Travel Xitang Ancient Town Beyond the Canals

If you think visiting Xitang Ancient Town is just about strolling along pretty canals and snapping Instagram photos, think again. Sure, the waterways are dreamy—but there’s way more beneath the surface. As someone who’s explored all seven ancient towns in the Yangtze Delta, I can tell you: Xitang stands out not just for its beauty, but for its cultural depth, walkability, and surprisingly modern visitor experience.

Why Xitang Beats the Rest

While Tongli and Zhouzhuang get more hype, Xitang wins on accessibility and authenticity. Located just 90 minutes from Shanghai by car or high-speed shuttle, it’s easier to reach than most—and less crowded than Zhouzhuang, which sees over 3 million tourists annually. Compare that to Xitang’s 2.1 million (2023 Zhejiang Tourism Bureau data), and you’ve got breathing room to actually enjoy the place.

Don’t Miss These Hidden Gems

Sure, the covered corridors (over 1 kilometer of them!) are iconic. But locals know the real magic happens at night. After 7 PM, the lanterns glow, crowds thin, and you can explore spots like **Chuanchang Port** or the quiet **Beiji Bridge area** without a selfie stick in sight.

And foodies—head straight to **Yuanfen Noodles**. Their braised pork dumplings? Legendary. Locals line up daily. No English menu, zero frills, 10/10 flavor.

Xitang vs. Other Water Towns: Quick Comparison

See that? Xitang offers the longest sheltered walkways—perfect if it rains (which it often does here). Plus, it’s one of the few towns where you can still find families living in traditional homes behind the shops. That’s real heritage, not just theater.

Pro Tips for Travel Xitang Like a Local

• Arrive late morning: Beat the tour buses from Shanghai, which roll in around noon.
• Stay overnight: Book a canal-view room (from ¥400/night). The night scenes are worth it—and mornings are peaceful.
• Walk the outer loop: Skip the main drag. Head north to **Anjing Temple** for quieter lanes and better photos.

And don’t skip the Xitang cultural festival in May. Silk costumes, boat parades, folk music—it’s when the town truly comes alive.

Bottom line: If you want more than just postcard views, travel Xitang with your curiosity turned on. It’s not just another pretty water town—it’s the most balanced, livable, and genuinely charming of them all.