Home › Destinations › Xitang
Weather in Xitang
Covered corridors of an ancient riverside canal town
—
Loading live weather...
About Xitang
A remarkable destination worth exploring.
Best months to visit
May, September, October
Things to do in Xitang
Explore
Dine
Culture
Nature
Shopping
Day trips
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
10C
Cool, with occasional showers.
February
11C
Cool, with some rainy days.
March
16C
Cool, with some rainy days.
April
21C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
May
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
June
28C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
July
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
August
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
September
28C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
October
23C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
November
18C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
December
11C
Cool, with occasional showers.
Xitang's claim to fame is its kilometre of covered canal-side corridors, where you can walk dry under traditional wooden eaves no matter the weather — a feature that made it a film location for Mission: Impossible III. Nine interlocking waterways are crossed by over a hundred bridges, and the lanes behind the main canal are where you'll find workshops still making paper umbrellas and fermented tofu the old way. It's less manicured than some of its water-town rivals, which gives it a slightly more lived-in feel.
Best areas to stay in Xitang
Covered Corridor (Langpeng)
The famous kilometre-long covered walkway lining the main canal, lined with shops and teahouses.
Shihe Street
One of the oldest streets, with workshops producing traditional crafts and snacks.
Yongning Bridge area
A scenic spot for photographing the canal's stone bridges, especially at dusk.
Nine Islands area
The quieter residential canals away from the main tourist route, good for wandering.
Getting to Xitang
✈
Flights
Fly into Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) from the UK via hubs like Doha or Hong Kong, then take a direct bus to Xitang.
⏱
From London
~14–16 hours total journey time from London including connections
🚕
Getting around
The old town is entirely walkable; small boats can be hired for canal rides.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Xitang?
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. Arriving in the late afternoon and staying overnight lets you see the canals lit up after the day-trip crowds leave.
How do I get to Xitang from Shanghai?
Direct buses run from Shanghai's main bus stations in around 1–1.5 hours, making it an easy day trip or overnight escape.
What is Xitang famous for?
Its covered canal-side corridors (langpeng), stone bridges, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, plus its use as a filming location for Mission: Impossible III.
What food is Xitang known for?
Try the local stinky tofu, braised pork hocks, and rice wine, along with sweet osmanthus cakes sold by canal-side vendors.
Is Xitang busy with tourists?
It can get crowded on weekends and holidays with day-trippers from Shanghai, but staying overnight reveals a much quieter, more atmospheric town.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Loved the covered walkways — perfect for a rainy day. We stayed the night and the town felt completely different once the tour groups left.
Claire B. · May 2024
★★★★☆
A bit touristy in the main areas but wandering off into the side canals revealed a much quieter, more authentic town.
Wei C. · March 2023
★★★★☆
Easy day trip from Shanghai. The boat ride along the canal at dusk with the lanterns coming on was the highlight.
Tom R. · September 2024
Ready to visit Xitang?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
