The ancient town was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the town was packed with merchants. In the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912), it was ranked the first among the "ten noted towns in Jiangnan Region". Emperor Qianlong has visited the place for several times during his seven inspection trips to the south.
A Historical Town
As the longest and largest ancient canal in the world, Hangzhou section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is the most remarkable. From Tangxi in the north to Qiantang River in the south, the 110 kilometers long canal has flowed past many white-walled and mottled-tiled houses and marketplaces, and witnessed historical vicissitudes in Hangzhou.
Six hundred years later, the ancient town still manages to retain the pattern of Ming and Qing dynasties with well-preserved ancient streets, corridors and buildings.
The Authentic Hangzhou Lifestyle
As the only remaining seven-hole stone arch bridge spanning the ancient canal, Guangji Bridge (广济桥) plays an important role in connecting the two banks. No matter where you go along the canal, you have to cross the Guangji Bridge.
Different from ordinary small bridges, Guangji Bridge is much more magnificent. Walk on the weathered stone steps and you will feel like stepping into history. It's like the soul of Tangxi, witnessing its ups and downs.
After walking across Guangji Bridge, you will not only see the poetic scene of "misty willows and the picturesque bridge", but also can feel the vitality of the town. There are rice shops, bamboo ware shops, grocery stores, wonton shops, handmade silk quilt shops and more that are well arranged one by one. It is no less prosperous than in ancient times.
In the afternoon, you can walk along the narrow lane seems to travel back in time to decades ago. You can also find a tea house to listen to Pingshu (Chinese-style story-telling), and talk about the past and the present with friends. Or to taste all types of traditional delicacies in Gubei Food Street (古北小吃街) that have been passed down for hundreds of years. Life here is less bustling but more leisurely than that in cities.
When night falls, decorated lights outline the bridge, making it even more beautiful. Things to do here include walking through the quiet alleys, strolling along the river banks illuminated by red lanterns, standing on the stone bridge and looking into the distance ... All is heart-soothing. From time to time, there are cargo ships whistling and passing you by. Here, you can stay far away from the crowded tourists and truly entering the life of old Hangzhounese.
A Paradise for Foodies
Tangxi people put a lot of effort to food. Shuibei Street (水北街) of Tangxi has gathered almost all delicacies that have a history of over hundred years. These delicacies are prepared from high quality material and are affordable. A lot of old Hangzhou people would go to Tangxi expressly, just to savor these delicacies.
Tangxi Dried Salted Duck (塘栖板鸭) has a history of more than half a century. Every year at the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, the air is refreshing and ducks are meaty, which is the time that Tangxi Pressed Salted Duck go on the market. The preparation of the Tangxi Pressed Salted Duck involves a dozens of procedures and uses only salt, nothing else. The duck is really yummy!
Xi Sha Yang Wei (细沙羊尾）, literally Sweeten Bean Paste and Sheep Tail, is a traditional Tangxi snack which is meaty and shapes like sheep's tail, hence the name. Local people also call it "Xi Sha Gao Li Meat". It is golden, crispy and soft. The lard inside is melted and absorbed by sweeten bean paste.
"All loquats come from Tangxi". Every year in late spring and early summer when loquats come to the market, you will see baskets of golden and attractive loquats for sale in streets, vegetable markets and farm boats in river ports. The loquat variety "Tuan Tiao Bai Sha (软条白沙)" is the most delicious, which, though small with freckles, is succulent and fleshy. Whoever ate it knows.