高德地图 (AMap) with its English interface. For train schedules, check Trip.com or the official 12306 site (Chinese only).
Tickets, Opening Hours & Booking
Xitang Ancient Town charges an entrance fee, and you need to book in advance with your passport details. Here's what you need to know:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission (adult) | 100 RMB (includes all scenic spots inside) |
| Discount | Students, seniors 60+ (half price); children under 1.2m free |
| Booking | Required. Use Trip.com, Klook, or the official WeChat mini-program (Chinese only). Show your passport at the gate. |
| Hours | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ticket office); town is accessible 24/7 if you stay inside (but attractions close at 5). Last entry around 4:30 PM. |
| Payment | Alipay, WeChat Pay, or cash. International credit cards are rarely accepted inside the town. |
Warning: The ticket does not include boat rides (separate 30 RMB per person, 6-person boat). Book your ticket at least one day ahead during holidays (Chinese National Day, Spring Festival).
Top Things to Do in Xitang
1. Walk the Covered Corridors (Langpeng)
These continuous wooden roofs along the river are unique to Xitang. They stretch over 1,300 meters. Start at the West Gate and follow the waterway east. You'll pass ancient shops selling traditional pastries, tea houses, and hand-painted fans. The corridors offer shade — a lifesaver in summer.
2. Cross the Iconic Bridges
Don't miss Songzi Laifeng Bridge and Wan'an Bridge. The first offers a classic postcard view of the water town. Go early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid photo bombers. Wan'an Bridge is less crowded and has a lovely willow tree drooping over the water.
3. Take a Scenic Boat Ride
The gondola-style boats (wupeng chuan) are a must. The ride lasts about 25 minutes and passes under low bridges. But be prepared: the boats rock a lot when people stand up. Sit down and enjoy the gentle rhythm. The best time is sunset — the golden light on the white walls is stunning.
4. Visit Niwa's Former Residence
This is the home of a famous Ming Dynasty historian. It's a quiet courtyard with intricate wood carvings. Most tourists skip it, so it's often empty. A perfect spot for some peace.
5. Explore the Alleyways
Get lost in the narrow lanes (nong) branching off the main canal. Some are barely one meter wide. You'll find hidden temples, small museums (like the Chinese Button Museum), and local homes. This is where the real Xitang lives.
Best Photo Spots & Timing
Lighting makes or breaks water town photos. Here's my photographer's cheat sheet:
- Ringxiu Bridge at Dawn (6-7 AM): Mist rises from the water, no crowds. Use a tripod for long exposure.
- Covered corridor near West Gate (4-5 PM): Golden hour casts long shadows through the wooden columns.
- Night view from Yongning Bridge (8-10 PM): Red lanterns reflect on the water, creating a dreamy scene. The town is quiet after 9 PM.
Avoid midday (11 AM - 2 PM): Harsh light, harsh shadows, and hordes of tourists. If you must go then, shoot tight details (carved windows, hanging sausages).
Where to Eat: Local Food Guide
Xitang is famous for its Babao rice (eight treasure rice), a sweet sticky rice dish with red bean paste and dried fruits. But there's more. Here are my go-to spots:
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laoban Noodle Shop (North Street) | Hand-pulled noodles with river shrimp | 25 RMB | Cash only; busy at lunch |
| Water Village Tea House (East Gate) | Osmanthus tea + Babao rice | 40-60 RMB | Great canal view; English menu available |
| Lao Jie Restaurant (Middle of West Street) | Braised pork belly, fried tofu | 60-80 RMB per person | Accepts Alipay; popular with locals |
| Night Market Stalls (near West Gate) | Grilled squid, stinky tofu | 10-20 RMB | Open after 6 PM; pay by cash or WeChat |
One thing that surprised me: Many restaurants close between 2-5 PM. They take a midday break. Plan your meals accordingly or stick to snacks. Also, tap water is not drinkable. Buy bottled water from convenience stores (there's a FamilyMart inside the town near the post office).
Where to Stay in Xitang
Staying overnight is the best way to experience Xitang without crowds. You have two options:
- Inside the town (recommended): Guesthouses converted from old homes. Rooms are small but atmospheric. Price: 200-600 RMB per night. Most have private bathrooms but weak Wi-Fi. Bring earplugs — the walls are thin.
- Outside the town (budget): Chain hotels like Hanting or Jinjiang Inn near the bus station. Price: 150-300 RMB. Comfortable but you lose the charm.
I stayed at Xitang Water Garden Inn (address: 43 Tangdong Street). The owner spoke basic English and helped me buy train tickets. They have luggage storage. Pro tip: Book on Trip.com or Ctrip (English version). Confirm that the hotel accepts foreigners — some small inns might not be registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Xitang isn't perfect. It's touristy, some locals will aggressively try to sell you souvenirs, and boat rides can feel like a conveyor belt. But if you know where to go and when, it rewards you with genuine beauty. Go slow, sit by the canal with a cup of tea, and let the water town work its magic. That's the real guide.
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
As a photographer, Xitang is a dream location. The best shots are from the stone bridges at sunrise (before 7 AM when the cleaning boats start) – you get perfect reflections without the crowds. I also rented a Hanfu costume from a shop near the entrance for about ¥50 and got some incredible portraits walking over the arched bridges and through the vine-covered alleyways. The lighting at golden hour is glorious. Pro tip: bring a tripod for long exposures of the canals at night. Couldn't have asked for a better water town experience.
Xitang is a paradise for food lovers! I spent the whole day just hopping from stall to stall. The crispy stinky tofu with spicy sauce, the warm sweet osmanthus cake, and the famous fermented rice wine – all incredible. I also found a tiny family-run place that served the best wonton soup I've had in China. The vibe along the water is lively but not overwhelming, and the bars along the West Street are great for a nightcap. If you love food and a bit of nightlife, this is your water town. Highly recommend!
Absolutely magical! I arrived around 5 PM, just as the day-trippers were leaving, and watched the lanterns slowly light up along the canals. Taking a gondola ride in the twilight with only the sound of water lapping and distant traditional music was pure bliss. The reflections of the red lanterns on the dark water are something I'll never forget. Even the alleyways felt quiet and romantic. Best time to visit is late afternoon into the night – don't miss it! 5 stars without hesitation.
Xitang is charming, no doubt, but it has a serious identity crisis between ancient town and party zone. The canals and old bridges are beautiful especially in the late afternoon, but the main drag is lined with loud bars blasting pop music, which ruins the peaceful water-town atmosphere. The food stalls are fun – loved the stinky tofu and the osmanthus cake. Accommodation inside the old town is pricey for what you get. Overall a solid 4 stars, just avoid the bar street if you want tranquility.
I really wanted to love Xitang, but the crowds just killed the vibe for me. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was shoulder-to-shoulder on the narrow alleys. The ticket price (¥95) feels steep for what is essentially a very commercialized walking street. The boat ride was nice but way too short and the queue took an hour. If you've been to any other water town in China, this one doesn't stand out much. Maybe come on a weekday or late at night, but I left a bit disappointed.