How to Enjoy Shaoxing in August-September

1. Why Visit Shaoxing at This Time?
• Early September just after the intense summer heat, temperatures range from 25-30°C, humidity drops, making it the most comfortable time

• Late August to early September features the Qiantang River tidal bore (peak viewing from September 5-8), you can also visit Shaoxing Binhai New City or Jia-Shao Bridge tide viewing spots along the way

• Avoid the hot and humid July-August and high summer prices, with air/train tickets and hotels dropping by 20-30%

2. Classic 3-4 Day Itinerary (Flexible Combination)
Day 1 Cultural Tour of the Ancient City

Morning｜Lu Xun’s Former Residence (free, reservation required one day in advance) → 5-minute walk to Cangqiao Straight Street (old Shaoxing life + snacks)

Afternoon｜Shen Garden (Song Dynasty style garden, recommended to visit only the free area + Lu You Memorial Hall, night tour at 80 RMB has average value)

Evening｜Baziqiao Historic District Night View + Wupeng Boat Night Cruise (80-100 RMB/boat, 30 min)

Day 2 Calligraphy + Riverside Line

Morning｜Lanting (Entrance 80 RMB, half price for students, 8:30-17:00) see Goose Pond, Qu Shui Liu Shang, Calligraphy Museum

Afternoon｜East Lake (Entrance + Wupeng Boat combo 110 RMB) hike the cliff trail to overlook the “Looking at the Sky from a Well” wonder

Evening｜Return to city for “Sage of Calligraphy’s Hometown” light show, check in at the popular “Ink Pool” reflection wall

Day 3 Ancient Town + Slightly Tipsy Experience

Morning｜Anchang Ancient Town (bus 805/816, free) walk inside to “Qingfeng Bridge,” buy freshly stuffed sausages, braised duck, visit Renchang Sauce Garden

Afternoon｜China Yellow Wine Museum (Entrance 60 RMB, includes tasting 3 types of yellow wine) or take the “Yellow Wine Town” metro directly to Dongpu Ancient Town (free)

Late Night Snack｜Lu Xun Middle Road Night Market: yellow wine popsicles (avoid the artificial flavor version), stinky tofu, braised pork with preserved vegetables in baked flatbread

Day 4 Optional Add-ons

• Keyan·Luzhen (combined ticket including painted boat 115 RMB, see Stone Buddha + scenes from Lu Xun’s works)

• Kuaiji Mountain Doushuaitian Scenic Area (Longhua Temple + Heavenly Palace, entrance 90 RMB, climb for panoramic views)

• Self-drive loop: Hangzhou Bay Cross-sea Bridge - Jia-Shao Bridge - Binhai Tide Viewing (1 day)

3. Transportation Overview
• High-speed rail: Hangzhou East → Shaoxing North 18 min; Shanghai Hongqiao → Shaoxing North 1 h 20 min

• Within city: Old town attractions are concentrated, best by walking + shared bike; taxi to East Lake or Lanting 20-30 RMB; Metro Line 1 connects Shaoxing Station - Lu Xun’s Former Residence - Yellow Wine Town

4. Accommodation Suggestions (150-300 RMB per person)
• Inside the ancient city: Guesthouses around Yuecheng District Lu Xun Road / Cangqiao Straight Street (such as “Xianheng Hotel · Old Building,” “Huazhu · Sage of Calligraphy’s Hometown”)