Five-Day Cultural, Scenic, and Culinary Journey — In-Depth Exploration of Shaoxing
by OskarPettersen
Aug 20, 2025
 1️⃣ Old Town Heritage · Water Alleys and Local Flavors 🎏  
💡 Lu Xun’s Hometown  
🕑 Recommended to visit in the morning  
✨ Scenes from textbooks come alive! Check in at Zhou Family’s New Courtyard Gate, Hundred Herb Garden, and Sanwei Study Hall all in one go  
📍 Must-do: Have a plate of fennel beans and Taidiao wine next to the Kong Yiji bronze statue, and get the same at Xianheng Restaurant!
💡 Shen Garden  
🕑 Visit right after  
🎵 A tragic love story is hidden in this Song-style garden; don’t miss the wall carving of "Hairpin Phoenix"!
🍜 Lunch Recommendation  
📍 Cangqiao Straight Street Snack Shop  
Must-order list:  
✓ Shaoxing stinky tofu: crispy outside, tender inside  
✓ Creamy Xiaopan: sweet but not greasy  
✓ Ciwu handmade noodles: broth so fresh it’ll surprise you
💡 Calligrapher Sage’s Hometown  
🕑 Leisurely afternoon stroll  
🖋️ The place where Wang Xizhi lived! The ink pool at Jie Zhu Temple is full of stories~
🚣 Evening Special Recommendation  
📍 Black-awning Boat Experience  
🌇 The water town at sunset is stunning! Recommended to depart from the Calligrapher Sage’s Hometown dock, a soothing and healing ride
🍽️ Dinner Choice (Pick One)  
1️⃣ Treasure Hunt Shaoxing Cuisine (Zhuangyuanlou Branch)  
Must-order: Shaoxing Three Delicacies, Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables  
2️⃣ Hebutou Restaurant  
Authentic local dining hall!
Day 2️⃣ East Route Ancient Visits · Southern Suburb Courtesy 🏔️  
💡 East Lake Scenic Area  
🕑 Recommended to arrive by 8 AM  
⛰️ The millennium-old quarry is breathtaking! Riding a black-awning boat through Taogong Cave is super thrilling
💡 Dayu Mausoleum  
🕑 Morning stop on the way  
🐉 The resting place of the Chinese water control hero, with amazing views from the top!
💡 Doushuaitian Scenic Area  
🕑 Must-visit in the afternoon  
🙏 The heavenly palace on the mountain top is spectacular! Praying at Longhua Temple + taking photos at Perfume Water Sea is amazing
🌃 Evening Bonus  
📍 Guazhu Lake  
🌸 Cherry blossom season is breathtaking! There’s also a music fountain show at night
Day 3️⃣ Southwest Buddhist Charm · West Lake Legacy 📿  
💡 Lanting Scenic Area  
🕑 A must for brush calligraphy lovers  
🦢 Check in at Goose Pond Stele Pavilion! The flowing wine and winding water scene is 100% restored
💡 Keyan Scenic Area  
🕑 Afternoon plan  
Three main activities:  
✓ See the strange stones and giant Buddha at Keyan  
✓ Ride a black-awning boat on Jian Lake  
✓ Watch community theater and drink yellow wine at Luzhen
💡 Xishi’s Hometown  
🕑 Head to Zhuji before evening  
👗 Take ancient-style photos by the Huansha River—absolutely stunning!
Day 4️⃣ Northwest Water Town · Time Imprints 🏮  
💡 Anchang Ancient Town  
🕑 Recommended early start  
🍖 A paradise for preserved foods! Snack on sausages and preserved quail while walking, super satisfying  
🎭 Must experience: Watch old craftsmen pull white sugar
💡 Xinchang Great Buddha Temple  
🕑 Depart in the afternoon  
🙏 The 16-meter-tall largest Buddha in Jiangnan! The Zen atmosphere is fully immersive
Day 5️⃣ Scenic Secret Realm · Nature’s Gift 🌊  
💡 Wuxie Scenic Area  
🕑 Morning water fun  
💦 Five-tier waterfall cools you down! Perfect for summer visits
💡 Fuzhi Mountain  
🕑 Afternoon hike  
❄️ Glacier stone wave wonder! The rapeseed flower sea in spring is breathtaking
🍜 Food Map  
【Classic Must-Try】  
✓ Steamed tofu with fermented amaranth stems  
✓ Braised pork with preserved vegetables  
✓ Drunken shrimp and drunken chicken  
【Street Snacks】  
✓ Yellow wine popsicle  
✓ Shredded radish pancake  
✓ Fermented rice steamed buns
📌 Practical Tips:  
1️⃣ Transportation: Convenient city buses; for outskirts, car rental recommended  
2️⃣ Accommodation: Yuecheng District is most convenient  
3️⃣ Tickets: Remember to book popular attractions in advance  
4️⃣ Best Seasons: March to May and September to November
Shaoxing is truly a treasure water town! From the charm in Lu Xun’s writings to the ink fragrance of Wang Xizhi, five days is never enough~  
Quickly save this guide and start your Shaoxing journey! 🎉
Post by OskarPettersen | Aug 20, 2025













