Xitang Ancient Town, this thousand-year-old ancient town located in Jiashan County, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, is like a bright pearl hidden in the depths of the Jiangnan water town. With its simple and peaceful style and unique "Misty Corridor" landscape, it stands out among many ancient towns, attracting tourists from all over the world to explore its charm and mystery.
The moment you step into the ancient town of Xitang, it seems as if you are in a world where time has stopped. The ancient streets, buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the gurgling water form a moving picture. The buildings here are built along the river, staggered and orderly, and the white walls and black tiles are more simple and elegant under the erosion of time. The green tiles on the roof are arranged like fish scales. After the baptism of wind and rain, they leave mottled traces. Every tile and every wall tells the history and vicissitudes of the ancient town.
Xitang's "Yanyu Corridor" is a unique one and can be called one of Xitang's iconic landscapes. This is a corridor built along the river bank, with a total length of more than 1,000 meters. The shape of the corridor shed is simple and elegant, mostly wooden structures, the corridor roof is covered with black tiles, and the corridor columns are carved with exquisite patterns, showing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. The corridor is built along the river, with ancient houses on one side and clear river water on the other. On a misty day, strolling in the corridor, watching the drizzle falling like silk, ripples appearing on the river surface, and the buildings on the opposite bank looming in the rain and fog, like a light ink painting, with a distant and profound artistic conception.
Walking in the corridor, you can feel a unique tranquility and comfort. There is no hustle and bustle of the city here, only the slight sound of the wooden planks under your feet and the occasional bird calls from afar. You can walk into a shop along the river at will and pick up a souvenir with Xitang characteristics, such as handmade ceramics, exquisite bamboo crafts, etc., each of which embodies the wisdom and hard work of the locals. You can also sit down in a teahouse by the corridor, order a cup of local tea, take a sip, the light tea fragrance spreads in your mouth, accompanied by the sound of rain in your ears, as if the whole world has slowed down.
The food in Xitang is also unforgettable, full of the rich characteristics of the Jiangnan water town. Bazhen Steamed Cake is one of the signature delicacies of Xitang. It is made of high-quality glutinous rice flour and added with eight kinds of nuts such as red dates, lotus seeds, and walnuts. After careful steaming, the cake is soft and delicious, exuding an attractive aroma. Take a bite, sweet but not greasy, and let people have endless aftertaste. In Xitang, you can also taste fresh river food, such as steamed white-scaled fish, braised turtle, etc. The fish meat is tender and juicy, and melts in the mouth, making people feel the unique charm of Xitang Water Town. In addition, Xitang's handmade zongzi is also a must. It is made of high-quality glutinous rice and fresh zong leaves. There are many flavors such as salted egg yolk zongzi, bean paste zongzi, etc. It is fragrant and delicious. It is one of the special snacks loved by tourists.
In Xitang, you can choose to stay in a local homestay and experience the slow life of the ancient town. Most of these homestays are rebuilt from ancient houses, retaining the original architectural style and characteristics. Push open the carved wooden window, and you will see the clear river water and the ancient buildings on the opposite bank. In the morning, wake up to the chirping of birds, open the window, breathe the fresh air, and watch the curling smoke rising from the river, as if you are in a paradise. At night, return to the homestay, make a cup of hot tea, sit by the window, admire the lights of thousands of houses across the river, listen to the frogs and insects from afar, and let your mind be completely relaxed in this quiet night.
The night view of Xitang also has a unique charm. When the lights are on, the ancient town is decorated with lights like a dream. The lanterns on the river bank gradually light up, and the soft red light is reflected on the water, like stars, reflecting the bright moon in the sky. The bars along the river also began to become lively, with melodious music and people's laughter. You can choose to have a drink in a bar by the river, listen to a folk song, and feel the charm of Xitang's nightlife. You can also sit on the stone steps by the river, quietly watch the boats swaying on the river, listen to the boatman's soft Wu dialect, and let your thoughts drift away with the night.
Xitang Ancient Town, a poetic and picturesque Jiangnan nurtured in the misty corridor, is waiting for your arrival with its unique natural scenery, profound cultural heritage and rich food specialties. Here, you can slow down, feel the tranquility and beauty of the ancient town, and appreciate the unique charm of the Jiangnan water town. Here, every corner may hide a surprise, and every stop can give you an unforgettable memory.