Xitang Water Village Sunset Tour with Riverside Dining Experience from Shanghai

Travelers looking to escape the city’s hustle often seek authentic, scenic experiences that reveal China’s quieter, culturally rich side. The Xitang Water Village Sunset Tour with Riverside Dining promises just that—an opportunity to wander through historic waterways, sip local wines, and enjoy a delicious meal as the day draws to a close.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the expert-guided experience ensures you get insightful stories and personalized attention. Second, the evening setting transforms the village into a romantic, illuminated wonderland perfect for photography and quiet reflection. Lastly, the riverside dinner offers a taste of local cuisine in a picturesque setting.

That said, one consideration to keep in mind: the cost of $260.27 per person might seem a bit steep for some, especially given the comprehensive nature of the tour. But for those craving a blend of history, scenery, and authentic dining, this trip offers impressive value.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy cultural explorations, scenic photography, or simply want a relaxed, guided evening outside the city. If you’re after a stress-free way to see one of China’s most charming water towns — especially at sunset — this tour will likely tick your boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic Water Village Experience: Explore Xitang’s alleyways, bridges, and waterways, with insights from a knowledgeable guide.
• Beautiful Sunset Views: Capture stunning photos as the village lights up at dusk.
• Local Riverside Dining: Enjoy a delicious, well-reviewed dinner at a top riverside restaurant.
• Private, All-Inclusive Service: Hotel pickup, boat rides, snacks, drinks, and personalized attention included.
• Rich Cultural Insights: Learn about the history of the Yangtze River regions from your guide.
• Extra Unique Experiences: Flower & fruit wine tastings, visits to Jinze Water Village, and occasional surprises from guides.

What to Expect on the Tour

This full-day private excursion begins with a pickup from your Shanghai hotel around 2:30 pm. The drive to Xitang takes approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery and hear stories about the area. The journey itself, often accompanied by local anecdotes from your guide, sets the tone for an immersive experience.

Jinze Water Village and Boat Ride

The tour includes a stop at Jinze Water Village, a less touristy, more authentic water town, often praised for its original lifestyle. You’ll enjoy a 25-minute boat ride, a highlight for many travelers, as it offers a serene perspective of traditional waterway life. Reviewers note that Jinze is a peaceful step back in time, free from the crowds common in more developed tourist spots.

Exploring Xitang Water Town

Once in Xitang, your guide will lead you through narrow alleyways, colorful bridges, and historic buildings that have inspired countless stories and films. The town is famous for its 1300-meter-long corridor and small streets filled with local shops, cafes, and art galleries.

As night falls, the town transforms — lanterns and candle lights flicker along the waterways, creating a romantic, almost cinematic scene. One reviewer shared that wandering these streets at sunset felt like stepping into a different world—a perfect setting for photography and quiet reflection.

Unique Cultural Experiences

A special feature of this tour is the Flowers & Fruit Wine tasting, where you’ll sample eight different types of local wines made from various fruits and flowers. Reviewers mention that you can take home a pottery bottle of your favorite wine, adding a personalized souvenir. The variety of wines and the chance to taste locally crafted beverages add an authentic, flavorful touch to the evening.

Dinner by the Riverside

The meal is generally described as delicious and well-curated, served at a top-rated riverside restaurant. Many reviews appreciate the generous portions and home-style cooking, with some noting the food as better than in many other local eateries. The dinner often includes local specialties, snacks, and drinks such as beer, soft drinks, or even wine, providing a leisurely way to unwind after exploring.

Evening Atmosphere and Photography

Travelers consistently praise the night-time scenery — the illuminated bridges, lantern-lit streets, and reflections on the water create a perfect backdrop for photos. Some reviews mention guides who are also talented photographers, taking time to capture guests in the best light, and emailing the photos afterward.

Return to Shanghai

The tour ends with a ride back to your hotel around 10 pm, wrapping up an approximately 7-hour journey. The well-organized schedule ensures you experience the best moments of the water village without feeling rushed, though some travelers have noted that the cost is on the higher side for a tour that lasts just over half a day, including dinner and transportation.

How the Itinerary Breaks Down

Pickup and Scenic Drive: Starting at 2:30 pm, the comfortable transfer from Shanghai gives you a scenic preview of the countryside and rural waterways, often accompanied by interesting commentary from your guide.

Jinze Water Village: A quick stop for a boat ride and a chance to see a less-developed, traditional water town where you can observe local lifestyles and maybe even spot some wildlife along the canals. Reviewers said Jinze offers an authentic vibe and is mostly free of tourist trappings.

Xitang Water Town: The main event, where you’ll stroll through narrow streets and over historic bridges, enjoying the changing hues and lights at sunset. Highlights include flowers and fruit wine tastings and wandering through local shops at your own pace.

Dinner and Evening Exploration: At a riverside restaurant, you’ll indulge in local dishes while watching the river flow and lanterns glow. Many reviewers shared that the meal exceeded expectations, with some describing it as the best food in China they’d had during their trip.

Return Journey: The relaxed, private transfer ensures a smooth end to the evening, with some guides engaging guests with music or storytelling en route back to Shanghai.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

The mix of professional guides, stunning scenery, and authentic experiences makes this tour stand out. Multiple reviewers emphasized that guides like Miki or Zoe went out of their way to personalize the experience, adding surprises like singing or bonus visits. A guest even mentioned that their guide played guitar in a cozy bar, turning the evening into a memorable night.

The photos taken by guides and emailed afterward are often praised, helping travelers relive the moments without the hassle of capturing them on their own. The local wine tasting is another highlight, giving you a taste of traditional drinks rarely found outside the region.

On top of that, many reviewers mention that the timing and organization are impeccable, allowing ample time to explore and relax without feeling hurried. The private nature of the tour ensures a more intimate experience, especially compared to busier group tours.

The Value Proposition

At $260.27 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package—private transport, guided experiences, boat rides, wine tastings, and dinner. While this is a significant investment, reviews suggest that the quality of guides, authentic experiences, and personalized service justify the price.

Many travelers felt that the personalized attention and unique touches—like the wine bottles and professional photos—made it worth the expense. The fact that most reviews give this experience a 4.7 to 5-star rating indicates a high level of satisfaction overall.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, guided evening that combines scenic beauty with authentic local culture. It suits those who appreciate historic water towns, enjoy good food and wine, and like having an experienced guide to enhance their understanding.

If you’re traveling with a partner, family, or a small group, the private format makes it a personal, memorable outing. However, if your priority is a tight budget or very short trip, you might find other options more suitable.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Shanghai and return transportation, making it a hassle-free experience.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, starting from 2:30 pm and ending around 10 pm.

What is the best time to enjoy the sunset views?
The tour is scheduled to maximize the sunset experience, with the village illuminated beautifully as evening falls.

Are there any dietary restrictions to consider?
While the tour mentions food is included, it’s advisable to inform the provider of any specific dietary needs at booking.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, but if canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund.

Can children participate?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers say the experience is family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

The Xitang Water Village Sunset Tour with Riverside Dining delivers a peaceful, scenic escape from Shanghai’s urban sprawl. It offers a blend of authentic cultural insights, beautiful views, and delicious local cuisine that will appeal to travelers craving a relaxed yet immersive experience.

The knowledgeable guides, personalized touches, and stunning evening scenery make it a worthwhile choice for those who value quality over quantity. While the price might be higher than some other options, most reviews indicate that what you get in return — memorable moments, great photos, and authentic experiences — is worth the investment.

If you love wandering historic water towns, taking beautiful photos, and indulging in local flavors, this tour is likely to become one of your favorite travel stories. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided experience that feels private, personal, and just a little magical.

With its combination of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and personalized service, this tour offers a truly special way to see China’s waterways and a perfect end to any Shanghai trip.