How to Get from Shanghai to Xitang by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Jiashan South Station (~20–30 min, ¥30–40), then bus K222 to Xitang Ancient Town (~40–60 min, ¥2). Total travel time is about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, a direct bus from Shanghai South takes about 1.5–2 hours for ¥36–41.

Xitang (西塘) is a living water town in Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, about 90 km from Shanghai. It is famous for its 104 bridges, 122 ancient lanes, and — most distinctive of all — its kilometer-long covered waterside corridors (烟雨长廊) that shield visitors from rain and sun. Compared to Wuzhen, Xitang feels more lived-in and less polished, with a lively bar street and excellent local food.

[!IMPORTANT] The nearest high-speed railway station is Jiashan South Station (嘉善南站), not "Xitang Station." You must transfer to a bus or taxi for the final 22 km to the town.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — High-Speed Train + K222 Bus (Recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Get to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (上海虹桥站). Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to Hongqiao Railway Station.

2. Buy a train ticket to Jiashan South Station (嘉善南站). Book through Trip.com, 12306, or at the station. Bring your passport.

   • G-trains: about 20–25 minutes, ¥30–40 for second class
   • D-trains: about 30–38 minutes, ¥24–30 for second class
   • Trains run approximately hourly from early morning until evening.

3. Arrive at Jiashan South Station. Exit the station and look for the bus stop for Bus K222 (K222路). The stop is clearly marked outside the station square.

4. Take Bus K222 to Xitang Scenic Area (西塘景区).

   • Duration: approximately 40–60 minutes (22.5 km, with stops)
   • Fare: ¥2
   • Schedule: Buses run from approximately 06:30 to 21:40, with departures every 30–60 minutes. The schedule is fixed-time (not regular intervals), so check the posted timetable at the stop.
   • The final stop is Xitang Scenic Area (西塘景区), a 5-minute walk from the old town entrance.

5. Walk to Xitang Ancient Town. From the K222 terminus, follow the signs to the visitor center and main entrance (about 5 minutes).

Train details (Shanghai → Jiashan South)

[!TIP] If you are traveling with 2–3 people or have limited time, take a taxi or DiDi from Jiashan South Station to Xitang. It costs about ¥50–70, takes 20–30 minutes, and eliminates the bus wait. The K222 bus is great value but runs on a fixed schedule, so you may have a 30–60 minute wait.

Option 2 — Direct Bus (No Transfers)

Direct buses run from several Shanghai bus stations to Xitang Bus Station (also called Jiashan North Bus Station, 嘉善北站/西塘汽车站):

• Drop-off: Xitang Bus Station, about a 5-minute walk from the scenic area entrance.
• The direct bus is the simplest option with no transfers, but departure times are less frequent than trains, and buses can be delayed by highway traffic.

[!NOTE] Bus schedules change frequently. Verify departure times at the bus station or on Trip.com/ChinaBusGuide before your trip.

Option 3 — Metro + Cross-Province Bus (Cheapest)

For budget travelers, an interesting cross-province public transport option exists:

1. Take Shanghai Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station (朱家角站), Exit 2.
2. Transfer to Demonstration Zone Bus Line 3 (示范区3路) to Xitang Bus Station.
3. Bus fare: ¥5; travel time: about 1 hour from Zhujiajiao.
4. Total cost from central Shanghai: about ¥13; total time: 2–3 hours depending on connections.

This is the cheapest option but the slowest. It works well if you are already in the Zhujiajiao area or want to combine both water towns in one long day trip.

How to Get Back

By bus (Xitang → Shanghai)

• Buses from Xitang Bus Station back to Shanghai South depart at approximately 10:25, 12:00, 16:50, and 17:55 (¥35–36, ~1–1.5 hrs).
• Buses to Shanghai Railway Station and People's Square also run in the afternoon.
• There is a bus to Shanghai Hongqiao at around 15:05.
• Verify the exact return schedule when you arrive at Xitang Bus Station.

By train + bus (Xitang → Shanghai)

1. Take Bus K222 from Xitang Scenic Area back to Jiashan South Station (~40–60 min, ¥2). The last K222 from Xitang departs around 21:40–22:30 (verify locally).
2. Take a high-speed train from Jiashan South back to Shanghai Hongqiao (20–30 min, ¥30–40). Trains run until approximately 21:00–22:00.

If you miss the last transport

• A taxi or DiDi from Xitang back to Shanghai costs about ¥250–400 depending on your destination.
• Xitang has many guesthouses inside the old town, and staying overnight is highly recommended — the lantern-lit corridors and riverside bars are magical after dark.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally. Check return bus and train times when you arrive in Xitang. The K222 bus runs on a fixed timetable, not on a continuous loop, so note the last departure time.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Looking for a "Xitang Station." There is no Xitang high-speed railway station. The nearest is Jiashan South (嘉善南), 22 km away. Some trains also stop at Jiashan Station (嘉善站) for regular trains, but this is less convenient.

2. Missing the K222 bus. K222 runs on a fixed schedule, not every few minutes. Check the posted timetable at Jiashan South Station when you arrive, and plan your return from Xitang accordingly. If the wait is long, a taxi costs ¥50–70 and is worth it for groups.

3. Confusing Jiashan South with Jiashan Station. Jiashan South (嘉善南) is for high-speed G/D-trains. Jiashan Station (嘉善站) is for regular K-trains and is served by bus K210, not K222. Make sure your ticket says Jiashan South (嘉善南).

4. Arriving without cash for local buses. Bus K222 costs only ¥2 but may not accept international cards. Carry small cash (¥1 and ¥5 bills/coins) or use Alipay/WeChat Pay if you have it set up.

5. Only coming for a few hours. Xitang's atmosphere changes completely at dusk when the red lanterns light up along the covered corridors. If your schedule allows, stay for the evening. The town is famous for its nightlife along Tangdong Street (塘东街).

6. Paying the full ticket if arriving late. On weekdays after 17:00 and holidays after 21:00, entry to the old town streets may be free (though paid attractions inside are closed). If you only want to see the night views and bar street, you may not need a ticket. Check locally.

7. Wearing high heels or inappropriate shoes. Xitang's stone-paved lanes and bridges are uneven, and the famous Shipi Lane is only 80 cm wide at its narrowest. Wear flat, comfortable walking shoes.

Tickets & Reservations

• Combined ticket: ¥95 per adult (includes 11 small attractions; valid for 2 days with facial recognition)
• Students/seniors (60–69): ¥45
• Children under 1.2 m and seniors over 70: Free
• Online advance purchase: about ¥85 on Trip.com
• The old town streets are accessible 24 hours, but ticket checks run from approximately 08:00 to 17:00. After hours, entry may be free (paid attractions are closed).
• Boat rides cost approximately ¥30–40 per person (shared boat).

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Need help booking Xitang tickets, arranging a guided water town tour, or planning a multi-town itinerary? Our local team can help. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.

Related Guides

• Shanghai Travel Guide — your starting point
• How to Get from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao by Metro & Public Transport — the easiest water town by metro
• How to Get from Shanghai to Wuzhen by Public Transport — the most polished water town
• How to Get from Hangzhou to Xitang by Public Transport — if continuing from Hangzhou
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China

---

Train schedules and fares are based on 12306, TravelChinaGuide, and Trip.com (verified August 2026). Bus schedules are based on ChinaBusGuide, TravelChinaGuide, and iecity.com bus timetable data. Schedules may change — verify at the station or bus terminal before travel.

Last verified: August 2026