Shaoxing, Dream of Jiangnan, Hometown in the Misty Rain

When you visit Shaoxing, a trip to the Calligraphy Sage's Hometown is a must. This area, the birthplace of Wang Xizhi and Cai Yuanpei, is also the best-preserved historical and cultural district in Shaoxing. Amidst the misty rain of Jiangnan and along the bluestone paths, you'll be immersed in a rich cultural atmosphere and profound historical heritage, a true embodiment of what all Jiangnan ancient towns aspire to, yet few achieve. Many historical sites in the Calligraphy Sage's Hometown are associated with Wang Xizhi, such as the Fan-inscribing Bridge, Jie Zhu Temple, and Ink Pond, each with its own captivating story. Wandering through the narrow alleys, old houses, ancient bridges, and flowing water, you'll find yourself wishing for a rainy day, where the misty atmosphere truly transports you to the heart of Jiangnan. [Tour Route] Cai Yuanpei Square → Xiaoshan Street (old street with a strong market atmosphere) → Tanhua Bridge → Wang Xizhi Exhibition Hall → Fan-inscribing Bridge → Ji Fang Bridge → Plum Blossom Poetry Corridor → Duo Po Alley → Ink Pond → Jie Zhu Temple → Grandpa's Bookstore → Cai Yuanpei's Former Residence → Zi Min Library. [Instagrammable Spots] 1. Ink Pond (where the Calligraphy Sage washed his inkstones). 2. Fan-inscribing Bridge. 3. Duo Po Alley (where Wang Xizhi hid from his mother-in-law to practice calligraphy). 4. Plum Blossom Poetry Corridor (featuring poems about plum blossoms). 5. Ji Fang Bridge (pagoda, bridge, river, and boats). 6. Grandpa's Bookstore (a testament to time). 7. Cai Yuanpei's Former Residence. 8. Zi Min Library. [Tour Tips] 1. Wang Xizhi's former residence is not located in Shaoxing's Calligraphy Sage's Hometown (it's in Linyi, Shandong Province). Navigate to "Jie Zhu Temple" on your map. The plaque reads "Donating the Residence to Become a Temple," referring to the story of Wang Xizhi's "Jie Zhu" after moving here. The Ink Pond outside the temple is where Wang Xizhi washed his inkstones and raised geese. Behind Jie Zhu Temple is Ji Shan, with the Wenbi Pagoda at its summit, which can be seen from various points within the Calligraphy Sage's Hometown (great for photos). 2. A brief visit to the Wang Xizhi Exhibition Hall is sufficient. The two-courtyard building, about 200-300 square meters, mainly displays prints and replicas of his works, so a quick look will suffice. 3. Cai Yuanpei's Former Residence is located near the entrance (Bi Fei Alley). It's recommended to visit it last, followed by the Zi Min Library, which exhibits Cai Yuanpei's life story and introduces the May Fourth Movement, Peking University, and the history of the founding of the Communist Party of China, allowing you to relive the passionate moments of the New Culture Movement. 4. From Tanhua Bridge to Ink Pond, along Ji Shan Street, you'll find various local snacks, such as stinky tofu, yellow rice wine popsicles, cream puffs (very sweet), shredded radish cakes, yellow rice wine, preserved mustard greens, yellow rice wine milk tea, etc. You can also take a Wu Peng boat ride (60/boat, limit 3 people, about 10 minutes, mornings are best, afternoons have long queues).