Covered walkways
Hung with red lanterns.
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An old water town in Jiashan County, crossed by nine rivers and canals that split it into eight sections linked by old stone bridges, with white houses and grey roofs lining the canals that served as its real streets; it has been a listed historic town of China since 2003 and rated 5A since 2017. Its history goes back to the Spring and Autumn period, when it lay on the border between the states of Wu and Yue, and legend says the general Wu Zixu ordered its canals dug, which is why it was once called Xutang. Its loveliest features are the long covered walkways at the water's edge, hung with red lanterns and sheltering passers-by from rain and sun, the arched bridges reflected in the canals, and the wooden boats that carry visitors between the houses; it is even prettier in the evening when the lanterns are lit. The day ticket costs CNY 95 and covers several sights in town, with entry from 7.30 am until 5.30 pm on weekdays and until 6.30 pm at weekends, per visitor guides.
Hung with red lanterns.
Over the canals.
Between the houses.
Jiashan County, north-east of Jiaxing city, Zhejiang
Wuzhen is bigger and more polished, with its large West Scenic Zone, while Xitang is smaller and more lived-in, with its covered walkways; both are in Jiaxing prefecture and each makes a day trip.
Choices are few inside the old town and local dishes use a lot of pork, so look for noodle restaurants run by Muslims under the halal sign near the entrances or in Jiaxing.