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Xitang Ancient Water Town
Xitang Ancient Water Town, meaning “West Pond”, is a well-preserved historic water town located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, around 90 kilometers from Hangzhou and Shanghai. Nestled in the core of the Jiangnan water town region, it is widely known as the “living fossil of ancient water towns”.
The history of Xitang stretches back more than 1,000 years, with its origins dating to the Spring and Autumn Period and formal establishment as a town during the Tang Dynasty. Shaped by a dense network of rivers and canals, the town’s layout features houses built along the water and streets paved with bluestone, forming the iconic Jiangnan pattern of “streets parallel to rivers, bridges connecting houses”. A defining feature of Xitang is its extensive covered corridors, with over 1,000 meters of shaded walkways running along the riverbanks, offering shelter from both sun and rain.
Xitang is renowned for its unique architectural features and cultural heritage. It is home to more than 100 ancient stone bridges of various styles, including the famous Songzilaifeng Bridge and Wolong Bridge, as well as well-preserved traditional courtyards and old workshops. The town is divided into several scenic zones, showcasing water town life through ancient residences, folk museums, and traditional craft demonstrations. At night, red lanterns hanging along the canals light up the water, creating a dreamlike and poetic atmosphere that has inspired countless artists and photographers.
In 2001, Xitang was included in the preliminary list of the World Cultural Heritage as part of the Grand Canal heritage. In 2003, it was awarded the title of “China’s Historical and Cultural Town”. In 2017, the Xitang Scenic Area was officially recognized as a national AAAAA level tourist attraction by the China National Tourism Administration.
After years of careful restoration and development, Xitang has evolved into a comprehensive tourist destination that preserves its authentic ancient charm while offering modern visitor facilities. It features a range of experiences including canal cruises, traditional folk performances, local food tastings, and night tours. Today, it remains one of the most beloved Jiangnan water towns, attracting visitors worldwide to experience the tranquil pace of life and timeless beauty of traditional Chinese water town culture.
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