Xitang

Author: Liu Huiming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features:
West Lake Town, a picturesque ancient water town in Jiashan County, North of the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain, is a town with a millennium-old history and culture. As early as the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was the point between the Wu and Yue states, hence the name "Root of Wu and Corner of Yue." By the Yuan Dynasty, it had begun to form a market, and by the Ming Dynasty, it had become a well-developed market. The town is characterized by its crisscrossing river networks, lakeside scenery, and the charming water town ambiance formed by fish, shrimp, and lotus. From afar, the water town appears as a light-colored paper painting, with white walls, black roofs, boat shadows, and rippling water, all shrouded in mist. As one enters the ancient town, the weathered covered walkways and deep alleys seem to transport one into a distant history. The rivers crisscross, the green waves ripple, and in the morning, small bridges with flowing water and mist like silk create a serene scene. In the evening, the setting sun casts a golden glow on the flat fishing boats, epitomizing the essence of the Jiangnan water town.
Wangxian Bridge was built in the Song Dynasty, while Laifeng Bridge, Wufu Bridge, and Wolong Bridge were constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. They have listened to the gentle flow of water and the soft singing of oars for a thousand years, witnessing the changes in the houses and the passage of time. The streets built along the rivers and the residential buildings built near the water, especially the nearly kilometer-long covered walkways, have gradually faded in memory, though some parts have turned yellow, yet they have become clearer. The narrow and long stone-paved alleys are both unfamiliar and familiar, as if one can still hear their own footsteps echoing behind them.
Shoufu Hall, Zunwen Hall, Xue Mansion, and other buildings are from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These ancient and simple courtyard houses are symbols of the people of Xitang. Looking up at the deep walls, the sunlight filtering through the small courtyards moves slowly, like golden streams scattered on the weathered wooden walls, evoking a sense of the passage of time.
On some ancient roofs of Xitang, there are grasses nearly a foot tall. Legend has it that the spirits of the former owners of these houses have attached themselves to the grass, making it grow so lushly, protecting the tranquility and longevity of the old houses, as well as the prosperity and harmony of the ancient town.
Xitang's water town has a unique elegance and charm. Not to mention the joy of fishing with the locals, enjoying a world away from the hustle and bustle of fishing life; as night falls, rowing a boat on the river, setting a pot of wine, and arranging two dishes of food with friends, while outside the cabin, the oarswoman in green and white clothing sings softly, her voice melodious and reminiscent of a bygone era.
Xitang has dozens of ancient streets, some named after concentrated trading industries, such as "Rice Street" and "Fish Street." Others are named after ancient scholars who lived in Xitang, such as "Liren Street," named after Li Qizhen, a scholar who passed the imperial examination in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. These streets have a unique simplicity and quiet charm.
The alleys of Xitang are deep, with some reaching six or seven courtyards deep, where it is said, "Even in the rain, your shoes stay dry, and people still walk." By leaving behind worldly distractions and temporarily hiding in the ancient town, one can experience the simple customs and feel a sense of returning to nature.
The book Xitang: A Historical and Cultural City of China is divided into seven parts: "Ancient Town Scenery," "Scenic Spots and Historical Sites," "Local Collections," "Famous People of Xitang," "Folk Customs," "Local Delicacies," and "Tourism Services." The book collects nearly 200 new photographs reflecting the urban landscape of Xitang, making it a comprehensive and systematic encyclopedia-style picture book introducing the town.