Things To Do
in Xiashi
Xiashi is a coastal town in Zhejiang Province, nestled along quiet waterways and bridges. It blends ancient village charm with modern cafes and markets, creating a relaxed, water-adjacent atmosphere. Traditional Chinese architecture sits beside contemporary eateries, making it easy to wander from old lanes to riverfront promenades.
Visitors come for seafood, canal views, and easy day trips to nearby hills and beaches.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient streets of Xiashi, where you can admire traditional architecture and vibrant market stalls. Enjoy a breakfast of local delicacies, such as rice noodles and dumplings, from a street vendor. As the sun rises higher, feel the energy of locals starting their day amidst the bustling atmosphere.
In the afternoon, explore the rich history of the area by visiting the Xiashi Museum, where you can learn about the region's heritage through various exhibits. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, soaking in the scenic views and engaging with local artisans. Stop for lunch at a quaint café, sampling regional dishes while enjoying the serene ambiance of the riverside.
As dusk falls, make your way to the vibrant night market, where you can taste a variety of street foods and shop for handmade crafts. The lively atmosphere is filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter, as families and friends gather to enjoy the evening. Conclude your day with a stroll through the illuminated streets, taking in the beautiful lanterns and decorations that adorn the historic center.
Begin your day with a hands-on experience at a local pottery workshop, where you can learn the techniques of traditional Xiashi ceramics. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, shape your own masterpiece while absorbing the rich stories behind this age-old craft. The morning light filtering through the studio creates a warm and inspiring atmosphere for creativity.
After your pottery session, visit a nearby silk weaving workshop to witness the intricate processes involved in producing Xiashi silk. Participate in a weaving demonstration, where you can try your hand at creating beautiful patterns while learning about the significance of silk in local culture. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby farmer's market, filled with fresh produce and local flavors.
As the sun sets, head to a traditional tea house to experience a delightful tea ceremony, where you can taste various local teas and learn about their health benefits. Engage in conversation with local tea enthusiasts, discovering the art of tea preparation and its cultural significance. The evening concludes with a relaxing stroll through the town, reflecting on the day’s immersive experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥟Street snack or small bite | $1-4 |
| 🛏️One-night budget hotel | $25-60 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at cafe | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Picturesque canal-side scenery and traditional architecture
- Fresh seafood and Zhejiang cuisine with approachable flavors
- Walkable town center and convenient day trips to hills and coast
- Strong digital payments and abundant street food options
- English may be limited in more rural parts
- Humidity and heat in summer can be intense
- Some attractions are small and require patience to discover
- Rapid development may lead to crowding during peak season
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
- "厕所在哪里？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "我想要这个" - I would like this
Places to Visit in Xiashi
Visit one of these nice places.
Early morning light along the historic canal with reflected eaves and traditional boats; ideal for tranquil river scenes.
An iconic arched bridge offering classic Chinese architectural lines and atmospheric silhouettes at sunset.
Labor-intensive fishing nets and lantern-lit docks create cinematic silhouettes as the sun goes down.
A traditional pagoda framed by water and lanterns, perfect for night photography and reflections.
A coastal stretch with sea breeze, grasses, and low dunes—great for wide-angle coastal landscapes.
Food in Xiashi
Xiashi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bubbling pot of fresh river and sea fish, clams, and vegetables flavored with ginger, garlic, and local soy; perfect for cooling down after a day outdoors.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised pork in a glossy soy-based glaze, tender and deeply savory, commonly found in Zhejiang menus.
Seasonal freshwater fish lightly fried and finished with scallions and a touch of soy for a crisp, aromatic bite.
Glutinous rice cakes infused with fragrant osmanthus; a light, comforting dessert popular in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling daytime market with fresh seafood stalls, vegetables, and ready-to-eat bites that showcase local flavors.
Vibrant street food clusters offering fried dumplings, sesame pancakes, and savory skewers after dusk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light nod or handshake is common; address elders with尊敬的 (honorifics) and use polite phrases when entering shops.
Stand in line and wait your turn; avoid displaying loud emotions in public; use both hands when presenting or receiving items in formal settings.
Try to keep noise levels moderate; avoid pointing chopsticks at people; indicate you are finished with a subtle plate push.
Safety
Tipping in Xiashi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local eateries or markets; some tourist-oriented venues may add service charges. It is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service in higher-end places.
Cash is widely accepted, but digital payments through WeChat Pay and Alipay are ubiquitous and convenient for most purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming canalsides. Pack a light jacket and enjoy pleasant strolls along the waterways.
Humid and hot with occasional rain and typhoon risk. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and aim for early morning or evening activities.
Comfortable temperatures and clear skies; a favorite season for photography and outdoor dining.
Cool to cold with relatively lower rainfall; seafood and warm Zhejiang dishes are popular comfort foods.
Xiashi at Night
Hiking in Xiashi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate climb with coastal views and forested sections; suitable for a half- to full-day hike.
Forest loop around a freshwater lake with shaded paths and several lookouts over the town valley.
Scenic coastal route with sea views, rocky outcrops, and occasional sea spray, best in calm conditions.
Airports
How to reach Xiashi by plane.
Main regional gateway with frequent domestic and some international flights; reachable by highway, rail, or taxi from Xiashi.
Major hub in Zhejiang; access from Xiashi via high-speed rail and road connections; convenient for onward travel across China.
Large international hub; longer transfer to Xiashi but excellent flight options and onward services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A coastal Zhejiang community with deep-rooted family networks and traditional customs, mixed with newer urban developments.
People from nearby counties and other parts of China who contribute to markets, construction, and education sectors.
A small but growing presence of foreign residents and long-term visitors in suburban and coastal areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Common in schools and community centers; local pickup games and courts available in parks.
Widespread in community spaces; many residents enjoy casual matches in cafes and clubs.
Popular in gymnasiums and outdoor courts; suitable for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Xiashi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places can accommodate with tofu, vegetables, and mushroom dishes. Look for 素 (su) on menus and ask for no fish stock or meat additives.