A lion dance is performed in Xinshi town in Deqing county, Huzhou. [Photo/Tide News]

Xinshi town in Deqing county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, was recently promoted to a provincial 5A-level tourist attraction.

Known as an ancient water town and a vital commercial port along the Grand Canal, Xinshi boasts a rich history spanning over 1,700 years. Its riverside houses and busy markets near bridges encapsulate the quintessential charm of a water town in the Jiangnan region (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River).

Within the ancient town, clusters of ancient houses and bridges create a scene like an ancient ink painting. Nurtured by the life of the Grand Canal, Xinshi has succeeded in industries such as brewing, grain production, and silk weaving.

The town features many cultural sites like the Xinshi Museum of Culture and History and the Jiangnan Silkworm Culture Museum. In 2024, a new boat tour experience was introduced, enhancing visitors' water town exploration.

The town blends historical allure with modern charm. Since the opening of the Canal Xintiandi cultural and tourism complex in 2024, holiday hotels, live houses, coffee shops, and well-known dining brands have attracted visitors from all over, infusing vibrancy into the ancient town.

By the end of 2024, Xinshi ancient town had welcomed 1.5 million visitors, which is 59.5 percent more than the previous year.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, the town illuminated its streets with a grand lantern festival, creating a festive ambiance for visitors to enjoy until Feb 12.