Back from Shaoxing, and honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. Because…

April is the most beautiful season in Shaoxing. With gentle breezes and fragrant flowers, the entire city is painted in the colors of spring. If you're looking for a spontaneous trip this season, this three-day Shaoxing itinerary is a must-see! Recommended reasons: Shaoxing, a water town in the south of the Yangtze River with a history of 2,500 years, is known as the "Land of Culture and Hometown of Celebrities." Shaoxing in April is full of spring vitality, with wupeng boats swaying on the clear water and the aroma of yellow wine permeating the old streets and alleys. It's the perfect time to experience the charm of the water town and savor its rich cultural heritage. In three days, you can wander through the hometown of Lu Xun, explore ancient Yue relics, and experience the poetic and vibrant atmosphere of Shaoxing. Itinerary: Day 1: Cultural Exploration - Morning: Lu Xun Native Place (Hundred Grass Garden, Sanwei Study) → Shen Garden - Afternoon: Shaoxing Museum → Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy (Tishan Bridge, Mochi Pool) - Evening: Night tour of Cangqiao Straight Street Day 2: Water Town Charm - Morning: East Lake Scenic Area (wupeng boat ride) → Dayu Mausoleum at Kuaiji Mountain - Afternoon: Lanting Scenic Spot (Curving Water Stream, Calligraphy Pilgrimage) - Evening: Keqiao Ancient Town (light show + Shaoxing opera) Day 3: Leisure Stroll - Morning: Anchang Ancient Town (sausage and white sugar candy making experience) - Afternoon: Keyan Scenic Area (Lu Town opera, Jian Lake boating) - Evening: Enjoy time-honored Shaoxing cuisine before returning Must-see attractions: 1. Lu Xun Native Place: Step into the real-life scenes from the textbook "From Baicao Garden to Sanwei Study" and experience Lu Xun's childhood. 2. Shen Garden: A sacred place for love in a Song Dynasty garden, where Lu You and Tang Wan's poem "Chai Tou Feng" inscribed on the wall remains touching to this day. 3. East Lake: Take a wupeng boat through the cliffs and water caves and experience the wonder of the "world's best water and rock bonsai." 4. Lanting: The holy land where Wang Xizhi wrote the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion," where the Curving Water Stream in April is full of elegance. 5. Anchang Ancient Town: An authentic water town untouched by commercialization, with sausages and preserved ducks hanging from the eaves, full of life. 6. Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy: The old street where Wang Xizhi's former residence is located, with Tishan Bridge and Duopo Lane hiding anecdotes about the calligrapher. 7. Keyan Scenic Area: Giant stone Buddha sculptures blend with the scenery of Jian Lake, and Lu Town recreates scenes from Lu Xun's novels. 8. Cangqiao Straight Street: Bluestone roads and old houses with gate towers are most charming when the lanterns are lit at night. Accommodation recommendations: - Budget: Homestays around Lu Xun Native Place (e.g., "Hua Zhu · Shaoxing Wuseman"), CNY 150-200 per person, within walking distance of core attractions. - Unique experience: Waterfront inns in Anchang Ancient Town (e.g., "Anchang Ancient Town Homestay"), with river views from the window. - High-end option: Shaoxing Grand House, renovated from an ancient village, with private hot springs in detached villas, suitable for family trips. Recommended food: 1. Shaoxing's "Three Stinky" Delicacies: Stinky tofu (Cangqiao Straight Street's "Old Street Stinky Tofu"), stinky amaranth stems, and stinky dried tofu sheets, with unique flavors. 2. Yellow wine-derived food: Yellow wine popsicles (CNY 5/piece), yellow wine milk tea, drunken crabs, and drunken shrimp. 3. Braised pork with preserved vegetables: Savory and goes well with rice. Xian Heng Hotel's signature dish is recommended. 4. Anchang preserved meats: Sausages and preserved ducks can be vacuum-packed and taken away. 5. Shengzhou snacks: Tofu xiaolongbao and pressed noodles, local specialties around Shaoxing. Things to avoid: 1. Wupeng boat scams: Boat tickets at East Lake, Lu Xun Native Place, and other scenic spots have clearly marked prices (about CNY 60-120/boat). Beware of "black boats" soliciting customers on the roadside. 2. Buying yellow wine: Authentic Shaoxing yellow wine is recognized by the brands "Guyuelongshan" and "Kuaijishan." Be cautious when buying loose wine in scenic areas. 3. Shen Garden Night Show: Requires a separate ticket (around CNY 80). If you're not interested in Yue opera, you can visit during the day. 4. Holiday crowds: Lu Xun Native Place is crowded on weekends. It is recommended to arrive before 8:30 am or visit in the evening. Travel tips: 1. Transportation: Shaoxing's attractions are concentrated. The starting price for taxis is CNY 8. Subway Line 1 goes directly to Lu Xun Native Place. It's a 20-minute high-speed train ride from Hangzhou. 2. Ticket reservation: Lu Xun Native Place is free but requires a reservation. Combined tickets for Lanting, East Lake, etc., are more cost-effective (available on the Shaoxing Tourism official website). 3. Clothing suggestions: There is a large temperature difference in April, so bring a light jacket and rain gear. Wear comfortable shoes, as the stone roads in the old streets are uneven. 4. Cultural experiences: Try calligraphy rubbing at Lanting or making white sugar candy at Anchang Ancient Town for an in-depth experience of intangible cultural heritage. The beauty of Shaoxing needs to be experienced firsthand. This spring, step onto this poetic land and explore the beauty hidden in the streets and alleys! I believe this trip to Shaoxing will leave you with unforgettable memories.