Stop wandering aimlessly, here’s a super detailed travel guide for Shaoxing

Stop wandering aimlessly! Here’s a super detailed travel guide for Shaoxing. If you long for the poetic and lively atmosphere of Jiangnan, Shaoxing is definitely a great destination! Now, let me share a very practical travel guide for Shaoxing. Itinerary Day 1: Lu Xun’s Hometown - Shen Garden - Cangqiao Straight Street Morning: Head straight to Lu Xun’s Hometown, a must-visit spot in Shaoxing where you can truly feel the world depicted in Lu Xun’s writings. Every plant in Baicao Garden seems to tell stories of Lu Xun’s childhood; in Sanwei Study Room, you can almost see the students reading back then. After the visit, try the special yellow wine popsicle to experience the unique taste of Shaoxing. Afternoon: Go to Shen Garden, a Song Dynasty garden with a thousand years of history, filled with romance and sorrow because of the love story between Lu You and Tang Wan. Stroll through the garden, admire the pavilions, bridges, and flowing water, and feel the moving love story. Evening: Visit Cangqiao Straight Street, full of vibrant local life. Wander along the bluestone path, where you’ll find various specialty shops and food stalls. Try Shaoxing stinky tofu, crispy on the outside and tender inside, paired with sweet and spicy sauce—one bite brings pure happiness. Day 2: East Lake - Calligraphy Sage’s Hometown Morning: Visit East Lake, known as “the world’s best water and stone bonsai.” Take a black-awning boat through the cliffs, enjoy the unique natural scenery, and soak in the water town charm. Afternoon: Head to the Calligraphy Sage’s Hometown, the residence of Wang Xizhi. Walk through ancient streets and alleys, where calligraphy shops filled with the scent of ink are everywhere. You can visit attractions like Ink Pool and Jie Zhu Temple to experience the rich calligraphy culture. If you like, rent a Hanfu outfit and take a set of ancient-style photos. Day 3: Lanting - Anchang Ancient Town Morning: Go to Lanting, a famous calligraphy holy place known worldwide for Wang Xizhi’s “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion.” Here, you can appreciate the elegance of Jiangnan gardens and participate in the “Qu Shui Liu Shang” (flowing wine) activity to experience ancient elegance. Afternoon: Visit Anchang Ancient Town, an authentic Jiangnan water town. The ancient town is filled with hanging sausages and soy sauce ducks, full of lively local atmosphere. You can take a black-awning boat to tour the town and try the special soy sauce ice cream to feel the unique charm of the ancient town. Food Recommendations 1. Yellow Wine Milk Tea: Perfectly blends the aroma of tea and wine, rich in taste, available at the Calligraphy Sage’s Hometown. 2. Fennel Beans: A signature snack from Xianheng Hotel, salty and flavorful, best enjoyed with yellow wine for a unique taste. 3. Creamy Xiao Pan: A Shaoxing specialty dessert shaped like an egg tart, with a crispy meringue top and a soft, sweet base. Only 5 yuan each, great value for money. 4. Shao San Xian: A soup dish full of Shaoxing flavor, made with pork tripe, fish balls, river shrimp, and other ingredients. The broth is delicious and nutritious, with Fengle Restaurant offering the most authentic version. 5. Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables: Rich but not greasy, the aroma of preserved vegetables fully infuses the meat, making every bite extremely satisfying. Transportation Guide 1. External Transport: You can take the high-speed train to Shaoxing North Station, which is very convenient. 2. Internal Transport: Shaoxing Metro Line 1 reaches major attractions like Lu Xun’s Hometown. If you want to experience Shaoxing’s local charm, you can also take a black-awning boat, though it is relatively expensive. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Guesthouses near the Calligraphy Sage’s Hometown or Cangqiao Straight Street: Around 200 yuan per night, stay in a courtyard full of Jiangnan charm, with a great location, convenient travel, and a chance to experience local life. 2. Hotels near Lu Xun’s Hometown: Close to the attractions, convenient for sightseeing, some hotels also offer breakfast. Helpful Tips 1. Tickets: Lu Xun’s Hometown is free but requires advance reservation; Shen Garden, East Lake, Lanting, and other attractions offer combo tickets for about 210 yuan, which is more cost-effective than buying separately. 2. Dress Code: It’s recommended to wear Hanfu or elegant long skirts paired with flat shoes, suitable for photos and comfortable for walking on stone paths. 3. Best Time to Visit: Shaoxing is beautiful all year round; spring and autumn have pleasant weather and are the best seasons to travel. Pack your bags and come to Shaoxing for a Jiangnan rendezvous!