Xianheng Hotel

Xianheng Hotel

Guide: In Shaoxing, where "taverns are everywhere," this place is considered one of the most representative: black tiles and white walls, with a wall facing the street displaying a huge Chinese character for "wine." Inside, there's an L-shaped counter parallel to and close to the street, fitted with wooden slats, and in the middle are side dishes called "guojiapu" meant to accompany drinks. The counter perpendicular to the street is mainly used for transactions and also allows patrons in short clothes to stand and drink. At the inner end of this counter stands a blue dragon plaque inscribed with four characters: "Tai Bai Yi Feng" (The Legacy of Li Bai). Hot water is kept inside the counter to warm the wine at any time. The hall in front of the counter has black-painted wooden tables and chairs. A traditional Chinese painting hangs in the hall, inscribed with the verse: "Travel through Shaoxing, the land of fish and rice; taste Xianheng wine as described by the literary master. Today’s joy surpasses springtime—admire the chrysanthemums, buy wine, and enjoy fennel beans." A couplet at the entrance was written by author Li Zhun: "Though a small shop, its fame is great; old wine intoxicates many." Outside the shop door on the open ground stands a life-sized statue of Kong Yiji, clad in tattered scholar’s robes, gaunt, with a bowl of wine and a plate of fennel beans—a vivid likeness. Come here to sample local Shaoxing dishes, and after a hearty meal and drink, don’t forget to take a photo with him.

Today’s Xianheng Hotel is vastly different from the days of Lu Xun. Around this small, most authentically preserved Xianheng Hotel, numerous taverns, business centers, and other establishments named Xianheng, Kong Yiji, Lu Xun, or Shuren have sprung up. Preserved mustard greens, fennel beans, Shaoxing wine, and black bamboo hats are all available. Many tricycle drivers doing business here wear cloth shirts and black bamboo hats—it truly feels like a journey back in time, with boundless business opportunities. Tip: At "Xianheng Hotel," if you opt for the working-class style meals, the per-person cost is only about 20–30 yuan, yet you can eat very comfortably. Recommended dishes include stinky tofu, fennel beans, salted peanuts, and dried vegetable braised pork—all absolutely authentic. Introduction: The Xianheng Hotel, mentioned multiple times in Lu Xun’s works, even has two branches in Shanghai. But to trace its roots, you must visit the birthplace at No. 44, Lu Xun Road, Shaoxing—the original "Xianheng." The name "Xianheng" comes from the "Book of Changes · Hexagram Kun": "All things flourish and prosper." "Xian" means all or complete, and "heng" means smooth or prosperous—clearly a very auspicious name. The Xianheng Hotel was originally opened in the year 1894 (the 20th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty) as a partnership by Zhou Zhongxiang and others from the Zhou family clan related to Lu Xun. It was just across a stone-paved road from Lu Xun’s former residence. Transportation:

No. 44, Lu Xun Road

Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province