Xinshi Ancient Town, with a history spanning thousands of years, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. The town is home to numerous residential complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Juehai Temple, ancient bridges, and more. Its residents have traditionally built their homes along the riverbanks and established markets near the bridges, embodying the quintessential Jiangnan style.
In the vicinity of Xijiaokou Water Street, the ancient structures are notably concentrated and well-preserved, offering significant aesthetic and historical value. This area, in particular, showcases the architectural splendor of the region. However, outside of Xijiaokou, the effects of historical changes have made it challenging to discern the town’s storied past.
Xijiakou Water Street itself is distinctively laid out in an inverted Y shape. It extends from Chenjiatan in the south to Zhujaqiao in the north, covering a distance of approximately two Chinese miles. Historical records indicate that at the height of the ancient town’s prosperity, there were 36 lanes and 72 bridges, with 11 of them still relatively intact today. Among the three bridges on Xijiaokou Water Street, the Jiaxian Bridge, Huixian Bridge, and Wangxian Bridge stand out as particularly renowned.
The arcade buildings that line both sides of the water street have been constructed over time and have largely retained the characteristics of the old water town streets from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. These structures feature simple and elegant stone gateways, exquisite brick-carved residences, unique firewalls, as well as stone embankments and wharves.
Adding to the allure of the ancient town is the area surrounding the Juehai Ancient Temple. This region is rich in ancient temples, old bridges, historic business firms and pawnshops, the Liuwang Temple, the Juehai Ancient Temple itself, and the remnants of the ancient Huai Temple, among other attractions. These sites provide a glimpse into the town’s deep-rooted history and cultural significance.The ancient town boasts a multitude of museums and exhibition halls, making it an ideal destination for art and history enthusiasts. If you find yourself weary from wandering, head to “Yuansong Mutton” located in the north of the town for a revitalizing meal. Here, you can indulge in a bowl of their signature fragrant mutton noodles, which are made with the renowned Hu sheep from Xinshi. The mutton is not only fresh and aromatic but also devoid of any off-putting odors, making it a must-try dish when visiting Xinshi. The restaurant operates from 08:30 to 16:30 every day, ensuring you can enjoy this culinary delight year-round. Additionally, the exhibition halls within Xinshi Ancient Town have recently resumed their operations, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the rich cultural heritage on display.
