Back from Shaoxing with my little one, and here's the honest truth.
Hey everyone👋, I'm a serious travel enthusiast, and I just got back from a trip to Shaoxing. Shaoxing in March is absolutely stunning, and I have to share this guide with you all. Come on, let's embark on this dreamy spring journey together!
📍【Impressions of Shaoxing】
Shaoxing, located in north-central Zhejiang, is a city overflowing with history👏. Known for its canals, bridges, wine, and celebrated scholars, each accolade speaks volumes. In March, Shaoxing is in full bloom. Black-awning boats glide along the emerald waterways, passing by whitewashed houses with dark gray tiled roofs and weeping willows. The air is filled with the subtle fragrance of wine and flowers. Every step reveals a picturesque scene, gentle and poetic, as if you've traveled back in time to a bygone Jiangnan.
🚗【Transportation Guide】
✈️By Air: Fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, a large airport with numerous routes. There are direct airport buses to Shaoxing with frequent departures, taking about 1 hour to reach downtown Shaoxing. Enjoy the scenery along the way. If you're in a hurry, taxis are also readily available, though more expensive.
🚄By High-Speed Rail: Shaoxing North Station has frequent high-speed rail services. Public transportation, including buses and subways, is easily accessible from the station, making it easy to get to attractions like Lu Xun's Former Residence and Shen Garden. Shaoxing Station is closer to the city center but has fewer train options. However, the surrounding area is well-equipped with convenient transfers😃.
🚗By Car: Driving to Shaoxing is smooth via the expressway. Pay attention to traffic regulations in the city center after exiting the expressway. Some old streets and alleys are narrow, making parking difficult. It's recommended to find a parking lot in advance.
🗺【Recommended Itinerary】
Day 1: Lu Xun's Former Residence - Shen Garden
Morning: Head straight to Lu Xun's Former Residence. From Baicao Garden to Sanwei Bookstore, trace the memories from textbooks, visit the Zhou family's old house, and experience the environment where the great writer grew up.
Lunch: Try the Shaoxing stinky tofu nearby. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, topped with special sweet or spicy sauce, it smells pungent but tastes delicious. One bite is incredibly satisfying😋.
Afternoon: Visit Shen Garden, stroll through this classical garden, admire the architectural style of Song Dynasty gardens, and learn about the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. In the evening, there's the "Shen Garden Night" show, which is beautiful and romantic.
Day 2: East Lake - Baziqiao Historic Block
Morning: Go to East Lake and take a black-awning boat through the unique waterscape, admiring the steep cliffs and deep lake, experiencing the perfect fusion of nature and human craftsmanship.
Lunch: Have a bowl of Shaoxing yellow rice wine popsicles. The sweet, icy treat with a rich wine aroma is a unique Shaoxing flavor. Pair it with a few aniseed beans for a delightful experience😍.
Afternoon: Explore the Baziqiao Historic Block, a place with minimal commercialization and authentic canal-side life. The bluestone paths, ancient bridges, and old houses exude a charming, everyday atmosphere.
Day 3: Anchang Ancient Town - Return Trip
Morning: Visit Anchang Ancient Town, where sausages and preserved ducks hang from the eaves. Take a black-awning boat along the river to admire the scenery, and visit attractions like the Master's Residence and the former site of the Bank of China.
Lunch: Try the preserved meat clay pot rice in Anchang Ancient Town. The rice is perfectly cooked, the preserved meat is savory, and the bottom has a crispy layer of rice. It's incredibly fragrant. After lunch, buy some Shaoxing specialties, such as yellow rice wine, preserved vegetables, and Wang Xing Ji fans, before heading back.
📝【Practical Tips】
🎫Tickets: Some attractions, such as Lu Xun's Former Residence and Baziqiao Historic Block, are free. Tickets are required for Shen Garden and East Lake. Booking in advance on major platforms often offers discounts and allows you to skip the lines.
🕙Opening Hours: Vary by attraction. Check the official website or call for information before your trip to avoid disappointment.
📸Photography: Wearing Hanfu, cheongsam, or elegant, artistic clothing will enhance your photos in Shaoxing's old streets and gardens, resulting in stunning pictures.
🍱【Food Recommendations】
1. Mei Cai Kou Rou (Stewed Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens): The pork belly is rich but not greasy, and the preserved mustard greens absorb the meat juices, making it a savory and delicious dish, a Shaoxing specialty.
2. Cream Pan: Shaped like an egg tart, with a sweet creamy top and a crispy crust, it's sweet but not overpowering, with a rich texture.
3. Ciwu Daman (Hand-pulled Noodles): The noodles are chewy, and the toppings are varied. The seafood noodles and shredded pork noodles are both delicious and satisfying.
4. Shengzhou Xiaolongbao (Steamed Soup Dumplings): Thin-skinned and juicy, with delicious meat filling, a basket of these for breakfast is a great way to start the day.
💡【Tips】
1. The temperature difference between day and night in Shaoxing in March can be significant. Bring a light jacket🧥for the mornings and evenings to avoid catching a cold.
2. Pay attention to safety and follow the boatman's instructions when taking a black-awning boat.
3. Compare prices and choose quality products when buying local specialties.
Everyone, Shaoxing in March is full of surprises. Pack your bags and set off💕. I believe you'll fall in love with this Jiangnan water town!