Xitang

Xitang water town, in Jianshan County is one of China's best preserved old towns and one noted throughout China for its scenic beauty. Records can trace the town back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC). Nine rivers flowing through the town divide it into eight sections. It is these rivers which give the town its beauty and fame. The image of ancient bridges crossing the calm water that flows between the old buildings is loved by many and and well worth seeing.Wonderful examples of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture can be found all over.

Xitang is famous for its bridges of which there are 104 scattered across the rivers. They are known for their beauty and the locals have legends about many of them. The ceilinged corridors are Xitang's most famous and unique feature. Over 1000 meters of them which are built mostly along the rivers protect the locals from both the sun and rain and one section is especially known for its artistic carvings. 122 lanes of different widths and lengths are another well know feature. Creating a maze of a network throughout the entire town, some are only wide enough for one person to pass through.

Xitang appeals so much because it has not be modernised like so many other towns like it, and the aim is to keep it that way. It is a great place to go and experience a simple, easy going and peaceful way of life in an otherwise hectic world.