Jiangnan Water Town mainly refers to the areas in southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The land here is fertile, the climate is mild, and the products are rich. Our ancestors have lived here since ancient times. Over thousands of years, many villages and towns have gradually been formed. These towns are built along rivers, with streets and cities formed by water, forming exquisite and unique architectural layouts. The town's whitewashed walls and black tiles, small bridges and flowing water, old streets and deep lanes are filled with a strong Jiangnan local flavor, forming a unique regional cultural landscape. Due to differences in geographical and humanistic environments, each town has its own characteristics. Since the 1980s, China's rural economy has developed rapidly, and most historical towns have undergone transformation through modern construction and have basically lost their original features. Fortunately, ancient towns such as Wuzhen, Nanxun, and Xitang in Zhejiang Province and Zhouzhuang, Tongli, and Luzhi in Jiangsu Province have received timely protection. In recent years, these ancient towns have undergone reasonable renovation under the guidance of experts, and have relatively completely preserved their original historical features, becoming precious cultural heritage of mankind.
Xitang, belonging to Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, is located in the hinterland of the Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai triangle, and is known as the "Wu Genyue Corner". During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it became an important handicraft and commercial center in the south of the Yangtze River. The small river in the town winds around the streets, and there are long corridors and sheds, which bring great convenience and comfort to the residents and pedestrians in the water town. Ancient stone bridges, ancient alleys, and ancient trees are reflections of the long history of Xitang culture.
The corridors and sheds in Xitang are the unique architectural scenery of the ancient town. Wooden pillars stand along the river, erecting simple wooden roof trusses with tile roofs to provide protection from the sun and rain. They stretch along the river and streets for kilometers, covering the main riverside streets of the town. During festivals, red lanterns are hung under the eaves. The sun sets, the red lanterns are lit, and the reflections in the water form a series, adding to the joyful atmosphere. As an extension of the buildings along the street and as a backdrop to the long river, the gallery sheds are full of strong human feelings and nostalgia.
