Xitang Shipi Lane

Xitang Shipi Lane

Before the Ming Dynasty, wealthy families in the ancient town bore the surnames Tang, Wang, Zhao, and others. After the Ming Dynasty, other prominent families such as Ni, Jiang, Zhu, Bu, and Lu also emerged, leading to the construction of many grand mansions. The depth of these residences formed long alleys. Today, the town still has 122 alleys of varying lengths, including five that exceed 100 meters. Among them, the most distinctive open-air alley is called Shipi Lane.

Shipi Lane is an alley formed between two residences of the Wang family descendants. Its walls are paved with 216 stone slabs, each only three centimeters thick, and the ground is covered with 168 stone slabs. The lane is 68 meters long, with a maximum width of 1.1 meters and a minimum width of just 0.8 meters. It serves as a passageway between the Wang family’s Zunwentang and Zhongfutang.

According to research, beneath the stone path of the alley lies a drainage system that prevents water accumulation even on rainy days. The thin, skin-like stone slabs that form the surface of this drainage system gave the alley its name, Shipi (which means “skin-like stone”) Lane. Above, there is a narrow strip of sky, which is why Shipi Lane is also referred to as Xitang’s “a slit of sky.”

Address: Passageway between Zunwentang and Zhongfutang, Xiatang Street, Xitang Ancient Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City

Transportation: Accessible on foot within the ancient town

Type: Characteristic street area

Recommended visiting time: About 10 minutes

Phone: 0573-84564161

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

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

Xitang Town: Xitang, anciently known as Xietang, was established as a market town during the Ming Dynasty, bordering Yong’an and Qianshan townships. Initially named 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 Wuzitang canal to improve water conservancy, channeling water from Xushan Mountain directly into the region, hence it was also called Xutang. Xitang Town is located in the northern part of Jiashan County, at the junction of three provinces and municipalities — - and Shanghai — enjoying a superior geographical position and known as the “corner of Wu and Yue.” It is 90 kilometers east of Shanghai, 110 kilometers west of Hangzhou, 85 kilometers north of Suzhou, and 9 kilometers south of Jiashan County seat. The central urban area is geographically located at 120°53′ east longitude and 30°56′ north latitude. With access to both water and land transportation... Detailed information about Xitang Town ++