You Must Visit Shaoxing! Enjoy the Evening Breeze of the Water Town

Shaoxing, a poetic Jiangnan town full of life and charm, is like a smooth jade hidden in the depths of time, worth exploring for every travel enthusiast. I. Climate and Temperature Shaoxing has an annual average temperature of 15°C - 23°C, with a mild, humid climate and four distinct seasons. Spring (March - May) brings beautiful flowers with temperatures between 15°C - 20°C, perfect for strolling through old streets and feeling the gentleness of spring. Summer (June - August) is somewhat hot with temperatures between 25°C - 30°C, but you can enjoy special yellow rice wine popsicles to beat the heat. Autumn (September - November) offers clear, pleasant weather with temperatures of 18°C - 23°C, making it the ideal season to appreciate the ancient city's autumn scenery. Winter (December - February) is damp and cold with average temperatures of 8°C - 12°C, but you can experience the unique tranquility of the water town. II. Recommended Attractions Lu Xun Native Place: From the Hundred Plant Garden to the Three-Flavor Study Room, scenes from textbooks come to life. You can also order a plate of fennel beans and a pot of yellow rice wine at Xianheng Hotel to experience the Shaoxing atmosphere described in Lu Xun's writings. 🚶‍♂️ Admission: Free (advance reservation required) Shen Garden: Visit Shen Garden at night, listen to the melodious Yue Opera, and watch the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan unfold in this Song Dynasty garden. The pink walls and black tiles are filled with romance and sorrow. Admission: 40 yuan during the day, 80 yuan at night East Lake: Take a black-awning boat through "the world's first water and stone bonsai landscape." With steep cliffs on both sides and emerald green water, it's like entering a painting. The old version of "Journey to the West" was filmed here. Admission: 50 yuan, boat ticket: 75 yuan Hometown of the Calligraphy Sage: Bluestone paths and ancient courtyards where Wang Xizhi's ink fragrance seems to still linger in the air. Here, poetry culture and everyday life blend perfectly, making for beautiful photos. Admission: Free Eight-Character Bridge: A Southern Song Dynasty bridge with a unique shape. Black-awning boats pass underneath, while both banks are rich with daily life, as if time has slowed down. Admission: Free Anchang Ancient Town: Sausages hang from the eaves, soy sauce jars emit the aroma of years past. Take a black-awning boat tour to experience the authentic water town atmosphere. Admission: Free (some attractions charge fees) III. Recommended Food Yellow Rice Wine Popsicle: A mix of milk and wine flavors. Take a bite and taste the essence of Shaoxing. Available at many shops on Cangqiao Straight Street. 🍦 Yellow Rice Wine Milk Tea: Sweet and mellow with a slight intoxication, offering a unique taste. Available at small shops near scenic areas. 🥤 Shaoxing Stinky Tofu: Crispy outside and tender inside, paired with sweet spicy sauce or shrimp paste. Take a bite and the aroma spreads everywhere. Available at street food stalls throughout the city. Ciwu Hand-beaten Noodles: Hand-pounded noodles with excellent texture, topped with a delicious three-fresh soup. 🍜 Xianheng Hotel: A Shaoxing institution. Try the drunken crab, fennel beans with Taizhou wine to transport yourself back to Lu Xun's Shaoxing. Lao Huzi Restaurant: Signature steamed "three stinky dishes" (stinky amaranth stems, stinky tofu, stinky winter melon). Adventurous eaters shouldn't miss this. The oil-fried river shrimp is also delicious. IV. Important Notes Advance Reservations: Popular attractions like Lu Xun Native Place require advance reservations through official WeChat accounts or mini-programs to avoid disappointment, especially during holidays when crowds are larger. 📱 Boat Safety: When riding black-awning boats, generally 3 people per boat, sit steady and hold on after boarding. Don't move around or play in the boat to avoid dangerous rocking. 🚢 Shopping Caution: Street vendors in scenic areas sell local specialties. Examine carefully to avoid buying poor quality or inauthentic products. 🛍️ Transportation: Some Shaoxing bus conductors announce stops in local dialect, which can be difficult to understand. Confirm your stop with the conductor when boarding or use navigation apps for assistance. Trying "Three Stinky Dishes": Shaoxing's special "three stinky dishes" have a unique smell. If it's your first time trying them, it's recommended to start with moldy tofu sheets with steamed pork and gradually work your way up to avoid being overwhelmed.