Xiling Ancient Town Gongcheng County
A picturesque ancient water town known for its unique covered walkways, serene canals, and vibrant photo opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Xiling Ancient Town Gongcheng County
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque ancient water town known for its unique covered walkways, serene canals, and vibrant photo opportunities.
"Lovely tourist attraction showcasing an ancient Chinese town with lots to eat and see."
📸 Dress Up for Photos
Rent Hanfu clothes for stunning photos! Many shops offer rentals for a truly immersive experience.
🛶 Enjoy a Boat Ride
A Wupeng boat ride is a relaxing way to see the town's canals and waterways.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Covered Walkways
Unique to Xiling, these long, covered walkways offer a distinct charm and a break from the elements.
Wupeng Boat Rides
Glide along the canals and waterways for a pleasant and scenic way to explore the town's beauty.
Hanfu Photoshoots
Dress in traditional Chinese attire and capture beautiful, memorable photos amidst the ancient architecture.
Local Food Stalls
Sample delicious local snacks and dishes, with noodles being a particular recommendation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Authentic Charm
Embrace the Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Dress Up for Photos
Rent Hanfu clothes for stunning photos! Many shops offer rentals for a truly immersive experience.
🛶 Enjoy a Boat Ride
A Wupeng boat ride is a relaxing way to see the town's canals and waterways.
🍜 Taste the Noodles
Don't miss the local food stalls, especially the recommended noodle dishes.
💰 Food Prices
Food inside the old town is pricier; consider eating outside for better value.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Dress Up for Photos
Rent Hanfu clothes for stunning photos! Many shops offer rentals for a truly immersive experience.
🛶 Enjoy a Boat Ride
A Wupeng boat ride is a relaxing way to see the town's canals and waterways.
🍜 Taste the Noodles
Don't miss the local food stalls, especially the recommended noodle dishes.
💰 Food Prices
Food inside the old town is pricier; consider eating outside for better value.
☀️ Sunny Day Views
Visit on a sunny day to truly appreciate the town's beauty with clear blue skies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Xiling Ancient Town is praised for its quaintness, serene atmosphere, and picturesque canals, especially the unique covered walkways. Visitors enjoy the Wupeng boat rides and the opportunity for beautiful photos, particularly when dressed in Hanfu. However, some find the town to be commercialized with tourist-centric shops and food, and note that prices inside the town are higher.
"Xitang Ancient Town (西塘 ) is a historic water town in Jiashan County ( 嘉善县) , Zhejiang Province ( 浙江省), China, known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, covered walkways, and numerous old bridges. It is intersected by nine rivers and offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese life, with residents still living and working along the canals. The town is a popular destination for day trips from nearby cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou."
Doug Ho
"A nice place to visited if you want to take a lot of beautiful pictures, the food their is also quit nice: noodle recommend and a lot of stalls selling delicious food and snacks 😋
Relatively not too busy,
Overall definitely recommend 👍"
Ethan Jaber
"I love this ancient town for its quaintness , less crowd and serenity. The long covered walkways are the most unique feature distinguishing it from the other water towns.
The wupeng boat rides was a pleasant way to see the town."
choo goh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Many visitors opt to drive, but long-distance buses from Shanghai used to be a convenient option. Foreign visitors may face challenges with unfamiliar roads and language barriers if driving.
While specific public transport routes can be complex for foreign visitors, driving or arranging local transport are common methods.
Driving is a popular choice, though it requires navigating unfamiliar roads. Consider local transport options if you're not driving yourself.
Parking is available for visitors who choose to drive to the ancient town.
Yes, it's considered a must-visit place if you're in the Hangzhou or Shanghai region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Xiling Ancient Town now requires an entrance fee to access its waterfront homes and explore the town.
The town is accessible, but entry is free between 5 PM and 8 AM. The main tourist hours are typically during the day.
Previously free, Xiling now charges an entrance fee. However, you can enter for free between 5 PM and 8 AM.
To experience its quaintness and serenity, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon before the main crowds arrive.
Yes, you can enter for free between 5 PM and 8 AM, offering a unique nighttime experience. There's also a street with clubs and bars.
📸 📸 Photography & Sights
Absolutely! It's a great place for beautiful pictures, especially if you dress in traditional Hanfu.
The long covered walkways are a standout feature, distinguishing it from other water towns.
Many visitors, especially women, dress in traditional Hanfu clothes to take photos, and there are shops for rentals.
A sunny day offers the best light to capture the town's real beauty with blue skies. Late afternoons also provide beautiful golden hour light.
The canals, waterways, and the unique covered walkways provide numerous picturesque spots for photography.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Noodles are highly recommended, and there are many stalls selling delicious food and snacks.
Food prices within the old town are generally more expensive than outside.
Explore the numerous food stalls scattered throughout the town for a variety of snacks and dishes.
Some reviews suggest that while there are many snacks, they might be more of a marketing gimmick than reflecting genuine culinary traditions.
Yes, there are many stalls and eateries offering food and snacks within the ancient town.
🎫 🏨 Accommodation & Nightlife
Yes, there are many homestays and hotels located inside the old town, allowing you to spend the night.
There is a street full of clubs, bars, and parties happening at night, offering a lively atmosphere.
Yes, numerous homestays and hotels are available for overnight stays within the ancient town.
While parts of the town are peaceful, there is a specific street known for its clubs and bars, indicating a lively nightlife.
Visitors can choose from a variety of homestays and hotels located directly within the ancient town.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the town is picturesque, be mindful that food prices inside can be higher. Consider packing some snacks or planning meals outside the main tourist area. The opportunity for Hanfu photoshoots can also be a memorable activity for older children who enjoy dressing up.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visiting on a sunny day is crucial for vibrant colors and clear skies. Consider renting Hanfu to capture truly authentic and picturesque images. Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Be aware that food prices inside the ancient town are higher. Seek out eateries outside the main tourist area for more affordable dining options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of Xiling Ancient Town
This commercialization is evident in the types of shops and food offerings, which some visitors describe as mass-produced or more of a marketing tactic than genuine local culture. Despite these changes, the town still retains its picturesque canals, waterways, and unique covered walkways, which continue to draw visitors seeking a glimpse of traditional Chinese architecture.
For travelers looking for a more authentic and less commercialized experience, it's recommended to visit during off-peak hours or explore alternative nearby attractions. Understanding this evolution helps set expectations for your visit.
Photography Opportunities and Hanfu Culture
A major draw for visitors is the opportunity to dress in traditional Hanfu clothing. Numerous shops within the town offer Hanfu rentals, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the historical ambiance and create unforgettable photographic memories. Many beautiful Chinese girls are seen embracing this trend, making it a popular activity.
To get the best photos, visiting on a sunny day is highly recommended to capture the vibrant colors and clear blue skies. Early mornings and late afternoons also offer beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the picturesque quality of the town.
Culinary Delights and Dining Tips
However, it's worth noting that food prices within the old town are generally higher than in surrounding areas. For budget-conscious travelers, dining outside the main tourist zone might be a more economical option.
While the abundance of snacks is appealing, some reviews suggest that they might be more geared towards tourists rather than representing deeply rooted culinary traditions. Nevertheless, for a taste of local flavors and a convenient bite while exploring, the food stalls are a popular choice.
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