Attractions · Shaoxing

The Baicao Garden, Sanwei Study and Xianheng Tavern of Lu Xun's writings are all here — the best entry point for understanding Shaoxing and Lu Xun. Highlights include the Lu Xun Memorial. Tip: Enter after reserving a slot, see the former residence first and then stroll the streets; closed Mondays. Practical info: located at Lu Xun Middle Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang; ticket free (reservation required); opening hours 08:30–17:00. Best season: March–May and September–November; the plum-rain season is wet and the stone-paved lanes are slippery. It can be combined with Shen Garden, Lanting and East Lake in Shaoxing for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Lu Xun Middle Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang
• Ticket: Free (reservation required)
• Opening: 08:30–17:00

The garden where Lu You and Tang Wan met again; the wall inscription of Phoenix Hairpin makes it China's most famous garden of love. Highlights include the Phoenix Hairpin stele, Guhe Pavilion, the Song well and the evening tour. Tip: Walkable from Lu Xun's Hometown; the evening tour includes performances. Practical info: located at Lu Xun Middle Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang; ticket ¥40 (subject to official notices); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: March–May and September–November; the plum-rain season is wet and the stone-paved lanes are slippery. It can be combined with Lu Xun's Hometown, Lanting and East Lake in Shaoxing for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Lu Xun Middle Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang
• Ticket: ¥40 (subject to official notices)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

The birthplace of Wang Xizhi's Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection; the winding-cup stream, Goose Pond and Imperial Stele Pavilion form a sacred site of Chinese calligraphy. Highlights include the Lanting Calligraphy Museum. Tip: It is a drive from the city centre; calligraphy lovers should allow at least half a day. Practical info: located at Lanting Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang; ticket ¥80 (subject to official notices); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: March–May and September–November; the plum-rain season is wet and the stone-paved lanes are slippery. It can be combined with Lu Xun's Hometown, Shen Garden and East Lake in Shaoxing for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Lanting Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang
• Ticket: ¥80 (subject to official notices)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

A landscape miniature formed from quarry remains, where cliffs, stone bridges and black-awning boats make Shaoxing's most photogenic water-town scene. Highlights include the cliffs, black-awning boat, Taogong Cave and stone bridge. Tip: A black-awning boat gives the best view of the cliffs; combine it with Lu Xun's Hometown on the same day. Practical info: located at Donghu Town, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang; ticket ¥50 (black-awning boat extra); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: March–May and September–November; the plum-rain season is wet and the stone-paved lanes are slippery. It can be combined with Lu Xun's Hometown, Shen Garden and Lanting in Shaoxing for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Donghu Town, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang
• Ticket: ¥50 (black-awning boat extra)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00