Keyan: A Town of Black-Awning Boats, Stone Buddha, and Lu Xun's Literary Legacy

Don't Miss This Guide to Make the Most of Your Visit to Keyan Scenic Area

As a must-visit destination in Shaoxing, Keyan Scenic Area attracts countless visitors with its unique stone landscapes, beautiful lake views, and rich cultural heritage. Want to know how to explore Keyan Scenic Area like a pro? This guide will help you discover a different side of Jiangnan's beauty!

📍Address: No. 558, Keyan Avenue, Keqiao District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province
🕙Opening hours: 08:30 - 16:30 (October 8 - April 30); 08:30 - 17:00 (May 1 - October 7). Lu Town is free and open without time restrictions.
🎫Tickets: Combined ticket for Keyan, Jian Lake, and Lu Town is CNY 130/person. Online tickets may offer discounts, so check in advance.

Transportation Guide

- By car: Navigate to "Keyan Scenic Area." The parking lot is next to the scenic area, charging CNY 10 per 4 hours. During holidays, the main parking lot may be full, and you'll be directed to temporary parking lots with free shuttle service.

- By bus: Take bus routes 805, 817, or 818 directly to the scenic area.

- By high-speed rail: First arrive at Shaoxing North Station, then take a 30-minute taxi ride.

Highlights

The scenic area consists of three sections: Keyan, Jian Lake, and Lu Town, each with its own unique features.

- Keyan Area: Famous for stone landscapes, featuring one of Zhejiang's four great stone Buddhas - the Tiangong Buddha carved during the Sui Dynasty. Standing 20.8m tall, it's an imposing sight. The "Number One Stone Under Heaven" (Yungu) is another marvel - its thinnest part at the base is less than 1m, yet it has stood for thousands of years. Other attractions include Lotus Listening and Seven Star Rock.

- Jian Lake Area: Known as Shaoxing's "Mother Lake," it offers extensive water views and beautiful scenery. Take a black-awning boat or painted pleasure boat to experience "sailing in a mirror." Attractions include the Han Dynasty Flute Pavilion, South Ocean Autumn View, Moonlit Five Bridges, and Gourd Wine Island, showcasing Shaoxing's water, bridge, and wine culture.

- Lu Town: Recreated based on Lu Xun's literary descriptions, featuring Republic of China period architecture. Walking on stone paths between black-and-white buildings with wooden doors and windows feels like stepping back in time. Bronze statues of characters like Ah Q and Xianglin's Wife dot the area. Traditional shops line the streets, and you can rest in teahouses to experience the watertown atmosphere.

Recommended Routes

- Classic Route (for those with ample time): Keyan entrance - Stone Buddha Area - Yuanshan Garden Area - Mirror Bay Area - Famous Scholars Garden - Jian Lake Dock - Han Dynasty Flute Pavilion - boat ride - Jian Lake - White Jade Causeway - Gourd Wine Island - Lu Town Area. This route covers all major attractions.

- Quick Route (for time-limited visitors): Keyan entrance - Tiangong Buddha - black-awning boat dock - Ancient Towpath - Wine Island dock - painted pleasure boat to Lu Town Theater - watch local opera - brief tour of Lu Town. This route highlights key attractions.

Photo Spots

- In front of Keyan Buddha: Capture the Buddha's solemn presence.

- On black-awning boats: Photograph the sparkling lake with mountains in the background.

- By Lu Town's ancient bridges: Perfect for vintage-style photos with traditional architecture.

Food Recommendations

- Shaoxing stinky tofu: Crispy outside, tender inside, served with special sauce.

- Yellow wine popsicles: A unique blend of wine and dairy flavors.

- Fennel beans: Kong Yiji's favorite snack, available in Lu Town's food shops.

Tips

- Wear comfortable shoes as the scenic area is large.

- Bring sun protection in summer (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen).

- Follow boatman's instructions and stay seated while on boats.

- During holidays, consider reverse route (Lu Town - Jian Lake - Keyan) to avoid crowds.