Lanting Scenic Area

Located in Lanting Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, Lanting Scenic Area is a renowned calligraphy sanctuary in China and a national AAAA-level scenic spot. During the Spring and Autumn Period, King Goujian of Yue planted orchids here. In the Han Dynasty, a post pavilion was established, giving Lanting its name. In the ninth year of Yonghe in the Eastern Jin Dynasty (353 AD), Wang Xizhi and 41 other literati held the elegant Orchid Pavilion Gathering, where Wang Xizhi wrote the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion," known as the greatest calligraphy work of all time. Lanting thus became a sacred place for calligraphy. The original site of Lanting has undergone several periods of prosperity and decline throughout history. The existing Lanting was rebuilt during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty by the prefect Shen Qi, based on the old site from the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. Main Attractions: Goose Pond: The first attraction in Lanting. The pond water is clear and blue, with white geese playing in the water. The "Goose Pond Stele" stands by the pond. It is said that the character "goose" was written by Wang Xizhi, and the character "pond" was written by Wang Xianzhi, making it known as the "Father and Son Stele." Lanting Stele Pavilion: The landmark building of Lanting, built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. The two characters "Lanting" on the stele were written by Emperor Kangxi himself. Curved Water Flowing Cups: One of the most famous attractions in Lanting, it recreates the scene of "floating cups on winding water" described in Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion." Visitors can experience the ancient literati's joy of drinking and composing poetry. Liushang Pavilion: Built to commemorate the "Curved Water Flowing Cups" activity. The three characters "Liushang Pavilion" on the pavilion's plaque were written by Li Shutang, the magistrate of Jiangxia during the Guangxu period. Wang Youjun Shrine: A shrine commemorating Wang Xizhi. Inside, there is a white marble statue of Wang Xizhi, and various copied versions of the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion" are displayed. Lanting Calligraphy Museum: The largest calligraphy-themed museum in China. The architectural style imitates Huizhou architecture. The museum displays a brief history of Chinese calligraphy and various calligraphy works. Address: Lanting Scenic Area, Provincial Road 308, Lanting Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City. Opening Hours: 08:00—16:50. Ticket Prices: Full price ticket: 70 yuan, half-price ticket: 35 yuan; free for children under 6 years old or under 1.2 meters tall, local residents with ID cards, active military personnel, etc.