Starting from Shanghai: route 1

The night in Xitang is leisure and tranquil. Wang Hui/For China Daily

The night in Xitang is leisure and tranquil. Wang Hui/For China Daily

Imagine this: Waking up in the morning with the sound of water flowing beneath bridges and fresh air fills the surroundings. Such poetic picture is not a fantasy but found in the ancient town of Xitang, near Shanghai.

It is the perfect spot to spend the holiday for those who do not fancy spending too much time on the road.

Located in Jiashan county, Zhejiang province, Xitang ancient town dates back to at least the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

Unlike other ancient scenic towns nearby that are overly developed for tourism, Xitang manages to maintain its originality as a primitive water town.

The picturesque town appears to sparkle with river crisscrossing and the reflections of houses in the water exuding a sense of peace.

Well-preserved groups of buildings of the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties with relatively high artistic quality and research value can be seen in Xitang. The large amounts of ceilinged corridors, lanes and bridges are also the peculiar flavor of the water town.

If you go: Visitors of Shanghai can drive on national road 320 to Jiashan crossroad, then drive northwards to Shanjiang highway for 15 minutes to reach Xitang.

You can also use Huhangyong highway, exit at Dayun, Jiashan, then use Shanjiang highway to Xitang.