Walking Through the Water City of Shaoxing Ancient Town

Shaoxing, often referred to as the water city of China's Jiangnan region, is a place where history and culture come alive. The ancient town area feels like stepping into a period drama set, with its charming and nostalgic streets. Narrow cobblestone alleys, traditional white-walled and black-tiled houses, and small boats gliding through the canals create picturesque scenes at every turn. The aroma of Shaoxing Huangjiu (Shaoxing rice wine) wafts from the breweries, and cultural landmarks like the former residence of Lu Xun add layers of history and culture to the town. The entire town exudes a relaxed atmosphere, where both tourists and locals stroll leisurely along the same streets, creating a heartwarming sight. 🌟 Highlights • Lu Xun's Hometown: Explore the birthplace and related sites of Lu Xun, a national literary figure of China—a must-visit for literature enthusiasts! • East Lake: A scenic lake formed from limestone quarrying, where you can admire unique rock formations from a pleasure boat. • Shen Garden: A beautiful garden famous for the tragic love story of Southern Song poet Lu You and Tang Wan, with seasonal flowers adding to its charm. • Ancient Canal Boat Experience: Ride the iconic "Wupeng Boat," a bamboo-roofed boat rowed by a boatman wearing a traditional conical hat, a symbol of Shaoxing. 🛶 Getting There • From Hangzhou: About 30 minutes by high-speed train. Take a taxi or bus from Shaoxing North Station or Shaoxing Station to the ancient town. • From Shanghai: About 1.5 to 2 hours by high-speed train. • Within the Ancient Town: Walking, rental bicycles, and small boats are convenient modes of transportation. ⏰ Visitor Information • Best Seasons: Spring (when flowers bloom and the waterways are especially scenic) and Autumn (cool weather and the season for new rice wine). • Admission Fees: The ancient town itself is free to enter, while individual attractions cost around 20–50 yuan. Combo tickets are also available. • Opening Hours: Most attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. At night, enjoy the illuminated ancient town. • Food: Don't miss local delicacies like "stinky tofu," "braised pork with preserved vegetables," and river fish dishes, which pair perfectly with Shaoxing wine. 💡 Travel Tips • Stay in a renovated traditional house within the ancient town for an authentic experience. • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. • There are multiple boarding points for the Wupeng Boats, so check the routes in advance for a smoother experience.