Zhejiang Travel Guide: Off-the-Beaten-Path Xitang | Escape the Crowds and Enjoy a Slow Jiangnan Pace

Escape the crowds

explore Xitang

In the early morning, mist drifts over the water

soft light rests on the dark tiles

the creak of oars glides gently across the river

This is Xitang at its most charming

For most visitors

the eye is first drawn to the bustling Misty Rain Corridor

On Hongshi Bridge

tourists stream by endlessly

It's lively, for sure

but it loses some of the old town's original tranquility

In fact, this thousand-year-old water town

hides plenty of lesser-known spots

Free from over-commercialized noise

they preserve the simplest look of old Xitang

First, head into the town

Skip the main street and turn into a side alley

My top recommendations are Zuiyuan Garden and Ni Residence

these two attractions sit right next to each other

Compared with Xiyuan Garden, which is packed with tourists

it's far quieter here

Zuiyuan is a classic small Jiangnan garden

It doesn't cover much ground

but it's exquisitely designed

There are no loud vendors inside

just the rustle of wind through bamboo leaves

Distinctive rockeries

stand beside the pond

winding paths

thread through the greenery

antique carved doors and windows

are everywhere you look

Strolling through the garden

you feel the unique elegance of Jiangnan gardens

at every turn

Ni Residence sits right beside Zuiyuan

It's a preserved local

old-style courtyard house

The architecture keeps

the original look of traditional homes

Wooden structures

and rustic courtyards

let you feel how

Jiangnan families once

lived

Listen to the quiet

sounds around you

and you'll

slowly relax

truly experiencing

the slow pace of life

in this ancient town

Shaoxianggang is considered by locals to be

the true soul of Xitang

and it's also a walking route

kept secret by seasoned travelers

It too is built along the water

Underfoot are bluestone slabs

polished smooth by time

flanked by old houses with white walls and black tiles

Emerald vines climb the walls

and drape down

to the water's edge

The current in the canal is gentle

occasionally a small boat glides past

sending out ripples

Commercialization along this entire lane is very low

You rarely see clusters of shops

most buildings are homes where locals live

Walking here

you won't see crowded throngs

or hear noisy clamor

Look around

the white walls, dark tiles, and flowing water set each other off

like a living Jiangnan ink painting

As evening approaches

head to Yongning Bridge

to wait for the sunset

Every dusk

as the sun slowly sinks westward

warm golden light

spreads bit by bit across the river

The once-clear water

turns golden red in the sunset

truly beautiful

As the sky darkens

lanterns along both banks

light up one after another

Their warm red glow

reflects in the water

intertwining beautifully with the lingering sunset clouds

Standing on the stone bridge, feeling the gentle evening breeze

and gazing at the scenery where water meets sky

the fatigue of a whole day's touring simply melts away

Beyond natural scenery and ancient streets

Xitang has two free, off-the-beaten-path museums

The Button Museum is a highly distinctive venue in Xitang

This small hall

collects all kinds of buttons

from ancient times to today

From rustic old-fashioned buttons

to finely crafted decorative ones

every exhibit

carries a piece of history

The Wine Culture Museum

meanwhile, is filled with the rich aroma of Jiangnan wine

Xitang has a long history of local winemaking

and liquor is one of the area's specialties

Step inside

and you can smell the faint scent of wine

The museum details the origins and development of winemaking in the town

along with traditional brewing tools

old wine jars

and various liquor exhibits

Here you can learn about Jiangnan water town brewing customs

and experience a wine culture that has continued for centuries

After visiting the museums, keep strolling through the town

and your understanding of this water town will deepen

If you have plenty of time

step outside the old town

Craftsmanship has been passed down here for generations

and old kilns still operate today

With luck

you might even see traditional tile-making

and kiln-firing in action

Next is the Liangrang Art District

Right next to Xitang

behind the Liangrang Hotel

it's a fresh, artsy photo spot

Unlike the rustic style of the old town

the art district

is fashionable and creative

focusing on art experiences and leisure

Several galleries have opened here

hosting regular art exhibitions

featuring paintings, handicrafts, and creative installations

Visitors who love art

and photography will adore it

If you want to completely escape the old-town atmosphere

and get close to nature

head to the Dayun Tourist Resort

Centered on pastoral scenery

and seasonal flower fields

its vibe is totally different from the water town

Lush greenery fills the resort

and vast flower seas spread across the terrain

Walk the flower-field trails

surrounded by color

and fresh, pleasant air

Don't obsess over viral photo spots

Explore Xitang a different way

and you'll truly understand the charm of this ancient town

These hidden corners behind the bustle

hold the most authentic everyday Jiangnan life

along with the gentleness and peace unique to this water town