A Stunning Ink Painting of Jiangnan Water Town
by BRANTLEY OSBORNE
Aug 3, 2025
When visiting Shaoxing, exploring the ancient town is a must! ✨ This water town with 2,500 years of history will transport you back to the Jiangnan described by Lu Xun as you stroll among its white walls and black-tiled roofs.
🚶🏻♀️ Recommended One-Day Itinerary:
8:30 Start at Lu Xun's Former Residence (No. 229, Lu Xun Middle Road), the earliest opening attraction. Visit Baicao Garden and Sanwei Study—mornings are less crowded for photos.
10:00 Walk 5 minutes to Shen Garden (No. 318, Lu Xun Middle Road), the poignant love site of Lu You and Tang Wan. Don't miss the "Phoenix Hairpin" stele.
11:30 Take a Wupeng boat to Baziqiao Straight Street (¥60/person) to see Shaoxing's best-preserved water town scenery.
13:00 Lunch at the time-honored Xianheng Hotel (No. 239, Lu Xun Middle Road)—try their signature Drunken Chicken and Fennel Beans.
14:30 Visit the Former Residence of Wang Xizhi, the Calligraphy Sage. His Inkstone-Washing Pond is at No. 109, Xiaoshan Street.
16:00 Explore Cangqiao Straight Street for snacks—stinky tofu and cream pancakes are must-tries.
17:30 Climb Fushan Park for sunset views over the ancient town—super soothing!
🍲 Must-Try Foods:
▫️ Tongxinlou Pan-Fried Buns: No. 430, Jiefang North Road—perfect for breakfast.
▫️ Shaoxing Rice Cakes: Freshly made stalls along Cangqiao Straight Street.
▫️ Yellow Rice Wine Milk Tea: Available everywhere in town—go for half sugar.
▫️ Shaoxing "Three Stinkies": Stinky tofu, stinky amaranth stems, and stinky winter melon—for the brave.
📌 Practical Tips:
1. Attractions are within walking distance—wear comfortable shoes.
2. Visit in early March for cherry blossoms reflecting on the canals.
3. Free entry to Lu Xun's Former Residence with ID.
4. Bargain for Wupeng boat rides—chartering is more cost-effective.
Post by BRANTLEY OSBORNE | Aug 3, 2025














