Xitang

Author: Ruan Yisan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-02
Features: Xitang, belonging to Jiaxing County, Zhejiang Province, is located in the triangular hinterland of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, and is known as "the root of Wu and the corner of Yue." During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it had become a major hub of handicrafts and commerce in Jiangnan. Xitang's Corridor Pavilions are a unique architectural landscape of the ancient town. Wooden pillars stand along the river, supporting simple wooden structures with tiled roofs, providing shade and shelter. Stretching for over a thousand meters along the river and streets, they cover most of the town's main riverside streets. During festivals, red lanterns are hung beneath the eaves. As the sunset sets in, the red lanterns dot the sky, their reflections in the water forming a continuous chain, adding to the festive atmosphere. As an extension of the street buildings and a companion to the gentle river, the Corridor Pavilions are filled with a strong sense of community and nostalgia.
This book primarily introduces the water town gem—Xitang, Xitang's Corridor Pavilions, Xitang's alleys, Xitang's temples, Xitang's bridges, Xitang's yellow wine, Xitang's private gardens—Xiyuan, Xitang's famous residences, Xitang's folk collections, Xitang's famous flowers, Xitang's snacks, and Xitang's tourist routes, among others.