Rise and fall of Xihe Town

The development of Xihe town mirrors that of the waterway.

As trade hub in the past

The town's growth closely intertwined with the rise and evolution of its rivers and canals. From its earliest days, Xihe's strategic location along the Yangtze River and other local waterways made it an essential hub for transportation and trade. As these waterways became more developed and better connected to regional and national trade routes, Xihe flourished as a center for commerce, particularly in the trade of bamboo, wood, and agricultural products.

Pawn Shop (Dang Pu)

The completion of the Grand canal boosted its connection to larger markets. The flow of goods and people along the waterways brought diverse influences, which not only fueled the local economy but also enriched the town’s social and cultural life.
An entire wall of Abacus is the best testment to its bustling past.

An entire wall of Abacus(chinese calculator)

As farmland now

However, every good story has a ending. With the rapid urbanization and development of other means of transportation, the importance of the waterways dwindled. Urbanization resulted in an outflow of the entire young generation while modernized harbor rendered the old dock useless. Xihe town is in a crossroad.

Furthurmore, to protect the ecosystem of the Yangtze River basin, the government has implemented a ban on fishing in the Yangtze River and its tributaries. The residents along the river, who used to rely on fishing for their livelihood, have now switched to growing vegetables and fruits.

Yet again, environment lends a helping hand to its inhabitants. The proximity to river makes the irrigation of crops convenient. Large areas of fruit and vegetable greenhouses stretch across the landscape. And a new chapter of the Xihe town begins.