Xitang Bieong

Xitang Bieong

In the old days, people rarely opened the main gate unless it was for important occasions. The grand doors were only opened during weddings, funerals, celebrations, or when honored guests arrived, for carrying in sedan chairs. The Bieong (side alleys) were used to connect the side gates, allowing family members to come and go. Interestingly, these Bieong had no windows and remained without sunlight year-round, relying only on the minimal natural light coming from the courtyard. This design aligned perfectly with the architectural philosophy of wealthy households in the Jiangnan water towns—“never show your silver, for darkness guards wealth.” Even the master’s bedroom was kept dim for a sense of security. Unknowingly, you may feel as though you’ve entered a cycle of time, as if stepping into a long-sealed historical thread-bound book.

Nowadays, the Bieong has become a uniquely charming tourist passage. Walking forward uncertainly in the dim light, with no sense of how much time has passed in the silence, you’ll notice the mottled walls where niches have been blackened by smoke. A chill dampness lingers underfoot, and just as confusion sets in, a touch of greenish light pours in, suddenly brightening your eyes: the backyard is lush with plants and picturesque. A crystal-clear stream appears miraculously at the bottom of the alley, flowing along the wall before disappearing through the waterside pavilion. It feels like a stroke of genius in the climax of a story—unexpected and delightful.

Address: Within Xitang Ancient Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City

Type: Ancient town/village

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour

Ticket information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Xitang scenic area ticket.

Xitang Town: Xitang, anciently known as Xietang, became a market town during the Ming Dynasty, bordering Yong’an and Qianshan townships. Initially called Xietang, it later became known as Xitang. Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu Zixu stationed troops here and dug the Wu Zi Pond to improve water management, diverting water from Xu Mountain directly into the area, hence it is also called Xutang. Xitang Town is located in the northern part of Jiashan County, at the junction of three provinces and municipalities—Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu—boasting a prime geographical location, often referred to as the “corner of Wu and Yue.” It lies 90 kilometers east of Shanghai, 110 kilometers west of Hangzhou, 85 kilometers north of Suzhou, and 9 kilometers south of Jiashan County seat. The urban center is geographically positioned at 120°53′ east longitude and 30°56′ north latitude. With both land and water… More detailed information about Xitang Town++