CitySavage: Xi Tang

Xi Tang, originally uploaded by willowyangcn.

Xi Tang is one of the six famous traditional towns in China, which includes Zhou Zhuang, Tong Li, Lu Zhi, Wu Zhen, Xi Tang and Nan Xun. They are all part of UNESCO World Heritage. Xi Tang is a less commercialized one among the six. The architectures remain the style from Ming and Qing Dynasty. The residences in the town still keep their traditional way of living. I actually saw people wash clothes in the river. On the other hand, it is very close to Shanghai, only about one-and-half-hour drive away from the metropolitan. Actually the "Mission Impossible III" is shot here.

Tom Cruise performs during the shooting of "Mission Impossible 3" in Xitang, an ancient town in east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 24, 2005. The first scene in China of "Mission Impossible 3" was shot in Xitang Nov 24.

This is the living room of the Traditional Chinese family. I happily found my name (willow) as part of the calligraphy over the wall. The house was at the deep end of a small LongTang. The owner of the house was very friendly, and asked us to feel free to walk around or have a rest.

Yueju opera is popular in the region south of the Yangtze River. It originated in Zhejiang Province, the location of the ancient State of Yue, hence the name. Listening to the traditional melody, you feel that you have a stronger connection to the town, to the culture.