A Three-Day In-Depth Tour of Shaoxing: Encounter the Poetic Jiangnan

A Three-Day In-Depth Tour of Shaoxing: Encounter the Poetic Jiangnan I. Preliminary Preparations Transportation Guide - Airplane: Arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, then take the airport bus to Shaoxing. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs around CNY 30. - High-speed Rail: Shaoxing North Station and Shaoxing East Station connect to major cities, offering convenient transportation. From Hangzhou to Shaoxing North Station, the high-speed train takes only about 20 minutes. - Local Transportation: Public transportation is convenient, and Alipay can be used on some buses. Taxis have a starting fare of CNY 10-12. You can also explore the ancient city by shared bicycle, weaving through the streets and alleys for a more authentic experience. Accommodation Recommendations - Shaoxing Hotel: Located in the city center, adjacent to Lu Xun Native Place and Shen Garden, it offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling city. The hotel features beautiful gardens with classical Jiangnan charm, and the rooms are comfortable and elegant, averaging CNY 600-800 per night. - Shaoxing Xianheng Hotel: A century-old establishment steeped in Shaoxing culture, located next to Lu Xun Native Place, offering a glimpse into the life of "Kong Yiji." Prices range from CNY 500-700 per night. - Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy Themed Homestays: Located in the historical district of the Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy, these homestays are renovated from old houses, offering picturesque views of the river and bridges right outside your window, allowing you to experience authentic water town life. Prices range from CNY 300-500 per night. II. Three-Day Itinerary Day 1: In-Depth Exploration of the Ancient City's History and Culture - Morning: Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy Historical District → Bazi Bridge - Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy: After breakfast, head to the Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy, the birthplace of Wang Xizhi, steeped in calligraphy culture. Stroll along the stone-paved roads, admire the black-tiled and white-walled Jiangnan houses, and feel the ancient charm of Wang Xizhi washing his brushes by the ink pond. Visit the Jie Zhu Temple. Along the way, try local snacks like the sweet Xiaopan (CNY 5/piece). - Bazi Bridge: Walk to Bazi Bridge, an 800-year-old ancient bridge known as the "oldest overpass in China." Stand on the bridge, overlooking the flowing water and houses on both sides, take photos, and savor the tranquility. - Lunch: Enjoy Shaoxing specialties at small restaurants near the Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy, such as Shao San Xian (CNY 40/serving), a dish with rich ingredients and delicious soup; and Mei Cai Kou Rou (CNY 35/serving), braised pork belly with preserved vegetables, fatty but not greasy, with a rich aroma. - Afternoon: Lu Xun Native Place → Shen Garden - Lu Xun Native Place: From Baicao Garden to Sanwei Bookstore, revisit scenes from textbooks, visit Lu Xun's former residence and ancestral home, and learn about his upbringing. Order a plate of fennel beans (CNY 15/plate) and a pot of Shaoxing yellow wine (CNY 20/pot) at Xianheng Hotel, and experience the life of Kong Yiji. - Shen Garden: In the evening, visit Shen Garden, a Song Dynasty garden famous for the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. Admire the garden scenery, read the poem "Chai Tou Feng" on the wall, and feel the poignant love story. In the evening, you can also watch the "Shen Garden Night" performance (CNY 80/person) and travel back to that romantic and sorrowful era. Day 2: A Blend of Natural Scenery and Cultural Landscapes - Morning: East Lake Scenic Area - Take a Wupeng boat (CNY 120/boat, for 3-4 people) to tour East Lake, admire the unique quarry landscape, and experience the feeling of "sitting in a boat, as if entering a painted screen." This is also the filming location for the Daughter Kingdom in the 1982 version of "Journey to the West," a great spot for photos. - Lunch: Have lunch at a farmhouse near East Lake Scenic Area. We recommend steamed fresh water fish (CNY 50/serving), tender and flavorful; and fried small fish (CNY 30/serving), crispy and delicious. - Afternoon: Lanting Scenic Area - Lanting is a sacred place for calligraphy lovers. Come here to experience the elegant "Curved Water Flowing Cup" tradition, and admire the Lanting Stele Pavilion, Goose Pond, and Youjun Shrine. Participate in a calligraphy experience activity (CNY 30/person), write a calligraphy piece yourself, and take home the fragrance of Lanting ink. Day 3: Exploring Ancient Town Charm and Water Town Delights - Morning: Anchang Ancient Town - Anchang Ancient Town has a thousand-year history and still retains its authentic water town charm. Stroll through the ancient streets, visit traditional workshops, such as those making pulled white sugar (CNY 20/500g) and sausages (CNY 80/500g). - Take a Wupeng boat (CNY 80/boat) and slowly cruise along the river, experiencing the tranquility and simplicity of the ancient town. - Lunch: Enjoy Anchang specialties at restaurants in the ancient town, such as Anchang sausage fried rice (CNY 25/serving), with savory sausage and flavorful rice; and the town's special wontons (CNY 15/bowl), with thin skin and generous filling. - Afternoon: Return to the city center and visit Cangqiao Straight Street, an old street in Shaoxing with many snacks and unique shops. Try Shaoxing stinky tofu (CNY 10/serving), crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a special sauce; and yellow wine popsicles (CNY 8/piece), with a unique wine aroma, perfect for cooling off. III. Food Guide - Xun Bao Ji Shaoxing Cuisine: A Shaoxing culinary icon, offering exquisite dishes. Recommended signature dishes include Mei Cai Kou Rou and Shaoxing Drunken Chicken. Average price: CNY 100-150. - Kong Yiji Restaurant: Retro style, offering authentic Shaoxing cuisine, such as Shao San Xian and Zao Liu Xia Ren (shrimp in wine sauce). Average price: CNY 80-120. - Cangqiao Straight Street Snacks: In addition to stinky tofu and yellow wine popsicles, there are also sweet fermented rice (CNY 5/bowl), Mulian tofu (CNY 8/bowl), and other snacks. Stroll and eat, experiencing the lively atmosphere of Shaoxing. IV. Photo Spots - Bifang Lane in the Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy: Mottled white walls and ancient wooden doors create a literary atmosphere, perfect for retro-style photos. - Bazi Bridge: The ancient bridge, flowing water, and houses form a picturesque Jiangnan water town scene. The best lighting is in the early morning and evening. - Wupeng Boat on East Lake: Sit on a Wupeng boat, with the quarry cliffs as a backdrop, and capture the unique charm of the water town. - Shen Garden: At night, the pavilions and towers of Shen Garden are illuminated, creating a dreamlike world, ideal for night portraits.