Xitang: Poetry of Water Towns

Xitang is one of the most picturesque ancient water towns in China, located in Zhejiang province. Founded more than 1000 years ago, it has preserved a unique atmosphere with a network of canals, 104 stone bridges and famous covered galleries stretching over 1 km. Scenes from 'Mission: Impossible III' were filmed here. The town is famous for its classical gardens, rice wine museum and traditional crafts.

🏯1000+ years of history

🌉104 bridges

🏮1 km of covered galleries

🎬Mission: Impossible III

🍶Rice wine museum

What awaits you in Xitang

Walk along the covered galleries. You will walk along the famous canopies that stretch along the rivers for more than a kilometer, protecting from rain and sun.
Visit Zhongfutang Garden. The Wang family mansion with a lush garden, built on the principle of "plant good, reap good".
Xiyuan West Garden. The largest private garden in the town with ponds, waterfalls and elegant bridges.
Walk through the narrow "long" alleys. Winding alleys 1–2 meters wide, where you truly feel the spirit of old China.
Drinking Culture Museum. Tasting of traditional rice wine and an introduction to drinking traditions.
Boat ride on the canals. An opportunity to see the town from the water, pass under famous bridges and explore hidden corners.
Bridges of Xitang. We will see the most famous bridges: Anren, Anjing, Wufu, Laifeng, each with its own legend.
Traditional crafts. Visit silverware workshops and other artisans.

Main attractions of Xitang

Shipi Long Alley – the narrowest and most famous street, only 1–2 meters wide.

Xiyuan Garden – the largest private garden with ponds and waterfalls.

Zhongfutang Garden – the Wang family mansion, embodying harmony with nature.

Ancient bridges – each with its own legend, such as Anren Bridge or Wufu Bridge.

Silver Museum – introduction to traditional crafts.

Traditional fishing – methods that have survived for centuries.

Water arteries – the canals still used by residents for travel.

Covered galleries – the hallmark of the town, shown in the movies.

Sample tour itinerary

*Times may be adjusted according to your wishes.

💡 Important notes:

👟 Comfortable shoes – a lot of walking on pavements and narrow alleys.
📷 Don't forget your camera – Xitang is incredibly photogenic.
💳 Bring cash (yuan) – not all places accept cards.

Cost and conditions

💰

Tour cost

Train + taxi

economy

Guide services, help with train tickets, transfer from the station. Transfer to the station on your own.

230$per group of 1–3 people

Entrance tickets and meals – separate

By car

comfort

Guide services + sedan/minivan rental for the whole day, transfer from your hotel in Shanghai.

280$per group of 1–3 people

Meals and entrance tickets – separate.

🎫

Additional expenses

Entrance ticket to Xitang100¥ (~14$)
Boat ride150¥ (~22$)
Lunch at a restaurantfrom 80¥ (~11$)
Train Shanghai–Jiashan (for economy option)~70¥ (~10$)

*Prices are approximate and may change.

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Duration

9–10 hours

from departure to return

✨

Additional services

🚗

Minivan rental

+80$

✈️

Airport transfer (to/from)

+100$

📷

Photo session

+50$

Frequently asked questions

How is Xitang different from other water towns?

Xitang is famous for its covered galleries (over 1 km) which protect from rain and sun. It has 104 bridges and a unique atmosphere, preserved thanks to the filming of 'Mission: Impossible III'.

How much time is needed to see Xitang?

For a comfortable visit of the main attractions, 5–6 hours are recommended. A full tour including travel takes 9–10 hours.

Is it worth taking a boat ride?

Definitely! A boat ride lets you see the town from the water, pass under bridges and explore hidden corners not accessible on foot.

What local food should I try?

Rice wine, dried fish, local dumplings and glutinous rice sweets.

When is the best time to visit Xitang?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times. Summer can be hot, winter has fewer tourists.

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Important information

Prices are valid at the time of the offer. Booking is confirmed after prepayment. Cancellation less than 48 hours in advance is non‑refundable. Programme changes may occur due to weather or events.

The cost does not include: transport expenses, entrance tickets, meals and personal expenses. We recommend having cash in yuan.

🏯 Logistics and secrets of Xitang (西塘) for guide only

How to get there, buy tickets, best photo spots and what to try.

📜 History and tricks

Xitang was founded more than 1000 years ago, during the Tang dynasty. Its main feature is the covered galleries "lantan" along the canals (over 1 km). The town is known for its 104 bridges from different eras. 'Mission: Impossible III' with Tom Cruise was filmed here. Locals still use boats for transportation.

🚆 How to get there

By car: Shanghai – G60 – Jiashan – Xitang, about 1.5 hours. Parking at the entrance (≈10¥/hour).
By train + taxi: high‑speed train to Jiashan station (嘉善站), then taxi to Xitang (about 20 min., 50–70¥). Or bus K210 from the station to the town.
Public transport: direct bus from Shanghai South Bus Station to Xitang (morning departures).

🎟️ Attractions and prices

Entrance ticket: 100¥ (valid for 2 days, includes gardens and museums).
Boat ride: daytime – 150¥ per boat (up to 6 people), evening – 200¥ (with lighting).
Rice wine museum: included in the ticket, tasting for an extra fee.
Opening hours: attractions 8:00–17:00, but the town itself is open 24/7.

🍜 Where and what to eat

Restaurant "Old Xitang": right on the canal, specialities – dried fish, rice wine, braised pork ribs.
Street food: fried rice balls, spiced tofu, sweet rice cakes.
Teahouse "Under the Gallery": great view of the canal, try jasmine tea.

📌 Useful tips

Best time for shooting: early morning (before 10:00) on the bridges and evening lighting (after 18:00).
Weekends: quite crowded, better to plan on weekdays.
Toilets: at the entrance and near the gardens.
Connectivity and payments: cards accepted in larger restaurants, street food needs cash.
Souvenirs: rice wine in mini‑bottles, embroidery, silver jewellery.

Sample itinerary for the Xitang tour
Time	Program stage	Details
DAY 1 – Departure to the water town of Xitang
09:00	Departure from Shanghai	Meeting at the metro, transfer to Xitang (≈1.5–2 hours).
11:00	Arrival in Xitang	Entry to the ancient town, introduction to its history.
11:30	Walk along canals and bridges	See the main bridges and covered galleries.
12:30	Drinking Culture Museum	Rice wine tasting.
13:30	Lunch	Restaurant with a canal view, local cuisine.
15:00	Xiyuan and Zhongfutang Gardens	Tour of the gardens and mansions.
16:30	Boat ride	30–40 minutes along the canals.
17:30	Free time / souvenirs	Walk through narrow alleys, shopping.
18:30	Meeting and departure	Return transfer.
20:30	Arrival in Shanghai	End of the tour.

🏮 Discover the most poetic water town in China!