Is Xitang or Wuzhen the better water town to visit?

Xitang is the more authentic, less developed alternative to Wuzhen. It has smaller tourist infrastructure and thinner crowds, which many travellers prefer. Wuzhen is more polished and upmarket. If you want both, a 2-day water-town tour pairs them well; if you want one quieter and more lived-in, choose Xitang.

Was Mission Impossible III really filmed in Xitang?

Yes. The famous bridge-jump scene was filmed here in 2006, and the setting is preserved with photo signs marking the spot. The Tom Cruise connection is genuine, not marketing spin, and tracking down the exact bridge is a fun mini-quest for film fans wandering the canals.

What is the covered walkway in Xitang?

Xitang's standout feature is over 1 km of langpeng, a roofed canal-side walkway connecting the old houses. It lets you stroll the waterfront even in rain, which is rare among Jiangnan water towns. Entry to the scenic area is around ¥95, and most visitors come for a relaxed day trip.

Xitang Water Town, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Jiangnan water town 100 km from Hangzhou — Mission Impossible III filming location, 1km of unique covered walkway, more authentic than Wuzhen.

At a glance

What it is: Neighborhood
Also known as: 西塘 (Xī Táng)
Opening hours: 7 AM – 10 PM
Time needed: Half day
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoon
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking required · tickets & prices →
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Xitang, Jiashan, Jiaxing · 嘉兴市嘉善县西塘镇

See Xitang Water Town tickets & tours

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Xitang Water Town map & getting there

Map of Xitang Water Town (西塘) in Hangzhou — nearby streets and metro stations

Amap (in China)Open in Google Maps Apple Maps Interactive Hangzhou map →

Taxi / DiDi? Show the driver: 嘉兴市嘉善县西塘镇 · Xitang, Jiashan, Jiaxing

Xitang is the alternative to Wuzhen — a Jiangnan water town with two unique features: (1) over 1 km of covered walkway (langpeng) that connects the canal-side houses, allowing pedestrian travel even in rain; (2) Mission Impossible III filmed the famous bridge-jump scene here in 2006. Less developed + less crowded than Wuzhen (smaller tourist infrastructure but more authentic). Entry ¥95. Most foreigners come for a day visit; the Tom Cruise hook is genuine — the bridge-jump scene’s setting is preserved with photo signs. 90 min from Hangzhou by bus. Combine with Wuzhen on a 2-day water-town tour if you want both.

Highlights

Covered Walkway (廊棚)1+ km canal-side covered walkway — unique to Xitang
Mission Impossible III Bridge2006 Tom Cruise bridge-jump filming location, signed

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

The covered langpeng walkway means a rainy day still works here; this is a town that shrugs off drizzle.
Hunt down the signed Mission Impossible III bridge-jump spot for a photo most casual visitors walk right past.
Come on a weekday afternoon; Xitang is quieter than Wuzhen but still fills up on weekends.
Stay into the evening if you can, when lantern reflections on the canals beat the flat midday light.
Shoot the arched stone bridges from water level along the covered walkway for layered, frame-within-frame photos.
Sort your return transport in advance; it is about 90 minutes from Hangzhou and taxis thin out late.
Choose Xitang over Wuzhen if you prize a lived-in feel over polished, movie-set perfection.

Photos

a group of people with umbrellas in a building

Scenic view of a traditional stone bridge and architecture in a Chinese water town.

a river running through a city next to tall buildings

Charming view of a traditional Chinese water town with wooden houses, walking bridge, and lush greenery.

Charming Chinese water town scene with traditional architecture over a tranquil canal, clear sky.

Show all 14 photos

foot bridge on the body of water during low tide

Captivating scene featuring traditional Chinese architecture reflected on a tranquil waterway in Jiaxing.

Traditional wooden bridge over a muddy river

Tranquil view of a historic Chinese village with boats along a serene waterway under a cloudy sky.

Riverfront buildings with traditional tiled roofs and awnings.

A scenic view of a traditional Chinese pagoda beside a serene canal with architectural charm.

a river running through a small town next to tall buildings

Frequently asked questions about Xitang Water Town

Is Xitang or Wuzhen the better water town to visit?: Xitang is the more authentic, less developed alternative to Wuzhen. It has smaller tourist infrastructure and thinner crowds, which many travellers prefer. Wuzhen is more polished and upmarket. If you want both, a 2-day water-town tour pairs them well; if you want one quieter and more lived-in, choose Xitang.
Was Mission Impossible III really filmed in Xitang?: Yes. The famous bridge-jump scene was filmed here in 2006, and the setting is preserved with photo signs marking the spot. The Tom Cruise connection is genuine, not marketing spin, and tracking down the exact bridge is a fun mini-quest for film fans wandering the canals.
What is the covered walkway in Xitang?: Xitang’s standout feature is over 1 km of langpeng, a roofed canal-side walkway connecting the old houses. It lets you stroll the waterfront even in rain, which is rare among Jiangnan water towns. Entry to the scenic area is around ¥95, and most visitors come for a relaxed day trip.