Shaoxing City Travel

Shaoxing, Zhejiang — a historic and cultural city with famous attractions such as Luxun's Hometown, Orchid Pavilion, and East Lake, integrating celebrity culture, calligraphy heritage and water town charm.

2500+
Years of City History
8
Chinese Historic Towns & Villages
40+
km of Ancient Canal Shoreline
5.3M+
Permanent Population

Shaoxing City Districts & Counties Tourism

Shaoxing City Three-Day Two-Night Cultural Discovery Tour

Visit former residences of celebrities, trace the origins of calligraphy, enjoy water town scenery

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Luxun's Hometown, Orchid Pavilion, East Lake, Shen Garden
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, calligraphy lovers, history buffs, photography fans
Budget per Person
¥900-¥2000
01
Celebrity's Hometown
Exploring Luxun's Cultural Roots
Highlights

Morning: Visit Luxun's Hometown, including Luxun's Former Residence, Hundred Plant Garden and Three Flavor Study. Afternoon: Head to Shen Garden to experience the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. Evening: Night tour of Luxun's Hometown to enjoy the ancient city nightscape.

Attractions
Luxun's Hometown
The place where Luxun was born and spent his youth, including Luxun's Former Residence, Hundred Plant Garden, Three Flavor Study and other attractions. An important site for interpreting Luxun's works and appreciating his culture.
Shen Garden
A famous Song Dynasty garden, renowned for the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. The garden preserves a large number of Song Dynasty architectural styles and historical relics.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Inns near Luxun's Hometown
  • Shaoxing International Hotel
  • Specialty B&Bs in the ancient city
Food Recommendations
  • Shaoxing Yellow Wine Ice Pop
  • Star Anise Beans
  • Kong Yiji Restaurant Star Anise Beans
  • Shaoxing Drunken Chicken
Travel Tips
  • Luxun's Hometown is free to visit (reservation required)
  • Shen Garden daytime ticket ¥40, night tour ¥80
  • Hiring a guide is recommended for deeper historical understanding
02
Calligraphy Sacred Place
Orchid Pavilion Gathering Experience
Highlights

Morning: Visit Orchid Pavilion to see Goose Pond, Winding Stream and Floating Cups, and the Orchid Pavilion Stele. Afternoon: Experience calligraphy copying and feel the charm of calligraphy. Evening: Return to the city center and enjoy a Shaoxing yellow wine banquet.

Attractions
Orchid Pavilion
The sacred place of Chinese calligraphy, famous worldwide for Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection". It is a pilgrimage site for calligraphers throughout history. The Winding Stream and Floating Cups scene recreates the grandeur of ancient scholars' gatherings.
Keyan Scenic Area
A comprehensive scenic area integrating quarry remains, garden art and Buddhist culture, including Keyan, Jianhu Lake, and Lu Town.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • About 30 minutes drive from city center to Orchid Pavilion
  • Bus route 3 goes directly
  • Tourist shuttle available between Keyan and Orchid Pavilion
Ticket Info
  • Orchid Pavilion Ticket: ¥80
  • Keyan Scenic Area Combo Ticket: ¥115
  • Calligraphy Experience: additional ¥30-50
Cultural Experiences
  • Winding Stream and Floating Cups performance every Saturday
  • Participate in calligraphy copying activities
  • Bring your own rice paper and brush for the experience
03
Water Town Charm
East Lake Boat Tour
Highlights

Morning: Tour East Lake and take a black awning boat to experience water town charm. Afternoon: Visit Shaoxing Museum to learn about the ancient city's history. Evening: Taste local snacks before returning.

Attractions
East Lake
One of the three famous lakes in Zhejiang, featuring cliffs, strange caves and deep pools. Riding a black awning boat through the lake caves is a unique experience.
Shaoxing Museum
A comprehensive museum showcasing Shaoxing's history and culture, with rich collections that systematically present the city's development from ancient times to the modern era.
Practical Info
Return Advice
  • About 20 minutes from East Lake to Shaoxing North Station
  • About 1 hour to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport
  • Suggest arriving at airport/station 2 hours early
Food Map
  • Braised Pork with Preserved Mustard Greens
  • Shaoxing Drunken Crab
  • Xishi Tofu
  • Shaoxing Yellow Wine
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Shaoxing Yellow Wine
  • Star Anise Beans
  • Shaoxing Fermented Tofu
  • Calligraphy Creative Products

Must-Try Foods in Shaoxing City

Shaoxing Yellow Wine

A famous Chinese yellow wine variety, brewed from glutinous rice. Orange-yellow in color, clear and bright, rich and fragrant in aroma, mellow and sweet in taste, known as the "Gentleman of Wines".

Star Anise Beans

A traditional Shaoxing snack made from broad beans boiled with star anise, cinnamon and other spices. Soft and chewy, deliciously fragrant, made famous nationwide by Luxun's works.

Braised Pork with Preserved Mustard Greens

A classic Shaoxing dish, made by slow-cooking local preserved mustard greens with pork belly. The meat is tender, savory and delicious, acclaimed as the "No.1 Dish of Jiangnan".

Yellow Wine Ice Pop

A Shaoxing innovative snack, blending yellow wine into ice pops. It combines the richness of yellow wine with the coolness of ice cream, a perfect summer treat.

Shaoxing City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Mar-Apr: Spring blossoms, enjoy plum blossoms at Shen Garden
  • May-Jun: Misty rain in water town, best for boating on East Lake
  • Sep-Nov: Clear autumn weather, ideal for outdoor activities
  • Dec-Feb: Strong New Year atmosphere in ancient city, experience yellow wine culture
Must-Do Experiences
  • Take a black awning boat tour of East Lake
  • Participate in Winding Stream and Floating Cups at Orchid Pavilion
  • Wear a long gown for photos at Luxun's Hometown
  • Taste a Shaoxing yellow wine banquet
  • Night tour of Shen Garden to listen to Yue Opera
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥150-300
  • Accommodation: ¥250-700/night
  • Meals: ¥80-200/day
  • Transport: ¥100-300
  • Total: ¥900-2000
FAQ
  • Does Luxun's Hometown require reservation? → Yes, advance reservation via official WeChat account is needed
  • What is the price of a black awning boat? → East Lake black awning boat ¥80/boat (seats 3)
  • Where to buy authentic Shaoxing yellow wine? → Xianheng Hotel, Tapai Yellow Wine Store
  • Does Orchid Pavilion calligraphy experience need reservation? → No reservation needed, participate on-site