The spring scenery of Xitang

Xitang, formerly known as Xietang, was established as a market town during the Ming Dynasty, bordering Yong'an and Qianshan townships. It was initially named Xietang, later known as Xitang. During the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (713-741 AD), villagers built the Maming Temple in the waters of Wen Shuiyang. In the first year of the Xianchun era (1265 AD), Tang Jiefu donated his residence to establish a temple. The descendants of the Tang family, Huan Xiangfu and Dang, were scattered around, and during the Chunhu era, it was called Husouli. In the fifth year of the Xuande era of the Ming Dynasty (1430 AD), Jiaxing County was established, and the initial proposal was to set the county seat in Xietang. In the twelfth year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1447 AD), the Taozhuang Taxation Bureau was moved to Xietang, and during the Hongzhi era, it was called Xietang Market. During the Zhengde era (1506-1521 AD), it was known as Xitang Town. Xitang is flat in terrain, with a dense network of rivers. Nine rivers converge in the town area, dividing it into eight sections, and 24 stone bridges connect the five areas of the ancient town into one. Most of these ancient bridges are single-hole stone pillar and wooden beam bridges, which are well preserved to this day. The residential alleys are another distinctive feature of Xitang, including street alleys that connect two parallel streets, water alleys that connect the front street to the back river, and accompanying alleys located on the side of the hall within large residences. The 122 crisscrossing alleys construct the overall framework of the ancient town and connect the new and old town areas. The more than 2,000-meter-long Misty Rain Corridor is the most unique symbol of Xitang's architecture, with long benches with backs set up along one side of the river.