
Videography: Kumar Ellawala
Action Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ200
Video Editor: CyberLink PowerDirector
Audio Track: From SHUTTERSTOCK
Xitang Water Town is a beautiful town that seems like a completely different world from the hustle and bustle of nearby Shanghai. Cobbled streets, old buildings, bridges arching over canals, rowing boats lingering on the river, and locals singing folk songs, all feature in Xitang, a charming, ancient water town. Mornings in Xitang bring fresh air and light fog; by evening, the setting sun casts a rosy glow on the old tiled roofs.
Xitang’s numerous bridges make it particularly special. The town is mostly flat, with 9 waterways splitting it into 8 areas. The areas are connected by 104 bridges, built in varying styles spanning the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. Some look like rainbows over the river while others look like long flutes.
Ancient lanes are a typical feature of Xitang. The narrow lanes connect streets, waterways, and houses, each lane with its own name. The 68-meter-long Shipi Lane is the most famous. The widest part of the lane is 110 cm and the narrowest part is only 80 cm.
The long covered walkways are the most unique feature of Xitang, distinguishing it from other water towns. They used to be roads with roofs. Now chairs are arranged there for people to enjoy a leisurely rest by the canals. You don’t need to worry about rainy days or about the hot summer sun’s rays.
- Chinahighlights.com