Just returned from Shaoxing, really don't recommend visiting June-August

Having visited Shaoxing 6 times since college, honestly there are many pitfalls without proper planning. I truly don't suggest going June-August without good preparation 😭😭

► Must-know before trip: Climate & Transportation
✅ Climate: June-August is Shaoxing's rainy season transitioning to midsummer, 25-35°C with frequent thunderstorms. Pack light jackets, rain gear and sun protection.
🚄 Transportation tips:
✅ High-speed rail: Arrive at Shaoxing North Station, transfer to city center by bus/subway;
✅ In-city: Shared bikes, walking or taxis recommended as attractions are close.

🗺️ Classic itinerary
📍Day1: Yuecheng Cultural Tour
► Morning: Lu Xun's Hometown
Free reservation required. Visit Lu Xun's ancestral home, Three Flavor Study, and Hundred Grass Garden to relive textbook scenes.
Tip: Arrive before 8:30am for crowd-free photos at the square.

► Afternoon: Shen Garden
Classic Jiangnan garden, site of Lu You & Tang Wan's "Phoenix Hairpin" love story. Night show (¥80) is worth experiencing.

► Evening: Cangqiao Straight Street
1.5km waterside neighborhood. Must-try snacks: Shaoxing stinky tofu, cream pancakes, huangjiu ice pops.

📍Day2: Nature & History
🔶 Morning: East Lake Scenic Area
Take wupeng boat through Taogong Cave & Peach Cave, experiencing "living Han Dynasty landscape".

🔶 Afternoon: Orchid Pavilion
Calligraphy holy site with "Floating Wine Cup" activity, birthplace of Wang Xizhi's "Preface to Orchid Pavilion".

🔶 Evening: Dayu Mausoleum
At Kuaiji Mountain foothills, explore Yu's tomb, temple and ancestral hall to learn flood control history.

📍Day3: Nearby Summer Retreat
🔥 Recommendation: Shangyu Snow Valley·Hidden Mountain Homestay
Mountain-surrounded with bamboo forests, ideal for family summer escape.
Nearby: Snowflake Pool (Shaoxing's "Little Jiuzhaigou"), emerald waters and bamboo hiking trails.

🌿 Must-visit spot guides
📍 Lu Xun's Hometown
Hours: 8:30-20:30 (closes 17:00 Mondays).
Experiences: Water town opera, Three Flavor morning reading, wupeng boat rides.

📍 Shen Garden
Night tour: 18:30-21:30, performance 19:40-20:30.

📍 East Lake
Duration: 2hrs, recommended wupeng boat (¥40/person).

📍 Orchid Pavilion
Ticket: ¥70, participate in Floating Wine Cup activity.

📍 Dayu Mausoleum
Hours: 8:00-17:00, explore ancient relics.

🗺️ Food map: Shaoxing's flavors
😍 Snacks
Cangqiao Straight Street: Stinky tofu, cream pancakes, huangjiu milk tea.
Tongxinlou: Viral "Eight Treasures" oil buns.

👉🏻 Must-eat meals
Xunbaoji Shaoxing Cuisine: Braised pork with preserved vegetables, drunken shrimp/crab.
Kong Yiji Restaurant: Cangqiao pancakes, fennel beans.

👉🏻 Specialty restaurants
Shaoxing Banquet: High-end local cuisine for special occasions.

🏨 Accommodation: Blending tradition & modernity
✅ Near Lu Xun's Hometown
Shaoxing Dream Jiangnan Holiday Hotel: Walkable to Lu Xun's site.

✅ Keqiao District
Shaoxing Tianma Hotel: Excellent service, close to Keyan Scenic Area & Anchang Ancient Town.

✅ Shangyu Homestays
Snow Valley·Hidden Mountain: Duplex rooms with bamboo views, family-friendly.

🌸 Practical tips
1⃣️ Ticket deals:
Combo tickets like "2-day Ancient City Pass (5 choose 4)" at ¥145/person save money.
2⃣️ Summer gear:
Wear thick-soled shoes (cobblestones hurt), bring umbrellas and sun protection.
‼️ Free attractions:
Zhou Enlai Memorial, Qiu Jin Residence, Cai Yuanpei Residence require advance booking.
4⃣️ Cultural experiences:
Join Yue opera performances, calligraphy copying to immerse in local culture.

🗺️ Extended itinerary ideas
Family trip: Shaoxing Oriental Land (Cool World/Mountain Kingdom).
Ancient town: Anchang Town, try sausage-making, experience waterside life.
Nature: Xinchang Giant Buddha Temple, explore millennium-old monastery.

🌈 Shaoxing perfectly blends water town charm with cultural heritage. June-August, escape crowds to find summer serenity and poetry in ancient alleys, gardens and bamboo forests.