If it were not for the "UnionPay" logo and "Taobao Boosting Diamond" signboard at the entrance of the shop, maybe my thoughts would have lingered in the distant past. On the West Street, there is a Xiyuan Garden, which is the largest private garden in the history of Xitang. It gained fame because Mr. Liu Yazi once lived here. There are also many short alleys on the West Street leading to the riverside. The best spots by the river are equipped with teahouses and restaurants to attract customers and please guests. The gondolas moored on the water, along with the houses with white walls and black tiles on both banks, remain still. The serenity of the place permeates the surroundings.
The peripheral Wugirl Lake is a newly constructed scenic spot that inherits the layout of the Jiangnan gardens. Continuing further through the commercial street leads to the small roads of the town. Moving eastward along the road brings into sight the large old houses, which are at the core of the ancient town.
Wandering around the ancient town, after circling around, I arrived at the opposite bank of the West Street. The most famous kilometer-long roofed arcade of Xitang extends along the river, undulating continuously. Under the arcade, walking is unimpeded regardless of wind or rain, connecting the hearts and hands of the residents. The main waterways of Xitang form a T-shape, and building houses along the river and living by the water has been a tradition since ancient times. Naturally, bridges are indispensable in the waterside towns...and so it is in Xitang. We stood on Anjing Bridge, seeing Yongning Bridge on the left and Anxiu Bridge in the distance ahead. The names of the bridges and their appearances are equally classical and elegant!
On the ancient West Street, merchants gather, and trade thrives. Shopkeepers display their goods along the street, ranging from simple bronze handicrafts, colorful handmade textiles, to local specialties like Qianshi cakes, among others.
We enjoyed a lunch full of waterside characteristics on the second-floor balcony of a riverside house, refined but not extravagant! Stir-fried snails, preserved vegetable braised pork, mallow... these dishes look ordinary but have outstanding flavors. The steamed Bai Si fish served later is unforgettable no matter how long it's been... the authentic freshwater delicacies are especially delicious.
The shadows of the lights are projected onto the water, swaying like brocade with the ripples. Diners sit by the water, leaning against the railings sipping tea or wine, accompanied by a few side dishes. The beautiful scenery before their eyes is not wasted.
If you plan to wander around Xitang, you shouldn't miss this night view under the sparkling lights... The Mao bean and chestnut, rich in Jiangnan flavor, are unforgettable. The South Lake chestnuts are round and translucent without any angles; paired with emerald green soybeans, they make a perfect match.
The paddle sounds do not disturb the tranquility of the ancient town. The boats glide gently over the water surface, and the ripples return to calmness. Appreciating the old houses, stone bridges, and small rivers... along with the people living here, one can't help but marvel at the serenity and detachment of Xitang!
As twilight descends, we had dinner at Ding Family Restaurant at the end of the arcade. While tasting the delicious food, we waited for the dreamlike night view of Xitang.
The orange streetlights illuminated the West Street, with few pedestrians, creating a serene atmosphere. The voices of the residents inside the houses and the barking of dogs deep in the alley can be heard clearly.
In the evening, Xitang sees the green gradually fade away, and red lanterns quietly light up under the eaves... Like spirits, they become the most dazzling roles in the ancient town.
The spring scenery of Jiangnan is best expressed with watercolor paintings for its poetic charm. A few female art students paint by the river. Under their brushes, the spring scenery of the ancient town comes alive on paper. Their focused expressions show their deep affection for spring.
On the West Street, there is a Shipi Alley. "If you haven't been here, it's as if you've never been to Xitang!" said the elder... Looking up at the Shipi Alley, it shows a narrow strip of sky; underfoot is the moss-covered bluestone path, and on both sides are high walls with peeling white paint; below the high walls are a few miniature doorways, probably the side doors of wealthy families in the past. The narrowest part of the Shipi Alley is less than seventy centimeters wide, and passers-by must sidestep each other...
An elder volunteered to be our guide, leading us into a pitch-black alley. Originally, the old houses in Xitang are closely spaced, so the roofs connect, making the alley underneath completely dark. Carefully walking for dozens of meters, light appeared ahead, reaching the West Street along the river.
When talking about the famous waterside ancient towns in Jiangnan, Xitang must be mentioned. On April 22nd, driving from Puxi Shanghai via the Outer Ring Expressway and then the Hangzhou-Shanghai Expressway, it takes less than an hour to reach Xitang Town in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province. The reunion with the dreamy waterside town begins here...
I guessed that it might be due to its distance from the riverbank... Sure enough, at this moment, the arcade area is brightly lit and bustling with people...