Xitang Ancient Town（西塘古鎮(zhèn)）

Xitang Ancient Town [nipic.com]

Xitang Ancient Town, located in the north of Zhejiang Province, finds itself about 90 kilometers (55.92 miles) from Shanghai and 110 kilometers (68.35 miles) from Hangzhou.

Known as one of the top six ancient towns in southern China, the town has a gentle climate, floating rills, ancient bridges and maintains an overall slow-paced lifestyle. Nine rivers converge in this town, dividing it into 8 sections, but all linked together through 27 ancient bridges. Inside the town, there are many well-preserved buildings, all flaunting a highly artistic architecture, that have been constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911)..

The town is at its best when night falls or morning comes. At those times of the day, strolling along the quiet ancient streets or rowing a boat down the waterway will certainly bring you a feeling of inner peace.

Admission: 100 yuan (US$15.69)/person