Shaoxing: Main Scenic Spots

Shaoxing's reputation as a little Hangzhou comes from the beauty of its East Lake, or Donghu, often called the "slender West Lake." This manmade lake dating from the late Qing offers countless photo opportunities. This is a good place to spot the black-awning boats called "wupeng" that are unique to Shaoxing. Look closely and you'll see that the boats are steered by foot. Nine humpbacked bridges adorn Donghu, along with numerous pavilions, springs, grottoes, and underground pools.

Lu Xun's Former Residence restored in original state, Hundred Plant Garden where young Lu Xun played, Three- Flavour Study with national form, and the Memorial Hall of Lu Xun portray the family history of Lu Xun and social environment in which Lu Xun grew up and glorious achievements during his indomitable life time. The Xianheng Tavern, the Changqing Temple, the Tugu Temple and the former mortgage store nearby always remind people of recalling his literary career and artistic creation.

Not far from Lu Xun Road is the garden setting of a famous story of star-crossed loves from the Southern Song Dynasty. Once when visiting the garden, the poet Lu You (1125-1210) had a chance encounter with his beloved first wife, Tang Wan, whom his mother had forced him to divorce. Both had since married others. Lu later composed a poem, "Phoenix Hairpin," in his first wife's honour and carved it on the garden wall. The lyric has long since disappeared, but the garden's tranquil setting of streams, rockeries, and bridges that the lovers so enjoyed attracts many other couples to this day. << Back to Shaoxing Info