2012 China Self-Drive Tour Route Selection — Shaoxing: A Land of Ancient Yue Charm and Poetic Water Towns

       Xianheng Hotel: At “Xianheng Hotel,” if you opt for the working-class style meals, you can enjoy a very comfortable meal for just 20–30 yuan per person. Recommended dishes include stinky tofu, aniseed beans, salted peanuts, and dried vegetable braised pork — all authentically prepared.

       Herb Garden: The Herb Garden was the backyard of the Zhou family and also the playground of Lu Xun’s childhood. Though the original sights are hard to find, being in the garden still brings to life the vivid imagery and rich atmosphere described in Lu Xun’s writings.

       Sanwei Study: From the Herb Garden to Sanwei Study, even if you may not have been there before, you’ve surely heard of it. Step into the place where Lu Xun once studied, and explore the classic Chinese architecture to trace the footsteps of this literary master.

       Lu Xun Memorial Hall: The current Lu Xun’s Hometown has become a unique historical district with distinct Jiangnan charm, offering an authentic setting to interpret Lu Xun’s works, experience the scenes he wrote about, and feel the atmosphere of his life.

       Lu Xun’s Former Residence: A historical district with distinctive Jiangnan characteristics, it serves as an authentic place to understand Lu Xun’s works, appreciate the settings from his stories, and experience the life he led.

       Qingteng Study: With a history of over 400 years and having undergone many changes, though once neglected, the square pond, stone railings, inscriptions, green vines, couplets, the plaque inscribed with “Untouched by a Single Speck of Dust” by Xu Wei himself, and the “Qingteng Study” plaque written by Chen Hongshou have all been preserved.

       East Lake: Located at the foot of Ruokui Mountain in the eastern part of Shaoxing City, the lake shimmers with light, surrounded by dark waters and green hills. It is said that Emperor Qin Shi Huang stopped here to rest and water his horses during his eastern inspection tour.

       Orchid Pavilion: Surrounded by lofty mountains and dense forests, with tall bamboos and clear, rushing streams, this was where King Goujian of Yue planted orchids, and where Wang Xizhi composed his famous “Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion.”

       Monument to Martyr Qiu Jin: The Monument to Martyr Qiu Jin is located at Xuandingkou in the center of Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province. The ancient Xuandingkou is said to have had a pavilion first built in the Tang Dynasty. Though it was built and destroyed many times, nothing now remains.

       Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence: A brick-and-tile house built in the Ming Dynasty style, featuring a traditional black bamboo-screen gate. This is where Premier Zhou’s ancestors lived, which is why he often referred to himself as a native of Shaoxing.

       Shen Garden: Once a private garden of the Shen family, this renowned garden in Yue region features the delicate and refined style of Song Dynasty gardens, with pavilions, terraces, and ponds that conceal the poignant love story between poet Lu You and Tang Wan.

       Drunken Chicken: Shaoxing is famous for its huadiao (flower carving) wine. Naturally, “Drunken Chicken,” cooked with huadiao wine, has become a renowned dish in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region. Not only does the “Drunken Chicken” smell intoxicatingly of wine, but it also tastes tender and juicy, leaving a lingering aftertaste. On a hot and stuffy summer day, enjoying ice-cold, fragrant huadiao-drunk chicken is truly a delightful experience.

       Shaoxing Yellow Wine: Locals in Shaoxing also call yellow wine “laojiu” (old wine). When visiting Shaoxing, you absolutely must try the local laojiu. The region’s winemaking history dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period. Made using a unique traditional process with the naturally superior water of Jianhu Lake, Shaoxing old wine serves as a beverage, medicine, and seasoning all in one, and is considered the finest of Chinese yellow wines. Among them, the Gu Yue Long Shan brand Jiufan Wine and Shaoxing Huadiao jar wine are used exclusively for state banquets and have won numerous international gold awards.