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Accommodation in Xitang falls into three categories: modern hotels, waterfront inns, and ancient Ming and Qing Dynasty houses. Modern hotels are mostly located outside the scenic area, but Xitang is at its most beautiful in the early morning and evening. This stunning scenery can only be enjoyed by staying within the scenic area. Waterfront inns and ancient Ming and Qing Dynasty houses within the scenic area are the best options. Overall, Xitang has a wide variety of accommodation options, approximately 400 in total, so it's important to carefully compare options when choosing. Generally, inn owners will meet you, significantly reducing ticket fees.
Price for a large carved bed on non-holidays: Most inns in Xitang Town feature large carved wooden beds, private bathrooms, and air conditioning. Prices on non-holidays range from 130 yuan (not facing the river) to 200 yuan (facing the river), and other hotels offer similar rates. Rooms facing the river typically cost between 200 and 350 yuan, depending on the conditions. During major holidays, prices typically double, with tripling or even tripling being common. (Provided by Xiaoxiao and Duoduo.)
Price for a non-riverside, non-carved double bed: Accommodation in Xitang is very cheap from Monday to Friday, with an average of 120-150/night. On Saturdays and weekends, the average is 180-200+/night. If the inn is good, the price will increase by 100-150 yuan.
While well-equipped, these hotels often offer limited opportunities to fully experience Xitang's charm. They're suitable for business travelers, as they often have to consider hot water, bathrooms, and soundproofing, unlike traditional houses. Hotels offer a comfortable and secure stay, often with standard rooms and antique-style guest rooms. Most are located outside the scenic area, though some are within. However, during major holidays, many people still consider staying away from home.
Outside the scenic area, near the entrance, there is the Xitang Holiday Hotel (No. 158, Nanyuan Road, 0573-84567388, standard room 368 yuan). There is a tea table on the rooftop flowerbed on the second floor of the hotel.
Phoenix Hotel (95 Youdian West Road, 0573-84561858, RMB 216/283/333) has hosted numerous film crews and served as a filming location;
Within the scenic area is Liyuan Hotel (No. 10 Yejia Lane, 0573-84561889, RMB 109/119/208/238), a combination of classical residences and modern guest rooms, located in Yejia Lane, the most distinctive ancient lane in Xitang.
The most upscale one is Fujutang in the scenic area (No. 97, Shangxi Street, diagonally opposite the Button Museum, 0573-84565279, 280 yuan on weekdays, 380 yuan on weekends). It is an upscale cultural club with the street in front and the river in the back. The second-floor platform faces the "water stage" and the guest rooms are antique-style.
The most popular accommodation option in Xitang is the Waterfront Inn, located along the waterfront between Yongning Bridge and Laifeng Bridge. There are two types of inns: those with waterfront views and those with windows overlooking the water. Weekends are bustling with activity, so reservations are essential.
Suiyuan Xiaozhu (No. 56 Shangxi Street, 13362318128) is a newly renovated old house with a bar in front and accommodation in the back. It has two rooms facing the river, each with a large carved bed, a computer, and broadband internet access.
Time in a Bottle Inn (No. 26, Yanzuodai Street, near Wolong Bridge, 0573-84565947, 130/140/160/200/300 RMB) is very close to the bar street, but quiet in the bustling area. Although there are not many rooms, each one has a distinct color scheme.
Eryitang (No. 2, Lane 19, Tawan Street, 0573-84568668, RMB 138/160/176) is located near Zuiyuan Garden. This Ming and Qing Dynasty building is home to members of the China Folk Photography Association.
Mingjufang (124-128 Tangdong Street, 0573-84562868, 280/360 RMB) has a large mahogany carved bed on the second floor. This old house faces the water, but it doesn't have a separate bathroom. The large mahogany carved bed is said to be the best among all Xitang inns.
Pingshui Inn (No. 118, Shangxi Street, 0573-84560649, RMB 220/280/320) faces Laifeng Bridge and offers tea tables and couches for relaxation on the riverbank outside.
The price of these rooms is around 150 yuan on weekdays, and slightly higher on weekends and holidays.
Many of the Ming and Qing dynasty mansions within the scenic area are nestled in deep alleys and inner courtyards. These secluded courtyards are filled with antiques. While not directly on the water, the spacious residences offer a glimpse into the quaint lifestyle of prominent families in this ancient town. They are exceptionally quiet and affordably priced. Slumber slowly as you drift off to sleep, inhaling the lingering aroma of the waterside village.
Shen De Tang (79 Xiaxi Street, 13705832818, 150 yuan) is a typical Jiangnan mansion from the Ming Dynasty. It was once the residence of the Wang family, a prominent family in Xitang Town. The hall is filled with antiques. The owner is loyal and trustworthy. The hall is filled with musical instruments, and friends often come to learn from each other.
Chen's Old House (center section of the Misty Corridor, 0573-84302481, 130-180 RMB) has a bar in front (the bar faces the water) and a courtyard in the back. It's charming at night, and the accommodation in the courtyard behind the bar is very quiet.
Zunwen Hall (No. 3 Shipinong, 0573-84564161, 160-180 RMB) is a tourist attraction in its own right, hidden within Shipinong. The "Hundred Longevity Pattern" in the hall is a national historical site.
Ruyilou Inn (31 Beizha Street, 0573-84565683, RMB 100/138/170/180) is the best decorated of all the ancient houses and is also close to Bar Street and the snack plaza.
Tongcun Inn (No. 40, Tawan Street, 0573-84566337, 188 yuan) is an old house built during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty. The owner is a folk artist who has the unique skill of writing with both hands and has a good reputation among travellers.
This is a very popular international youth hostel and requires advance reservation.
Address: No. 5 Shipinong, Xiaxi Street
Contact: 0573-84569171
Reference price: Beds range from 45 to 55 yuan, double rooms are 189 and 219 yuan, and prices may increase during holidays.
There are a variety of very unique rooms, large and beautiful, and there are also honeymoon rooms. The price is a little expensive, but the room is worth it. However, there is no riverside room. The inn is in a courtyard. Keep walking inside. The owner is a very elegant super beautiful woman.
Address: Lane 93, Xiaxi Street
Contact: 15958387127
Reference price: 160/260/342 yuan
The owner is a Shanghainese woman, known to everyone as Sister Qiqi. She loves traveling, is thoughtful, and easygoing. She has two rooms on the second floor, which are very romantic, but reservations are required. The location is a bit difficult to find, though, as it's located inside Maojia Lane.
Address: No. 19 Beizha Street
Contact: 0573-84562030
Reference price: 238/308/358 yuan
The decor was meticulously crafted. The tea bar downstairs is unique, and there are two more Tibetan bars. Upstairs, there are only two rooms, one facing the river and the other facing the sun, and they're incredibly comfortable.
Address: No. 16 Shangxi Street
Contact: 0573-84566090
Reference price: 380/480/580 yuan
The style is luxurious and small but exquisite, the decoration is quite petty bourgeoisie, and there are views in every corner. Although there are only 8 rooms, each room has a different theme.
Address: No. 8, Lane 58, Tawan Street
Contact: 0573-84565212
Reference price: 298/398/498 yuan