Xinsi Ancient Town

Xinsi Ancient Town

Xinsi Ancient Town

The charm of a water town from the late Qing and early Republican era

Location: Eastern part of Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province

Insider Rating: ★★★★★

Features: Hometown of silk

Xinshi Town is located in the eastern part of Deqing County. It is just 30 kilometers east to Wuzhen and Xitang; 30 kilometers north lie Nanxun, Zhouzhuang, and Tongli. With a history of over a thousand years, Xinsi Ancient Town is also a typical ancient water town in the Jiangnan region. The town river winds around, with shops and residences built along the water, yet its fame is far less than that of Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen. Xinsi Ancient Town is one of the birthplaces of the ancient “Silk Road” and is known as the hometown of silk. There are as many mulberry fields as rice paddies, and a Silkworm Flower Festival is held every year.

Though called a small town, its scale is not insignificant. The bustling market area is lively, with numerous shops and a constant flow of people. The area around Xihékǒu Water Street has a relatively concentrated collection of well-preserved ancient architecture, offering considerable aesthetic value. Beyond Xihékǒu, due to historical changes, traces of the past are hard to find. Xihékǒu Water Street has an inverted Y-shaped layout, starting from Chenjiatan in the south to Zhujiaqiao in the north, spanning about two li in length. Records indicate that at its peak, the ancient town had up to 36 lanes and 72 bridges. Currently, 11 are relatively well preserved, and among the bridges on Xihékǒu Water Street, three are particularly famous: Jiāxiān Bridge, Huìxiān Bridge, and Wàngxiān Bridge. Descriptions of Xihékǒu’s past can be found in texts: “The gently flowing town river divides hundreds of residences on both sides from south to north, connected by dozens of exquisite small bridges, forming a unified whole. For thousands of years, the creaking sounds of oars and paddles stirred the imaginations of families living along the riverbanks, though such sights can no longer be seen today. Along both sides of the water street, the riverside arcades built through the ages largely retain the characteristics of old water town streets from the late Qing and early Republican era. The simple and elegant stone-framed gateways, exquisitely carved brick residences, unique fireproof walls, and stone-built embankments and docks. Aside from admiring the residences, you can also enjoy some community opera performances in front of Liuwang Temple, wander through the winding old alleys to touch history, stroll through the Silk Culture Museum to linger along the Silk Road, or visit Juehai Chan Temple to offer incense and make wishes. You can also dine at small restaurants, savoring yellow wine and lamb to your heart’s content…”

Gas station information

Transportation: Buses to Xinsi are available from both Hangzhou East Bus Station and Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station, with the route from Hangzhou being slightly closer.

Food: The lamb of Xinsi Ancient Town is a must-try. In addition, tea cakes and sprouted wheat balls are also local specialties.

Accommodation: There are limited lodging options in the ancient town itself. It is recommended to stay in Deqing County, with the local Lijing Grand Hotel and New Century Grand Hotel being good choices.

Specialties: Xinsi’s fine-sand sheep tail, fermented black beans, dry-tossed noodles, and crisp candy are all local specialties with a history of over a hundred years.