Located in China's eastern Zhejiang province, Shaoxing is an ancient city that possesses beautiful scenery. Known as the city of river, the city of bridge, the city of calligraphy, and the city of soul, Shaoxing attracts tourists from around the world.
The city's network of rivers and bridges give Shaoxing another name - the Oriental Venice. Experience this one-of-a-kind Chinese town by taking a boat trip along the winding canals and rivers. The Orchid Pavilion is one of Shaoxing's main attractions. Here is where the noted calligrapher Wang Xizhi grew up and later created his renowned style of calligraphy.

Shaoxing is the hometown of many politicians, philosophers, authors, and scientists in Chinese history. Lu Xun, arguably the most well-known writer in Chinese history, also hails from Shaoxing. His former residences and school are well-preserved in their original traditional Chinese architecture.

The sites form another main attraction for tourists who seek to appreciate one of China's legendary novelists. In recent years, many new tourist attractions have been developed, including Jian Lake, Ke Yan, and Lu Zhen to name a few. Shaoxing is an excellent choice for travelers seeking to discover Chinese culture and history in a smaller setting. The picturesque concept of "China's Venice" is yet another reason to make Shaoxing a stop on your journey to China.

Tourist attractions

The East Lake

Address: Yuecheng District, Donghu Town.
Phone: 8649560

Along with the West Lake in Hangzhou and the South Lake in Jiaxing, Shaoxing's East Lake make up the three most famous lakes in Zhejiang Province. The East Lake is smaller than its counterparts, but it is regarded as a magical lake by the Chinese. The combination of cliffs, grottos, and stone bridges is the reason why the East Lake deserves its magical reputation. Taking a boat ride on the East Lake, you can discover its natural beauty from a variety of viewpoints. You can also take the boat into the caves, and you will be simply awed by the scenery. From the mountain top beside East Lake, you can enjoy another unbeatable view of the "Oriental Venice".

The Orchid Pavilion

The Orchid Pavilion is 13 kilometers away from the city center. During the Chunqiu dynasty, the king of Yue planted orchids here and later a pavilion was constructed here during the Han dynasty. Thus, there is a pretty simple explanation for the name of this popular tourist attraction today. The Orchid Pavilion is Shaoxing's most famous landmark. Visitors have been making the journey to see the Orchid Pavilion for more than 1600 years. In 353 A.D., the noted calligrapher Wang Xizhi wrote some of his celebrated calligraphy here. Since then, the Orchid Pavilion has been known as a home of Calligraphy.

The main sights in the Orchid Pavilion are: the Goose Pool Stele, the Orchid Pavilion Stele, the Orchid Pavilion River, and the Calligraphy Museum. The Goose Pool Stele was created by the calligrapher Wang Xizhi and his son Wang Xianzhi. Wang Xizhi's favourite animal was the goose, and the goose theme is prevalent throughout the Orchid Pavilion. The Orchid Pavilion is not only one of the four famous pavilions in China, but is also a famed garden.

Luxun's Native Place

Address: Luxun Middle Street.
Phone: 5124580

Located on Luxun Middle Street, the Luxun Native Place has undergone significant development since its designation as a tourist attraction. The street contains a number of sites such as Luxun Museum, Luxun's Former Residence, and Sanwei Shuwu, where Luxun conducted his studies. Luxun Middle Street is also home to many traditional Chinese restaurants, cafes, and bookshops. When strolling along the street, you will feel as if you are part of one of Luxun's timelss novels. Luxun Native Place is a fantastic opportunity to soak in classic Chinese culture in the "Oriental Venice".

The Shen's Garden

The Shen's Garden is located at Luxun Middle Street, about 200 meters away from the Luxun Native Place. This garden boasts more than 800 years of history. Shen is the family name of the garden's former owner, hence the name, "The Shen's Garden". This garden is also known as the Love Garden, in accordance with one classic love story. Lu You (1125-1210), one of China's most famous poets, actually authored more poems than any other poet in Chinese history, nearly 10,000! In the year 1151 Lu You met his lover Tang Wan in this very garden, and then composed a poem on the wall in the garden. In the Chinese tradition, parents are responsible for the marriages of their children. Young adults were not necessarily permitted to marry to the one he or she most desired. Sadly, Lu You and his lover suffered the same fate as they too were not allowed to marry. Their last date was spent in The Shen's Garden, so visitors come to the Shen's Garden not only for the beautiful ambiance, but also to understand this heartbreaking love story. The Shen's Garden is an obvious symbol of love, so young people often come here to display their love to one another.