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Lanting, located at the foot of Lanzhu Mountain, 25 li southwest of Shaoxing City, is one of the three most famous scenic spots in the city's suburbs, along with Yuling and East Lake. It was the residence of calligrapher Wang Xizhi and is renowned both domestically and internationally for his masterpiece, "Lanting Preface." Over the past decade, its fame has grown even more thanks to the ongoing Lanting Calligraphy Festival.
The current Lanting was rebuilt by Shen Qi, the county magistrate during the Jiajing period, based on the old site of the Lanting during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. It basically maintains the style of Ming and Qing garden architecture, integrating beautiful landscape, elegant garden landscape, unique reputation in the calligraphy world, and rich historical and cultural heritage. It is famous at home and abroad for its four major characteristics of "secluded scenery, elegant events, wonderful writing, and unique calligraphy".
The weather is suitable for all seasons and you can escape the heat in the summer. In addition, a calligraphy conference will be held on the third day of the third lunar month.
The Lanting Scenic Area is centered on the "Qushui Liushang" and is surrounded by major attractions such as the Goose Pond, Goose Pond Pavilion, Liushang Pavilion, Xiaolanting, Imperial Stele Pavilion, Mohua Pavilion, and Youjun Temple.
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8:30-17:00
Lanting Scenic Area is historically significant for its association with the famous calligraphy work of Wang Xizhi, the master of Chinese calligraphy. The site is renowned for Lanting Pavilion, where Wang Xizhi wrote the "Lantingji Xu" (Preface to the Poems Collected from the Orchid Pavilion), one of the most famous pieces of Chinese calligraphy. It holds great cultural importance in Chinese history and calligraphy.
Lanting Scenic Area is located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. You can reach the area by taking a bus or taxi from Shaoxing city center. The scenic area is well-signposted, and visitors can also reach it by private transport or by walking from nearby hotels.
The scenic area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months (March to May and September to November), when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. The area can be crowded during public holidays, so visiting on weekdays or early in the morning is recommended.
The entrance fee for Lanting Scenic Area is typically around 40 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through various Chinese travel platforms. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended during the busy tourist seasons or public holidays. Booking a few days in advance is advisable to ensure entry during peak times.
It typically takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore Lanting Scenic Area, including visiting the main pavilion, gardens, and calligraphy sites. If you're interested in taking your time and participating in cultural activities, you may want to plan for a half-day visit.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and you can book a local guide at the entrance. Audio guides in Mandarin and English are available for visitors who prefer to explore independently.
Start by visiting Lanting Pavilion and learn about its historical significance. Then, take a walk through the gardens, stopping to admire the calligraphy stones. Finish your visit with a peaceful stroll along the river, where you can enjoy the scenic views and tranquility.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Lanting Scenic Area. However, special cultural events and calligraphy exhibitions may be organized during festivals or special occasions.
The area can get quite crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning hours or during off-peak months (November to February).
The scenic area has basic facilities including public toilets, drinking water stations, rest areas, and a small souvenir shop. There are also food stalls offering local snacks and refreshments.
Lanting Scenic Area is relatively accessible for elderly and children, with paved paths and seating areas throughout the park. However, some areas may require walking up stairs or inclines, so it's best to check with staff for accessibility details if needed.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Credit cards are not as commonly used, so it’s best to carry some cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are a few local restaurants and tea houses near Lanting Scenic Area, offering traditional Zhejiang cuisine and tea. These are ideal spots for a break after exploring the park.
Vegetarian food options are available at some local restaurants, and vegan options can be found with prior notice. Halal food may be harder to find, but it is available in nearby Shaoxing city.
Yes, there are souvenir shops in the area selling traditional Chinese calligraphy items, local artwork, and handcrafted souvenirs like tea sets and porcelain goods.
From Lanting Scenic Area, you can continue your journey by taxi or bus to nearby attractions in Shaoxing city. For longer trips, you can take a train or bus from Shaoxing’s main transportation hubs.
