Travel Guide to Xitang Ancient Town, Zhejiang

When the chill of winter quietly descends, the water alleys of Xitang Ancient Town shine with a unique charm. Strolling through this town, known as the "Pearl of Jiangnan Water Towns," you’ll find ancient stone bridges and traditional houses with black tiles and gray bricks serene and elegant in the morning light. At night, the entire town is illuminated, with the water reflecting stars and lights, as if stepping into a fairy tale. The winding alleys, antique covered bridges, and melodious folk songs weave a captivating night scene of Jiangnan. Winter in Xitang is quieter than summer but filled with tranquility and warmth. Take a ride on a black-awning boat, drifting through the water alleys, and savor the peaceful charm of time. Whether it’s the morning mist or the brilliant night lights, it’s truly enchanting. This ancient town with a history of over a thousand years awaits you to deeply feel its profound ancient charm and romance. This winter, bring your loved ones or friends and set off to Xitang Ancient Town to start a dreamy journey through the Jiangnan water town! A travel guide for Xitang Ancient Town suitable for a budget of 800 RMB, 1 day and 1 night, allowing you to easily enjoy the charm of Jiangnan water towns. 【Itinerary Overview】 Total Budget: 800 RMB Duration: 1 day 1 night Highlights: Ancient town stroll, local cuisine, night scene experience 【Itinerary Details】 Day 1: Morning 7:30 Departure: It is recommended to purchase high-speed train or bullet train tickets in advance (about 50-100 RMB) 9:00 Arrive at Xitang Station (take bus or taxi, about 10 RMB) 9:30 Check into an economy hotel or guesthouse (book in advance, about 200 RMB, including breakfast) 10:00 Enter Xitang Ancient Town, ticket about 120 RMB (some attractions are free) 10:30 Stroll through the ancient town, admire the ancient bridges, old houses, and stone-paved roads of Jiangnan water towns, and feel the rich historical atmosphere Noon 12:00 Have lunch at a local specialty restaurant in the ancient town (about 50 RMB), recommended to try local specialties such as boiled pork slices, braised duck, and handmade pastries Afternoon 13:30 Take a black-awning boat (about 50 RMB) to tour the water alleys of the ancient town and experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns 15:00 Visit handicraft shops and specialty snack streets in the ancient town, buy some souvenirs (budget about 50 RMB) 16:30 Visit some free or low-cost attractions, such as Chen’s Academy and Zhang Zhengfang Evening 18:00 Enjoy dinner in the ancient town (about 50 RMB), recommended to try Jiangnan specialty snacks 19:30 Enjoy the night view of Xitang, stroll along the brightly lit water alleys, and feel the ancient charm in the night 21:00 Check into the hotel, rest and relax Day 2: Morning 7:30 Have breakfast at the hotel (included in room fee or about 20 RMB) 8:30 Continue strolling through the ancient town, take photos and make memories 10:00 Check out and take bus or taxi back to Xitang Station (10 RMB) 11:00 Take the high-speed train or bullet train back (about 50-100 RMB) 【Budget Summary】 Transportation: about 150 RMB (round-trip high-speed train + local transport) Tickets: about 120 RMB (some attractions free) Accommodation: 200 RMB (economy guesthouse) Meals: about 150 RMB Activities and souvenirs: about 50 RMB Others: about 30 RMB Total: about 750 RMB, leaving some room for unexpected expenses or buying special souvenirs. Book train tickets and accommodation in advance to enjoy discounts Use public transportation more to save costs Choose local specialty restaurants to experience authentic Jiangnan flavors Don’t miss the most beautiful night views and lights of the ancient town at dusk to feel the enchanting charm of Jiangnan water towns This itinerary is both rich and economical, allowing you to fully experience the ancient charm and water town style of Xitang in just one day and night! Wishing you a wonderful trip!