Immersive Experience of Jiangnan Water Town — Shaoxing

Shaoxing 4 Days 3 Nights In-Depth Travel Guide (Budget 3000 RMB)
Trip Highlights:

Immerse yourself in the charm of Jiangnan water towns, stroll through ancient streets and alleys, take a ride on a black-awning boat, and experience the slow life of Shaoxing.
Visit the former residences of famous figures, trace the footsteps of celebrities like Lu Xun and Wang Xizhi, and learn about Shaoxing’s rich cultural heritage.
Taste authentic Shaoxing cuisine, including specialties like drunken chicken, stinky tofu, and fennel beans that you must not miss.
Keep the budget reasonable, with 3000 RMB covering transportation, accommodation, meals, tickets, and other expenses.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Shaoxing, Experience the Water Town Atmosphere

Morning: Arrive in Shaoxing and check into a hotel (recommended near Lu Xun’s Former Residence or Cangqiao Straight Street for convenient sightseeing).
Afternoon: Visit Lu Xun’s Former Residence (free), explore Baicao Garden and Sanwei Study, and feel the childhood described in Lu Xun’s writings. Then take a stroll along Cangqiao Straight Street (free) and sample snacks like stinky tofu and cream buns.
Evening: Take a black-awning boat ride (about 60 RMB/person) for a night tour of the city moat and enjoy the night view of Shaoxing.

Accommodation: Budget hotel, about 200 RMB/night.
Meals: Lunch (noodle buns, soup dumplings, etc.) about 30 RMB, dinner (Shaoxing cuisine) about 80 RMB.
Day 2: Follow the Footsteps of Celebrities, Savor Yellow Wine Culture

Morning: Visit Zhou Enlai’s Ancestral Home (free) to learn about Premier Zhou’s family history. Then head to the Calligraphy Sage’s Former Residence (free) to explore Wang Xizhi’s home and appreciate calligraphy art.
Afternoon: Visit East Lake (ticket 50 RMB), take a black-awning boat ride (included in ticket) to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Then visit the Shaoxing Yellow Wine Museum (ticket 30 RMB) to learn about yellow wine brewing techniques and taste yellow wine (about 20 RMB).
Evening: Free time; you can choose to visit Shen Garden (night tour ticket 80 RMB) to enjoy Yue opera performances or go to the night market to try snacks.

Accommodation: Budget hotel, about 200 RMB/night.
Meals: Lunch (Shaoxing cuisine) about 60 RMB, dinner (snacks) about 40 RMB.
Day 3: Explore Ancient Town, Feel the Historical Charm

Morning: Head to Anchang Ancient Town (free) to experience authentic Jiangnan water town life and taste local specialties like Renchang soy sauce and Anchang sausages.
Afternoon: Return to the city and visit Qiu Jin’s Former Residence (free) to learn about this female hero’s revolutionary deeds. Then visit Baziqiao Bridge (free), a Southern Song Dynasty ancient bridge and one of Shaoxing’s iconic landmarks.
Evening: Free time; you can choose to dine at Xianheng Hotel to taste Shaoxing cuisine (about 100 RMB) or have a drink at a bar.

Accommodation: Budget hotel, about 200 RMB/night.
Meals: Lunch (Anchang Ancient Town snacks) about 50 RMB, dinner (Shaoxing cuisine or snacks) about 60 RMB.
Day 4: Relax and Unwind, Return with Full Memories

Morning: Visit Lanting (ticket 70 RMB) to feel the artistic conception of Wang Xizhi’s “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion” and admire calligraphy inscriptions.
Afternoon: Depending on your return time, you can choose to visit Shaoxing Museum (free) to learn more about Shaoxing’s history or go shopping for local specialties (such as Shaoxing yellow wine, fennel beans, etc.).
Evening: Return trip.

Meals: Lunch (restaurant near Lanting) about 50 RMB.
Budget Summary:

Transportation: Round-trip transportation cost depends on departure location, assumed high-speed rail round trip about 500 RMB.
Accommodation: 200 RMB/night * 3 nights = 600 RMB.
Meals: About 400 RMB.
Tickets: About 230 RMB.
Others: Black-awning boat rides, snacks, etc. about 200 RMB.

Total: About 1930 RMB (remaining budget can be flexibly used for upgrading accommodation, buying souvenirs, etc.).
Travel Tips:

Shaoxing’s attractions are concentrated; walking or cycling is recommended to fully enjoy the water town charm.
Shaoxing yellow wine is strong; drink moderately.
Book hotels in advance, especially during holidays.
Pay attention to sun protection and rain gear as Jiangnan weather is changeable.

Wishing you a pleasant holiday in Shaoxing!