Shaoxing

Location: Located in north-central Zhejiang Province on the southern shore of Hangzhou Bay, Shaoxing is a classic Jiangnan water town known as the "Venice of the East." History: With over 2,500 years of history, Shaoxing was once the capital of the ancient Yue Kingdom. Rich in cultural heritage, it is known as the "Museum without Walls." Cultural figures: Birthplace of notable figures like Wang Xizhi (Sage of Calligraphy), Lu You, Lu Xun, and Cai Yuanpei. The city is also famous for its yellow rice wine and scholars. City features: Known for its black-awning boats, stone bridges, Tai-style architecture, and yellow rice wine culture, combining natural beauty with cultural heritage. Must-visit attractions 1️⃣ Lu Xun Native Place Highlights: Lu Xun's Ancestral Home (Zhou Family Mansion), Lu Xun's Former Residence (New Mansion), Three-Flavor Study Room, and Hundred Plants Garden. Features: Immersive experience of Lu Xun's childhood scenes, free admission (reservation required). Nearby: Shen Garden is just minutes away, perfect for a combined visit. 2️⃣ Shen Garden · Song Dynasty Garden Historical story: A Southern Song Dynasty garden, site of the tragic love story between Lu You and Tang Wan, featuring the moving "Phoenix Hairpin" poem stele. Special feature: Night tour light show "Romance of Shen Garden" recreates Song Dynasty elegance. Admission: CNY 40 for daytime, CNY 80 for night tour. 3️⃣ East Lake Scenic Area Natural wonder: A landscape garden formed by Eastern Han Dynasty stone quarrying, known as the "World's First Water and Stone Landscape Garden." Experience: Take a black-awning boat through steep cliffs, visit Tao She to pay respects to Qiu Jin. 4️⃣ Anchang Ancient Town Water town charm: A well-preserved thousand-year-old town famous for traditional delicacies like preserved sausage, marinated duck, and pulled sugar candy. Activities: Experience traditional New Year customs during the La Month Festival (12th lunar month), take a black-awning boat under stone bridges. 5️⃣ Lanting Scenic Area Calligraphy sanctuary: Birthplace of Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion," featuring literary attractions like the Meandering Stream and Goose Pool. Activities: Calligraphy classes and Lanting Festival live performances. 6️⃣ Keyan Scenic Area Nature and culture: Cloud Bone Rock, boat rides on Jian Lake, Lu Town Ancient Street (recreating scenes from Lu Xun's works). Tips: Combined ticket for black-awning boat and Jian Lake cruise, ideal for family visits. Recommended Shaoxing cuisine 🍲 Classic dishes Preserved Vegetable with Braised Pork One of Shaoxing's "Three Black Dishes" (preserved vegetables), rich but not greasy, perfect with rice. Recommended restaurants: Xianheng Hotel, Xunbao Ji. Drunken Crab/Shrimp Marinated in Shaoxing yellow rice wine, fresh and sweet, available in summer only. Must-try restaurant: Kong Yiji Restaurant. Shaoxing Three Fresh Soup with wine lees base, combining fish balls, meat balls, river shrimp, and pork tripe, warming and savory. Fennel Beans Kong Yiji's favorite from Lu Xun's works, perfect with yellow rice wine. 🍖 Special snacks Stinky Tofu Crispy outside, tender inside after deep-frying, served with sweet sauce or chili sauce. Recommended locations: Cangqiao Straight Street, Lu Xun Native Place Food Street. Cream Puffs Shaoxing's version of egg tarts, flaky pastry with vanilla cream, sweet but not overwhelming. Dried Fish with Chicken Savory dish combining preserved vegetables and chicken. 🍷 Yellow rice wine-inspired foods Yellow Rice Wine Milk Tea: Slightly alcoholic milk tea, trending beverage. Yellow Rice Wine Popsicle: Refreshing summer treat with subtle wine flavor. Travel tips Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Shaoxing North Station. Major attractions are concentrated in the city center. Black-awning boats are a unique way to travel. Accommodation: Stay near Cangqiao Straight Street or Lu Xun Native Place for convenient night tours. Best seasons: Late spring to early summer (Yellow Rice Wine Festival), late autumn to early winter (misty water town scenery).