Xi Tang 西塘 (25Jun13)

Day trip out of Shanghai about an hour and a half drive away. One of the numerous ancient water towns on the outskirts of Shanghai, very accessible and not too commercialised in my opinion. Or maybe because I was there on an weekday so the walk-around was rather calming and well appreciated. Apparently a short scene in Mission Impossible was shot here! I'm surprised the vendors here didn't quite capitalise on that. Try taking a ride on the trishaw through the ultra narrow alleyways. Commendable effort from the aged trishaw uncle. Do tip a little more. Lastly, don't miss the cool sculptures hand carved from humongous tree barks.