Shaoxing | A Jiangnan Dream Across Millennia, the Ultimate Travel Guide is Here!

Hey everyone! Shaoxing, this ancient Jiangnan city favored by time, boasts both the profound heritage of a thousand-year cultural legacy and the gentle romance of small bridges and flowing water! After painstakingly compiling this super comprehensive guide, follow it to avoid pitfalls and effortlessly unlock the poetic charm and lively vibes of Shaoxing~ 🌟Must-Visit Divine Spots Historical & Cultural Sites - Cangqiao Straight Street: A hidden gem in the heart of the ancient city! Stretching nearly 2 kilometers, it showcases the unique layout of "one river, one street, running parallel." Traditional waterside residences and well-preserved gatehouses from the late Qing and early Republic periods line the street, with white walls and black tiles standing by the water, exuding an antique charm. Step into the street in the early morning, and you'll hear the murmuring streams in the quiet atmosphere; return in the evening, and the bustling market will be filled with the aroma of Shaoxing stinky tofu, cream pastries, and other local snacks. The golden, crispy stinky tofu bursts with flavor at the first bite, offering a crispy outside and tender inside, instantly spreading happiness in your mouth! - Shen Garden: The tragic love story of Lu You and Tang Wan unfolded here, making it famous for this poignant romance. The reconstructed garden features ten scenes, including "Broken Cloud Elegy" and "Poetic Love." The area is divided into the South Garden, East Garden, and Lu You Memorial Hall. The South Garden, with its historical relics, carries a slightly melancholic atmosphere, recounting that sigh-inducing love story; the East Garden is more cheerful, with poetic garden landscapes. At night, an immersive light show transports you back to that era of love and sorrow, allowing you to deeply feel this timeless romance. - Lu Xun’s Hometown: Shaoxing’s only 5A-rated scenic spot, and it’s free! This is where Lu Xun spent his childhood, including his ancestral home, Sanwei Study, and Lu Xun Memorial Hall. Step inside, and scenes from textbooks come to life. You can stroll through the Hundred Grass Garden, imagining Lu Xun’s joyful childhood here, or sit at a desk in Sanwei Study, soaking in the scholarly atmosphere, immersing yourself as "Brother Xun" for a day. - Wang Xizhi’s Former Residence: This is where the calligraphy master Wang Xizhi once lived. Less crowded, it’s perfect for travel photography. The area features walls adorned with flowing calligraphy, exuding an elegant ink aroma and a strong artistic vibe. Though only a small section remains, the ancient city wall to the north still carries a profound sense of history. Climb the Wenbi Tower for a panoramic view of Shaoxing’s gentle scenery—white walls, black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water—painting a breathtaking Jiangnan landscape. - Dayu Mausoleum Scenic Area: Comprising the Mausoleum, Ancestral Temple, and Palace. Enter through the memorial archway inscribed by former President Jiang Zemin, where 12 pairs of sacred beasts stand solemnly along the Sacred Way. Cross the Yugong Bridge and Qing Stone Lingxing Gate, ascend the steps, and you’ll reach the "Dayu Mausoleum" stele pavilion, with its powerful calligraphy by Ming Dynasty official Nan Daji. To the left is the Ancestral Temple, the clan temple of the Si family, housing a thousand-year-old well—the Yu Well. To the right is the Dayu Palace, a grand architectural complex with attractions like the Zhaobi Screen, Goulou Stele Pavilion, Noon Gate, Worship Hall, and Main Hall, set against mountains and water, majestic and picturesque. Here, you can trace the myth of Dayu "passing his home thrice without entering," feeling the great spirit of ancient flood control. Natural Scenery - Orchid Pavilion: The birthplace of the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion," the greatest work of running script calligraphy, brimming with cultural charm. Attractions include the Goose Pond, Orchid Pavilion Stele, and Imperial Stele Pavilion. Strolling through lush bamboo forests, you can almost envision Wang Xizhi and his friends composing poetry over floating wine cups along the winding stream. Admiring the scenery while learning about Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy stories is a refreshing experience. - Keyan Scenic Area: Comprising Keyan, Jian Lake, and Luzhen. Here, you’ll find the Sui Dynasty-carved Tian Gong Great Buddha, whose grandeur is awe-inspiring, and the "Number One Stone Under Heaven," Yun Gu, whose unique shape showcases nature’s artistry. You can also watch Luzhen folk opera, savor Shaoxing wine, and immerse yourself in authentic Jiangnan culture. Unique Charm - Anchang Ancient Town: Located northwest of Shaoxing’s ancient city, it’s quieter than other ancient towns. At night, lanterns light up both sides of the river. Glide slowly on a black-canopied boat, with shimmering reflections on the water, as if stepping into an ink painting, savoring the poetic tranquility of time. Don’t miss the Anchang sausages and Renchang soy sauce featured in "A Bite of China," offering authentic ancient town flavors. 📅5-Day, 4-Night Immersive Itinerary - Day 1: Arrive at Shaoxing North Station before sunset, take a bus to Daqing Temple Station, check into a hotel in the ancient city, then head to Cangqiao Straight Street to enjoy the night scene and lively atmosphere, sampling local snacks for a perfect start to your Shaoxing journey. - Day 2: Visit Guangning Bridge and Bazi Bridge in the morning to admire the unique charm of ancient bridges and Shaoxing’s waterside vibe. Tour Shen Garden before 9:30 AM (night tours available if preferred) to soak in its ambiance and the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. In the afternoon, explore Orchid Pavilion, strolling through its landscapes and reliving the elegance of ancient poetry gatherings. - Day 3: Photograph Cangqiao Straight Street in the morning—its serene beauty is perfect for pictures. Then take a bus to Keyan Scenic Area; buy a combo ticket and plan your route around opera performances to avoid missing out. In the evening, visit Wang Xizhi’s Former Residence to enjoy its tranquil, romantic nightscape. - Day 4: Spend the morning at Lu Xun’s Hometown, delving into the world of his writings. At noon, capture panoramic city views from Wenbi Tower in Wang Xizhi’s Former Residence. In the afternoon, take a bus from the museum to Anchang Ancient Town, where its stunning night scenery will soothe all weariness. - Day 5: If time allows, visit Xu Wei Art Gallery to appreciate ink art, Qingteng Study for scholarly charm, Shaoxing Private Advisor Museum to learn about advisor culture, or the Shaoxing Rice Wine Museum to taste and understand rice wine culture. Alternatively, revisit Wang Xizhi’s Former Residence to experience its charm from a new perspective. 🛏Accommodation Guide Stay within the ancient city—no second thoughts! With attractions clustered here, it’s convenient to explore on foot. Wake up to a waterside view and fall asleep to the sound of flowing water, maximizing the ambiance. Options like Huazhu·Shaoxing Wang Xizhi’s Former Residence Homestay offer Jiangnan-style courtyards, while Xianheng Hotel immerses you in Lu Xun-themed culture. ❗Pro Tips - Lu Xun’s Hometown: Crowded; visit before 8 AM or after 4 PM to avoid peak hours. - Keyan Scenic Area: Large; plan time wisely and check opera schedules in advance. - Food Tips: Rice wine popsicles over 5 yuan aren’t worth it; Shen Garden night tickets (80 yuan) offer mediocre value—choose based on preference. - Seasonal Notes: May is rainy—bring rain gear; summer requires sun and mosquito protection. - Boat Safety: Don’t stand while riding black-canopied boats, and keep belongings secure. - Food Portions: Shaoxing cuisine is salty and savory; light eaters should request adjustments or order small portions to sample more dishes.