Yan Zhou
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I've been guiding tours to Xitang for over a decade. And every single time, I see tourists making the same mistakes — showing up at noon, buying tickets from scalpers, and missing the real charm. So if you're wondering how to visit Xitang Ancient Town like a pro, you've come to the right place. Most online guides are either outdated or written by people who've never been. Let me walk you through exactly what to do — from booking your ticket to finding the best photo spots.
Here's the bottom line: Go in the late afternoon, stay overnight, and enter through the east gate. Trust me, that's the secret.
Why Visit Xitang Ancient Town?
Xitang isn't as famous as Wuzhen or Zhouzhuang, and that's exactly why I love it. It's smaller, more authentic, and way less crowded on weekdays. The town is crisscrossed by nine rivers, connected by ancient stone bridges and covered corridors — perfect for exploring even when it rains. Compared to Wuzhen, Xitang feels more lived-in; locals still hang laundry outside their homes and run small shops along the waterways. If you want a slice of real Jiangnan water town life without the tourist mobs, Xitang is your pick.
How to Get to Xitang from Shanghai?
Getting to Xitang is straightforward. Here are your three best options:
| Method | Duration | Cost (one-way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train to Jiashan South + bus/taxi | ~1.5 hrs total | ~60 RMB | Budget-conscious solo travelers |
| Direct bus from Shanghai South | ~1.5 hrs | ~35 RMB | Those who prefer door-to-door simplicity |
| Private car or Didi | ~1 hr | 250-400 RMB | Groups or luxury seekers |
Step-by-step for the train option: From Shanghai Hongqiao station, take a high-speed train to Jiashan South Station (about 30 minutes, 40 RMB). Exit the station and look for bus K222 which goes directly to Xitang (15 minutes, 2 RMB). Or you can grab a taxi for about 60 RMB. Show the driver this address: 浙江省嘉兴市嘉善县西塘镇 (Xitang Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province).
Pro Tip: Google Maps doesn't work well in China. Use Apple Maps or download Amap Global (高德地图) beforehand — it has an English interface and accurate public transit info.
How to Book Tickets for Xitang?
You might think you can just buy tickets at the gate, but here's the deal: Xitang requires advance booking for entry — especially on weekends and holidays. Foreigners need to use their passport number to reserve.
Best way to book: Use Trip.com (English interface, accepts international cards) or Klook. Search "Xitang Ancient Town ticket" — a standard adult ticket costs about 95 RMB (includes daytime entry and some small attractions). There's also a cheaper night-only ticket (45 RMB) if you arrive after 5 PM, but you won't see the daytime sights.
At the entrance, present your passport and the QR code from your booking. No need to print anything.
What to See in Xitang: Top Attractions
Xitang is compact — you can cover the highlights in a few hours. But to truly experience it, slow down and wander the alleyways.
1. Covered Corridors (烟雨长廊)
These roofed walkways along the river are Xitang's signature. They stretch for over 1,000 meters, connecting the north and south parts. Best time to walk them: early morning (7-8 AM) when the tour groups haven't arrived, or sunset when the lights reflect on the water.
2. West Garden (西园)
A classic Jiangnan garden with rockeries, ponds, and pavilions. It's included in your ticket. Takes about 30 minutes. Insider advice: the second floor offers a great panoramic view of the town's rooftops.
3. Shipi Alley (石皮弄)
One of the narrowest lanes in the town — only 1 meter wide. It's a fun photo spot but gets crowded. Visit early to avoid queues.
4. Night River Cruise
Forget the daytime boat trips. The real magic happens after dark. Lanterns line the canals, and the crowds thin out. A 20-minute ride costs about 40 RMB per person. Note: pay in cash — many boatmen don't accept cards.
5. West Gate (西门)
Most visitors enter through the South Gate, which is the busiest. I always tell my clients to enter through the West Gate — it's used by locals, has a quieter approach, and you'll walk straight into the covered corridors without battling crowds.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels & Homestays
Staying overnight is a game-changer. Without the day-trippers, you get a peaceful Xitang after 8 PM. Here are my top picks:
| Accommodation | Type | Price (per night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xitang Shuiyang Homestay | B&B on the water | 300-600 RMB | Couples seeking romance |
| Lan Ting Boutique Hotel | Boutique hotel | 400-800 RMB | Comfort seekers, families |
| Ancient Street Inn | Budget inn | 150-300 RMB | Backpackers |
Key considerations for foreign guests: Most smaller inns don't have elevators (stairs only). Wi-Fi is generally good but speeds vary. Front desk English is limited — have your booking confirmation and passport ready. Pay via Alipay or WeChat; credit cards are rarely accepted at smaller places.
What to Eat: Local Food Guide
Xitang's food scene is all about river snacks and traditional Zhejiang flavors. Must-tries:
- Steamed pork with rice flour (粉蒸肉): Tender, fatty, wrapped in lotus leaf — a classic. Find it at Grandma's Kitchen on North Street.
- Stinky tofu (臭豆腐): Love it or hate it, you can't leave without trying. The best stall is near the east bridge — crispy outside, soft inside.
- Fermented glutinous rice wine (酒酿): Sweet and mildly alcoholic. Sold in bamboo cups along the covered corridors.
- Xitang small fish (西塘小鱼): Freshly caught from the rivers, fried with chili and garlic. Available at most riverside restaurants.
Most restaurants display picture menus, so ordering is easy. Prices are reasonable — a meal for two with drinks runs about 100-150 RMB.
Insider Tips for a Better Experience
I've saved the best for last. These are the things I wish every tourist knew:
- Enter after 2 PM: Day-tripper crowds start leaving around 3 PM, so you get the best of both worlds — daylight scenery and quiet evening vibes.
- Bring cash: While Alipay and WeChat are everywhere, some small stalls and boatmen only accept cash. Avoid the panic of finding an ATM inside the town (there's only one).
- Forget Google Maps: I already mentioned this, but seriously — use Apple Maps or Amap Global for navigation. Input the address: 浙江省嘉善县西塘镇.
- VPN is essential: Without it, you won't access Instagram, WhatsApp, or Google. Set it up before you arrive in China.
- Toilet strategy: The public restrooms near the main entrance are often crowded. Use the ones inside your hotel before heading out, or the cleaner facilities near the West Garden.
"I once had a client who followed online advice to arrive at 10 AM. We spent 20 minutes in line at the south gate under the sun, then fought through crowds to see the bridges. After a 2 PM rest, the town transformed. Never again will I recommend a morning visit."
Xitang is a photographer's paradise, especially early morning. I did exactly what the article recommended: arrived at 6:45 AM and entered through the side entrance near the North Gate. Not a soul around – just me and the mist over the water. The ancient bridges are stunning. I saved a lot by bringing my own snacks (the food inside is tourist-priced) and by skipping the overpriced boat ride. If you're on a budget and love quiet scenery, this is the place. Five stars – just avoid holidays!
Absolutely loved Xitang! I followed the advice to stay one night in a canal-side guesthouse, and it was worth every yuan. The town transforms after 8 PM when the day-trippers leave – you get the lantern-lit reflections on the water all to yourself. I also saved money by buying tickets from a local shop owner at the east gate (she gave me 15% off). The little alley with handmade embroidery shops near the Yongning Bridge is a hidden gem. Pro tip: bring mosquito repellent! 5/5 would go again.
Xitang was a pleasant surprise! I came on a Thursday morning and it was nearly empty until 10:30 AM. The blog's money-saving tip about entering from the south entrance and skipping the boat ride saved me 50 RMB. The alleys are narrow but well-maintained, and I loved the old wooden architecture. I spent 4 hours just wandering and taking photos. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because the evening light show is a bit tacky and the food is overpriced inside the town. Still, a solid 4-star experience for the price.
Honestly, Xitang is beautiful but I felt a bit disappointed. The blog said to avoid crowds, but even on a Tuesday afternoon the main alley was packed with tour groups. The entrance fee felt steep for what you get – lots of identical souvenir shops. I did enjoy the quiet side streets near the west gate, but there's not much to do after 5 PM except eat overpriced food. It's charming but overhyped. Maybe if you stay overnight it's better, but as a day trip, I'd give it a pass.
I visited Xitang last Saturday and followed the tips to go early (arrived at 7:30 AM). It worked wonders – the morning light on the canals was magical, and I had the main bridges almost to myself. The ticket cost 95 RMB, but we saved by buying combo deals online. The local snack of fried stinky tofu was surprisingly good. Highly recommend going on a weekday if you can; weekends are insane even at 9 AM. One of the best ancient water towns I've seen in China!