One-Day Tour in Shaoxing—AAAAA Lu Xun’s Former Residence
Lu Xun’s Former Residence Scenic Area, a national 5A-level tourist attraction, is currently the best-preserved historical district in Shaoxing city, rich in cultural connotations and showcasing the classic style of a water town ancient city. Covering an area of 50 hectares, the scenic area authentically restores scenes from Lu Xun’s writings such as Baicao Garden, Sanwei Study, and Xianheng Hotel, forming a comprehensive cultural site centered on humanities and history, integrating cultural experience and leisure tourism.
Main Attractions
● Lu Xun’s Ancestral Residence: Also known as the Zhou Family Old Gatehouse, it faces south and is a brick-wood structure where the Zhou family lived together. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty and renovated multiple times, it is grand in scale with six courtyards. Here, visitors can deeply understand the rise and fall of the Lu Xun family and the lifestyle of the old prominent families in Shaoxing, feeling the profound family cultural heritage.
● Lu Xun’s Former Residence: This is the place where Mr. Lu Xun was born and spent his early years. The architecture and furnishings remain as they were. Visitors can see the rooms and study where he lived during childhood and adolescence, as if witnessing Lu Xun’s daily life and study, truly experiencing the environment and atmosphere of his growth.
● Baicao Garden: Baicao Garden was Lu Xun’s childhood paradise, originally the Zhou family’s vegetable garden. The garden has neat vegetable plots and stone well railings still intact. “Not to mention the green vegetable plots, smooth stone well railings, tall soapberry trees, and purple-red mulberries...” Lu Xun vividly described it in “From Baicao Garden to Sanwei Study.” Visitors can seek out the interesting scenes depicted in the text and feel the pure innocence of childhood.
● Sanwei Study: This was where Lu Xun studied as a boy. The plaque “Sanwei Study” hangs in the center, and inside are old desks and chairs, including one carved with the character “zao” (early), which Lu Xun used. Being here lets one feel the strong learning atmosphere and the traditional private school education style, as if hearing the clear sounds of reading aloud.
● Lu Xun’s Literary Style Garden: The garden recreates scenes and characters from Lu Xun’s works such as “The True Story of Ah Q” and “Blessing” through sculptures and architecture. For example, the earth temple where Ah Q rested and the alleys where Xianglin’s wife begged are vividly displayed, making visitors feel as if they have traveled through time into the world full of human vicissitudes depicted by Lu Xun.
Cultural Significance
Lu Xun is the founder of modern Chinese literature, and his works carry profound ideological content and broad social influence. As an important carrier of Lu Xun culture, the scenic area allows people to directly understand his growth experience and creative background, feeling his deep insight into social realities and his heartfelt concern for the nation’s fate. Here, visitors can explore the roots of his thoughts and the inspiration for his literary creation from the environment where he lived, further understanding the spiritual value contained in his works.
Tourism Facilities
● Specialty Dining: There are many restaurants inside and around the scenic area, with Xianheng Hotel being the most famous. It is a time-honored Shaoxing hotel known for traditional Shaoxing cuisine and yellow wine. Visitors can taste authentic Shaoxing dishes such as braised pork with preserved vegetables, marinated chicken, Shaoxing three delicacies, and also enjoy the fragrant fennel beans, experiencing the pleasure of “warming two bowls of wine with a plate of fennel beans.”
● Shopping Experience: Many specialty shops around the scenic area sell traditional Shaoxing handicrafts, souvenirs, and Lu Xun-related cultural products such as Lu Xun’s works, Shaoxing yellow wine, Wang Xingji fans, and Yue kiln celadon, providing visitors with a rich variety of shopping options.
● Convenient Transportation: Shaoxing has a well-developed transportation network, and Lu Xun’s Former Residence Scenic Area is easily accessible. Visitors can take a bus directly from downtown Shaoxing or choose taxis or shared bikes. There are also parking lots around the scenic area for self-driving tourists.
● Scenic Area Information
Documents and Tickets
Some attractions in Lu Xun’s Former Residence are free to enter but require valid ID for security checks and admission. It is also possible to book in advance on official platforms, especially during holidays and peak seasons, to avoid delays.
Clothing and Equipment
Shaoxing’s weather is changeable; check the forecast before traveling. In summer, prepare sun protection such as sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen; in spring and autumn, bring a light jacket for temperature differences; in winter, keep warm as it is damp and cold. Wear comfortable walking shoes due to extensive walking. A lightweight backpack with water, snacks, and tissues is recommended.
Knowledge Preparation
Reading Lu Xun’s classic works in advance, such as “From Baicao Garden to Sanwei Study,” “Kong Yiji,” and “Blessing,” to understand the scenes and stories will enrich the visit.
Transportation Guide
External Transportation
● Airplane: The nearest airport to Shaoxing is Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. From the airport, take the airport shuttle bus to Shaoxing, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Lu Xun’s Former Residence.
● Train: Arrive at Shaoxing Station or Shaoxing North Station, then take a bus or taxi to the scenic area.
Internal Transportation
● Bus: Several bus lines go directly to Lu Xun’s Former Residence; check specific routes via mobile map apps.
● Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient but may encounter traffic jams during peak hours.
Sightseeing Route
Morning: Experience Lu Xun’s Life Journey
● Lu Xun’s Ancestral Residence: Arrive at 9:00 and first visit the ancestral residence. This is where Lu Xun’s ancestors lived, facing south with brick-wood structures and dozens of rooms. Here, you can deeply understand the family’s rise and fall and the lifestyle of old Shaoxing aristocrats. Visit time about 40 minutes.
● Lu Xun’s Former Residence: At 10:00, head to Lu Xun’s former residence, where he was born and spent his early years. The furniture and decorations remain as they were, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of his childhood and youth. Visit time about 1 hour.
● Baicao Garden: At 11:00, stroll through Baicao Garden, Lu Xun’s childhood paradise. The neat vegetable plots and stone well railings allow you to vividly find the interesting scenes described in “From Baicao Garden to Sanwei Study” and feel the pure childhood innocence. Visit time about 30 minutes.
Noon: Taste Shaoxing Cuisine
● Xianheng Hotel: At 11:30, dine at Xianheng Hotel, a century-old restaurant with strong local Shaoxing characteristics. Try Shaoxing specialties such as braised pork with preserved vegetables, marinated chicken, Shaoxing three delicacies, and don’t forget a plate of fennel beans with a pot of warm yellow wine. Dining time about 1.5 hours.
Afternoon: Follow Lu Xun’s Study and Literary Creation Footsteps
● Sanwei Study: At 13:00, visit Sanwei Study, where Lu Xun studied as a boy. Inside are old desks and chairs, including one carved with “zao” (early) used by Lu Xun. Here you can feel the strong learning atmosphere and traditional private school education. Visit time about 1 hour.
● Lu Xun’s Literary Style Garden: At 14:00, tour Lu Xun’s Literary Style Garden, which recreates scenes and characters from works like “The True Story of Ah Q” and “Blessing” through sculptures and architecture, making visitors feel as if entering Lu Xun’s world. Visit time about 1.5 hours.
If time permits, visit Shen Garden, a Jiangnan-style garden; then stroll along Cangqiao Straight Street to see art galleries; if possible, also visit Shaoxing Museum.
Evening: Night Tour of Shaoxing Ancient City
● Shaoxing Ancient City River: Around 17:00, rest near the scenic area, then after 18:30, stroll through Shaoxing Ancient City or take a black-awning boat for a night tour of the ancient city river. The ancient bridges, streets, and alleys under the lights have a unique charm, and you can enjoy the water town night scenery of Shaoxing. Boat rides usually last 1 to 2 hours depending on personal schedule.
Notes
● Follow the scenic area’s rules during visits, protect cultural relics and the environment, and avoid loud noises.
● For dining at popular restaurants like Xianheng Hotel, it is recommended to book seats in advance to avoid waiting in line.
● When taking the black-awning boat, pay attention to safety and follow the boatman’s instructions.