Xixing Water Village Homestay stands out as a top choice, nestled in the heart of the ancient town with traditional Jiangnan architecture featuring blue-brick walls, carved wooden windows, and riverfront terraces. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the tranquil waterways from their rooms, where morning mist rises over passing boats and evening lights reflect on the surface.

Located just 200 meters from Xixing Wharf and within walking distance of key attractions like the Cultural Square and Wangjiang Pavilion, this boutique homestay offers seamless access to cultural experiences. The property also hosts tea ceremony workshops and hand-embroidery sessions, allowing travelers to engage deeply with intangible heritage. Prices start at ¥680 per night, including breakfast and dinner, making it an ideal base for exploring Hangzhou’s historical roots.

Begin your day with a boat tour along the Qiantang River tributaries from Xixing Wharf, enjoying views of Ming and Qing dynasty stone bridges and centuries-old homes. After disembarking, visit the Xixing History Museum at the Cultural Square to learn about its role as a historic trade hub.

Lunch at Chen's Restaurant features authentic Hangzhou dishes such as "Sweet and Sour Carp" and "Longjing Shrimp," served in a traditional courtyard setting. In the afternoon, participate in a traditional silk weaving workshop, guided by a master craftsman, or browse handmade goods at the Book Lane Craft Market.

End your day atop Wangjiang Pavilion, where you can watch the sunset over the river and city skyline. Most attractions are walkable or accessible via shared e-bikes, and free shuttle buses connect major stops—ensuring a relaxed, immersive experience throughout the day.

One of the most distinctive experiences is the Ancient Ferry Ritual Reenactment, held monthly, where locals portray merchants and boatmen from the Tang and Song dynasties, performing rituals like contract signing, cargo weighing, and river blessings—a vivid recreation of ancient trade life.

Additionally, the Silk Weaving Workshop Open Days allow visitors to try hand-weaving small silk panels under the guidance of a national intangible cultural heritage master. For poetry lovers, the Book Lane Poetry Gathering offers a chance to recite classical verses in a Ming-era academy accompanied by live guqin music, evoking the spirit of scholar gatherings.

These events take place within the town’s authentic environment, offering rare opportunities to engage with living traditions in a historically preserved setting.

Yes, Xixing Ancient Town is well-connected to central Hangzhou. Take Line 5 of Hangzhou Metro from Xixing Station, which reaches Hangzhou East Railway Station in just 15 minutes, providing easy access to high-speed trains and city buses.

Numerous intercity bus routes run directly to major districts like Wulin Gate, Hulun Bay, and Qianjiang New City, operating until 9 PM daily. For those driving, the Hangzhou Ring Expressway provides a 20-minute commute into the city center. On-site, shared e-bike rentals and free parking lots are available, supported by smart navigation systems—making travel both convenient and stress-free regardless of your mode of transport.

The night scene of Xixing Ancient Town is defined by lantern-lit waterways and illuminated alleys. Traditional paper lanterns and red velvet chandeliers line the riverside, casting soft reflections on the cobblestone streets and arched bridges, creating a dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of ancient China.

A must-visit is the second-floor viewing platform at Wangjiang Pavilion, offering sweeping views of the illuminated riverbanks and the modern city skyline beyond. Every Friday evening features a water-based performance combining projection art and traditional music and dance, narrating the town’s thousand-year story in a 40-minute show.

Local shops like Tea Fragrance House and Ink & Calligraphy Studio remain open late, offering quiet moments for tea tasting or reading under warm lighting. With ample security patrols and intelligent street lighting, the area remains safe and inviting for nighttime exploration.

Accommodations like Xixing Water Village Homestay are centrally located—just 200 meters from Xixing Wharf and within a 5-minute walk of key sites including the Cultural Square, Wangjiang Pavilion, and Chen's Restaurant. Most attractions are either walkable or reachable by shared e-bike, enhancing convenience and immersion.

The homestay itself blends architectural authenticity with modern comfort, featuring a Song Dynasty-style courtyard, a guqin performance corner, and private river-view balconies. On-site amenities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary guided maps, and assistance with HopeGoo boat tours and cultural activities. Its prime location ensures guests can maximize their time exploring the town’s rich heritage without unnecessary travel.

Stay at Xixing Riverside Homestay, a boutique guesthouse nestled in the heart of the ancient town, just steps from the Qiantang River. Its architecture blends traditional Jiangnan water village aesthetics with modern comfort, offering rooms with direct views of winding canals and historic wooden houses. Guests enjoy serene nights illuminated by lantern reflections on the water.

The property provides free bicycles for exploring nearby alleys and the 1,000-year-old ferry site, plus hosts cultural workshops on Hangzhou intangible heritage crafts. For travelers seeking luxury and convenience, Marriott Hotel Xiaoshan Hangzhou is just a 15-minute drive away, featuring panoramic city and river views from its upper-floor rooms, ideal for those wanting upscale amenities while still being close to authentic heritage sites.

The most efficient route from downtown Hangzhou is taking Metro Line 2 to Xiaoshan Station, then transferring to a bus or taxi—approximately 40 minutes total. For drivers, take Shixin North Road to Xiaoshan Ring Expressway, then cross the Qiantang River Tunnel for a quick access to the town entrance.

Use the official app "Hangzhou Public Transit" for real-time schedules and transfer guidance. The area offers multiple parking options, including South Gate Parking, located near major attractions and equipped with EV charging stations, ideal for eco-friendly travel. To avoid traffic, visit early morning or late afternoon for scenic views bathed in golden sunlight.

Xixing Ancient Town offers immersive cultural experiences rooted in local heritage. Don’t miss the live performance of Qiantang River boatmen’s chants, where elder fishermen share traditional fishing songs that echo centuries of river trade history.

Join a hands-on Hangzhou-style paper-cutting workshop in a historic courtyard, learning to craft symbolic red designs with intricate patterns—your creation makes a meaningful souvenir. Seasonal highlights include the Ancient Town Lantern Festival, blending digital light art with folk tales, transforming cobbled streets into magical pathways under projected scenes.

Food lovers should book the Xixing Braised Duck Workshop, where you’ll mix secret sauce ingredients and taste authentic flavors firsthand. All activities require advance HopeGoo via the official tourism platform to secure spots.

Yes, several family-oriented attractions surround Xixing Ancient Town. Head to Qiantang River Greenway Park, an 8-kilometer riverside trail with gentle slopes, stroller-accessible paths, and designated play zones for kids to fly kites or toss frisbees. Interactive science stations teach about tidal phenomena and wetland ecosystems along the riverbank.

Also visit Xixing Children’s Museum, themed "A Small Town, a Big World," featuring hands-on exhibits on ancient town life, traditional farming tools, and textile craftsmanship. Children can operate replica waterwheels and looms, making learning fun and engaging. Outside, a mini animal feeding corner lets kids interact with rabbits and ducks.

All facilities meet national safety standards, offer free Wi-Fi, and include nursing rooms—perfect for stress-free family outings.

Xixing Ancient Town’s night scenery shines with the "Water and Moon Reflection" theme. The best photo spots are around South Gate Pier and Ying’en Bridge, where illuminated lanterns reflect on the river surface, creating a living ink-wash painting. On full moon nights (every 15th day), moonlight merges with lights for a surreal, scroll-like atmosphere reminiscent of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival."

Ancient Stage Square is another hotspot: red velvet lanterns hang above tiled eaves, forming striking contrast against dark rooftops—ideal for portrait photography. For panoramic shots, climb to the Viewpoint Tower (ticket required) for a 360-degree vista of glowing alleyways and shimmering Qiantang River. Wear Hanfu or traditional attire to blend in and capture high-quality, culturally immersive photos.