The three must-visit attractions on a one-day trip to Shaoxing are: Shen Garden, Xishi’s Hometown, and Orchid Pavilion.
1. Shen Garden
Nowadays, many people come to Shen Garden not to appreciate the classical garden architecture, but to experience the love story of the talented Lu You and Tang Wan. Shen Garden is also known as Shen's Garden. At that time, Lu You wrote the famous "Hairhead Phoenix" in order to recall his encounter with Tang Wan in the Shen Garden, and placed many romantic imaginations on this exquisite Jiangnan garden.
2. Xishi’s hometown
Xishi’s hometown scenic spot is actually a general term, including the Huanjiang River and the landscape belts on both sides of it. It has good Jiangnan landscapes and huge Chinese gardens. The scenic spot You can learn about Xi Shi's life in various themed exhibition halls.
The area around Xishi Palace is the core area for tourism. The scenic spot is open and no tickets are required to enter. However, among them, the Xishi Hall, the Hall of Chinese Ladies of the Past, Fanli Temple, Folk Customs Hall, and the Zheng Ancestral Hall are paid attractions. If you plan to visit them, it is recommended to purchase a combined ticket directly.
3. Orchid Pavilion
Lanting is famous for its "Preface to Orchid Pavilion" written by Wang Xizhi. It is located at the foot of Lanzhu Mountain about 13 kilometers southwest of the ancient city of Shaoxing. Lanting is not a big place, but the scenery is very elegant. The Echi Monument, Orchid Pavilion Monument, Qushui Shui Shang, and Royal Stele Pavilion are the main landscapes here. According to records, King Goujian of Yue planted orchids here during the Spring and Autumn Period. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, a post pavilion was built, hence the name Orchid Pavilion.
Shaoxing’s special delicacies
1. Stinky tofu
Shaoxing stinky tofu is one of the most famous snacks in Shaoxing City and the favorite food of Shaoxing people. one. It is tofu made from fresh soybeans, fermented in special brine, and then fried until golden and crispy. Shaoxing stinky tofu is dark on the outside and exudes an indescribable smell, but it tastes charred on the outside, juicy on the outside, and full of aroma. Shaoxing people like to dip it in sweet and spicy sauce or vinegar and garlic sauce, which adds to the flavor. Although Shaoxing stinky tofu has an ugly name, it is a very unique delicacy.
2. Braised pork with dried plums and vegetables
Stewed pork with dried plums and vegetables is a traditional dish in Shaoxing City and one of Shaoxing people’s favorite side dishes. It's made with pork belly and prunes, carefully seasoned and slow-cooked. Umeboshi is a kind of pickled vegetable made from green vegetables that have been sun-dried, fermented and tanned. It has a unique sour aroma. The pork belly is made from alternately fat and lean cuts, cut into thick slices, and is rich in fat and gravy. Umeboshi and pork belly penetrate each other and complement each other. The dishes produced are bright red in color, fragrant, crispy and glutinous in meat, soft in texture, sweet and sour, and have an endless aftertaste.
Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Xi Shi’s Hometown