Sacred Land of Calligraphy: Lanting Pavilion

[Scenic Spot Name]: Lanting Pavilion [Scenic Spot Rating]: AAAA [Recommendation Index]: 7/10 [Popularity Index]: 5/10 [Tickets]: CNY 70, or CNY 145 for a combined ticket to four attractions [Suggested Visiting Time]: 2–3 hrs •  The Sacred Land of Calligraphy, Lanting Pavilion in Shaoxing. During the Spring and Autumn Period, King Goujian of Yue planted orchids here. In the Han Dynasty, a post pavilion was built, hence the name. In the ninth year of Yonghe, Wang Xizhi invited 41 literati to gather here for a "curved water flowing cup" party, and wrote the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion," the greatest calligraphy work of all time, establishing this place as the sacred land of calligraphy. •  [Suggested Visiting Route] I happened to participate in the scenic spot's stamp collecting activity, following the designated route, which also covered the entire scenic area. •  Tourist Center > Goose Pond > Lanting Stele Pavilion > Winding Stream and Floating Cups (also a filming location for Journey to the West) > Youjun Shrine > Imperial Stele Pavilion (next to it are the Eighteen Inkstone Ponds, where you can try your hand at calligraphy) > Calligraphy Museum (highly recommended, a must-see!) > Zhi Town (commercial street, dining available) > Exit •  [Must-See Spots] 1. Goose Pond: Before reaching the pond, you can hear the calls of a flock of geese. Following the sound, you'll see the "Goose Pond" stele. Legend has it that the character "goose" was written by Wang Xizhi, and the character "pond" was added by his son, Wang Xianzhi, making it a collaborative work by father and son, also known as the "Father and Son Stele." 2. Lanting Stele Pavilion: Inside the pavilion stands a stone stele engraved with the two characters "Lanting." Note that this stele has been restored after being damaged! 3. Winding Stream and Floating Cups: Legend has it that in the ninth year of Yonghe in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Wang Xizhi invited many literati to gather here for a "curved water flowing cup" party, where he wrote the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion." Later, Journey to the West was also filmed here. Now, calligraphy events are held here every year. 4. Imperial Stele Pavilion: Inside the pavilion is a huge stone stele. The front is engraved with the full text of the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion" copied by Emperor Kangxi, and the back is engraved with a poem written by Emperor Qianlong when he visited Lanting. 5. Lanting Calligraphy Museum: Currently the largest calligraphy-themed museum in China, it focuses on the "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion" and exhibits content related to Lanting calligraphy and Lanting culture.