Lanting Scenic Area

Overview Lanting is located in Lanting Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province. It is famous for the calligrapher Wang Xizhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, who gathered here with his friends and wrote the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion. The scenic area is centered around the Qushui Liushang (Floating Goblets on a Winding Stream) and surrounded by the Goose Pond, Goose Pond Pavilion, Liushang Pavilion, Small Lanting, Yubei Pavilion, Mohua Pavilion, and Youjun Temple. Opening Hours and Tickets • Opening hours: 8:00–16:50 • Ticket prices: CNY 70 for adults, CNY 35 for children. Children under 6 years old or under 1.2 meters tall can enter for free. Seniors, students, and other special groups can enjoy a 50% discount. Main Attractions • Goose Pond Stele: It is said that the character "鹅" (goose) was written by Wang Xizhi, and the character "池" (pond) was written by his son Wang Xianzhi. The two characters are collectively known as the "Father and Son Stele." • Lanting Stele Pavilion: The two characters "兰亭" (Lanting) on the stele were written by Emperor Kangxi. • Qushui Liushang: The place where Wang Xizhi and his friends composed poems and completed the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion. • Yubei Pavilion: The pavilion houses the imperial stele of Emperor Kangxi. • Youjun Temple: A temple commemorating Wang Xizhi, surrounded by lotus ponds. • Lanting Calligraphy Museum: Introduces and displays stories related to Wang Xizhi and the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion. Travel Tips • Best time to visit: All year round. It is a great place to escape the summer heat. Recommended visit time: 1–3 hours. • Transportation: You can take a bus from Shaoxing Railway Station or Bus Station, such as Bus No. 3 or 303, and get off at the "Lanting Scenic Area" stop. • Experience activities: The scenic area offers more than ten activities, such as Qushui Liushang, fan painting, stone carving, and copying the Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion. You can participate in these activities to experience calligraphy culture. • Shopping recommendations: You can buy souvenirs such as stone paperweights engraved with calligraphy works and dried bamboo shoots. Reminders • The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. • Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and other essentials. • The Calligraphy Museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.