Xitang is the water town that comes alive after dark. Sitting in northern Zhejiang between Shanghai and Hangzhou, it shares the canals, bridges, and white-walled houses of its neighbors, but adds two signature features: nearly a kilometer of covered riverside corridors and a string of canal-side bars and cafes that keep glowing late into the night.
By day Xitang is a classic Jiangnan town of nine rivers and many bridges; by night it transforms into a lantern-lit scene of reflections, music, and crowds drifting along the water. It is also a film location familiar to fans of certain Hollywood blockbusters, which adds to its easygoing, slightly bohemian reputation.
Why visit Xitang
Xitang stands out from the other Yangtze Delta water towns for its atmosphere after sunset. The town is famous for its covered wooden corridors, called langpeng, that run along the canals and let you stroll dry in any weather, and for the way thousands of red lanterns reflect in the water once the sky darkens. It is the rare ancient town with genuine evening energy.
That said, it remains a beautiful daytime water town too, with old bridges, narrow alleys, and quiet courtyards. Its location between Shanghai and Hangzhou makes it an easy add-on to a trip to either city, and its nightlife gives it a different flavor from the more sedate Tongli or Zhouzhuang.
Top things to do in Xitang
- Walk the covered corridors, the long riverside galleries that are Xitang's most distinctive feature.
- Stay for the evening lanterns, when red lanterns light up and reflect along the canals, the town's signature scene.
- Take a night boat ride to see the illuminated bridges and waterfront from the water.
- Explore the old alleys like Shipi Lane, one of the narrowest and most atmospheric in town.
- Relax at a canal-side bar or teahouse, part of Xitang's unusually lively after-dark scene.
- Try local snacks such as Xitang rice wine, braised pork, and seasonal sweets from the lanes.
Getting there & around
Xitang is an easy trip from both Shanghai and Hangzhou, each roughly 90 minutes to two hours away by road. High-speed trains run to nearby Jiashan station, from which it is a short taxi or bus ride to the old town. For a relaxed door-to-door journey, especially if you plan to stay for the night scene, a private car charter with an English-speaking driver is a comfortable choice.
The old town itself is pedestrian and small enough to cover on foot, with boats as an optional extra. There is a bundled entry ticket for the main sights. To plan the train connections, see our China transport guide.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather and the prettiest light on the canals. Because Xitang's biggest draw is its evening atmosphere, plan to be in town at dusk and after dark, whatever the season; the lanterns are the highlight. Weekday evenings are noticeably calmer than weekends.
Crowds peak on weekends and during Chinese holidays such as the May and October Golden Weeks, when the canal-side bars are packed. Summer is hot and humid; winter is quiet and atmospheric in the mist. For the wider seasonal picture, see our guide to the best time to visit China.
How long & where to stay
Xitang is best as an overnight rather than a quick day trip, because its defining experience, the lantern-lit evening, only happens after the day visitors leave. A typical visit is one night and a day: arrive in the afternoon, enjoy the evening, and wander the quiet canals the next morning.
Staying inside the old town is the way to do it. Choose from canal-side guesthouses and small boutique hotels, ideally with a water view. Rooms book out and prices rise on weekends and holidays, so reserve ahead and confirm current rates.
Explore Xitang with a local guide
A local guide helps you make the most of Xitang's split personality, the daytime alleys and the after-dark glow, while handling tickets, boat timings, and finding the quieter corridors away from the busiest bars. They can also link Xitang smoothly with Shanghai or Hangzhou in a single trip.
On HeroGuide you post your trip and verified local guides and drivers bid on it, so you can compare offers and pick the right person. Post your trip and get matched with a local guide for Xitang and the surrounding region.
Xitang Travel FAQ
What makes Xitang different from other water towns?
Xitang is known for its long covered riverside corridors and its lively evening scene of lanterns, bars, and cafes. It has more nightlife and after-dark atmosphere than quieter towns like Tongli.
Should I visit Xitang during the day or at night?
Both, but the evening is the highlight. The lantern-lit canals after dark are Xitang's signature experience, so staying overnight is strongly recommended over a quick day trip.
How do I get to Xitang from Hangzhou or Shanghai?
It is roughly 90 minutes to two hours by road from either city, or by high-speed train to Jiashan station followed by a short transfer. A private driver makes the trip easiest, especially for an overnight stay.
Is Xitang very crowded?
It can be, especially on weekends and during Chinese holidays, particularly in the evening bar areas. Visiting on a weekday and exploring the quieter lanes helps you avoid the worst of it.
Is there an entrance fee for Xitang?
Yes, the old town uses a bundled ticket for the main attractions. Prices change over time, so confirm current details before you visit.
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