Shaoxing: literary homes, gardens and black-awning boats

Build a day around old streets, lakeside scenery and the places behind Lu Xun's stories.

Getting there and back: Meet at Hangzhou Redstar Culture Hotel (红星文化大酒店) at 07:20, then take the tour coach to Shaoxing. Meeting is at 07:20; confirm contact arrangements the previous evening. The coach drops off at Fengqi Road Metro Station (凤起路地铁站); arrange your own hotel transfer. Indicative Fengqi Road drop-off is 17:30–18:30.

Time and walking: A full day from 07:20 meeting to 17:30–18:30 drop-off; hotel transfers are extra. Lu Xun's hometown: 1 hour; Shen Garden: 40 minutes; East Lake: 1 hour; Orchid Pavilion: 1 hour. Remaining time covers transport/meals. Dispersed sights involve garden and lane walking; climbing at East Lake is a more strenuous option. At East Lake you can climb or follow the lakeside; climbing need not be part of an easier route. Coach travel is seated and an East Lake black-awning boat can be purchased separately; other gardens and streets are on foot.

Tickets and timing: The page lists from US$61.41 per person, including Shen Garden, East Lake and Orchid Pavilion admission; East Lake boat and lunch cost extra.

Who it suits: Suits an interest in literary homes, Jiangnan gardens and water-town details, with a full day for several stops. The black-awning boat is not included in admission. Some visitors find the ride short; views on value vary. Lakesides, old streets and literary homes make a different day from another West Lake visit. Wuzhen East: canals, indigo cloth and folk museums: Both take a full day: Wuzhen East's about 8 hours are more concentrated; Shaoxing emphasises literature, gardens and East Lake.