As visitors pass through the ticket gates into Zhujiajiao`s historic center, they are greeted by Xijing Canal (Water Street)—like a scene from a living postcard, the town`s first canal-alley and gateway to its ancient charm. Unlike the wider Dianpu River or Central Canal, Xijing offers an authentic immersion into water town life: a narrow channel winding between Ming and Qing-era houses before merging with the grand Dianpu River.
For over 400 years, this 200-meter waterway served as the main entry point for merchants arriving by boat, welcoming travelers into Zhujiajiao’s timeless beauty.
Architecture: A Living Museum of Canal Life
Xijing’s magic lies in its perfectly preserved riverside architecture:
1. The Canal
• Width: Just 3.5 meters—so narrow you can almost touch both sides from a boat
• Stone Embankments: Worn smooth by centuries of use, with moss-covered steps descending into the water
• Wooden Docks: Original Qing Dynasty mooring posts still in place
2. Riverside Houses of Xijing Water Street
Shops with Sliding Doors: Converted from 17th-century merchant homes, now housing:
• Teahouses with balconies overhanging the water
• Shadow puppet theaters behind carved wooden screens
• Indigo dye workshops displaying fabrics along the canal
Distinctive Roofs:
• "Horse-head" gables (fireproof design)
• Curved eaves adorned with carved fish (symbolizing prosperity)
3. The "Whispering Alley" Effect
The street is so narrow (just 5 meters wide) that conversations echo softly between the houses—locals joke those merchants once eavesdropped on rivals this way.
How to Best Experience Xijing Water Street
1. Walk First, Boat Later. While gondolas ply the canal, savvy travelers:
• Stroll the full length on foot (15 mins), admiring architectural details
• Pause at the "Moon Viewing Terrace"—a semicircular stone platform
• Cross Fangsheng Bridge to the Central Canal (300m east)
• Return by boat, seeing Xijing from the water
2. Must-Visit Spots
• No. 36 Xijing: A restored 1698 salt merchant’s mansion with a hidden garden
• "Seven Steps Teahouse": Named for its stone steps leading from the canal
• Jade Ribbon Bridge: A petite arched bridge where the canal meets the river
3. Best Photo Moments
• Dawn: Mist drifting between tilted houses
• Noon: Perfect symmetry down the canal’s length
• Lantern Time: Red paper lights reflecting in the water at dusk
Why Xijing Feels Special
• Unlike busier canals, Xijing retains quiet authenticity:
• No neon signs—only hand-painted wooden shop plaques
• Original flagstones grooved by centuries of footsteps
• Locals still wash vegetables in the canal each morning (a Ming-era tradition)
• Try steamed osmanthus cakes from the granny at No. 22—their floral scent pairs perfectly with the water’s earthy aroma.
Historical Timeline of Xijing Water Street
1573: First mapped as "West Ferry Lane"
1829: Rebuilt after a fire, gaining its black-and-white cobblestone pattern
2009: Protected status for its unique dual layout (canal + walkway)
