Xinsi Ancient Town

　　　　A glimpse of the water town charm from the late Qing and early Republican periods

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

　　　　Insider Rating: ★★★★★

　　　　Features: Hometown of silk

　　　　Located in the eastern part of Deqing County, Xinsi Town is just 30 kilometers east of Wuzhen and Xitang, and about 30 kilometers north of 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 it is far less known than Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen. Xinsi Ancient Town is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Silk Road and is also known as the hometown of silk. Mulberry fields are as common as rice paddies here, and an annual Silkworm Flower Festival is held.

　　　　Though called a small town, its size 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 harder to find. Xihékǒu Water Street has an inverted Y-shaped layout, starting from Chenjiatan in the south and extending to Zhujiaqiao in the north, spanning approximately one kilometer. Records indicate that the ancient town once 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: Jiaxian Bridge, Huixian Bridge, and Wangxian Bridge. Historical accounts describe Xihékǒu as follows: “The gently flowing town river divides hundreds of residences on both sides from south to north, then connects them via dozens of exquisitely crafted small bridges. For thousands of years, the creaking sounds of oars have stirred the imaginations of those living along the riverbanks—though such sights no longer exist today. Along the water street, the street-facing arcades built over generations largely retain the characteristics of old water town streets from the late Qing and early Republican periods. The simple and elegant stone-framed gateways, exquisite brick-carved residences, unique firewalls, and stone-built embankments and docks. In addition to admiring the residences, you can also enjoy traditional opera performances in front of Liuwang Temple, wander through the winding alleys to touch history, stroll through the Silk Culture Museum to trace the Silk Road, or visit Juehai Chan Temple to offer incense and make wishes. You can also dine at small restaurants, sampling local 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. Additionally, 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 local choices including Lijing Grand Hotel and New Century Hotel.

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

Xinsi Ancient Town