Ying'en Gate: A Charming Wedding Season Opening with Ancient Rhyme and Floral Boat Romance

Ying'en Gate was first built in the 16th year of the Jiading period of the Southern Song Dynasty (1223 AD). It is a vital waterway hub in the northwest corner of the ancient city of Shaoxing. It was named "Ying'en Gate" because ancient court officials or emperors (such as Zhao Gou of the Southern Song Dynasty when he crossed south) entered the city through this gate. The existing city tower was rebuilt in 2000 based on the design plan of Yang Su, the Duke of Yue in the Sui Dynasty, restoring the structure of the water and land city gate and the watchtower. It also hangs the plaque "Eastern Zhejiang Barrier" inscribed by calligrapher Ouyang Zhongshi, highlighting the ancient Yue style. Ying'en Gate Style Water Street takes the 1.5 km ancient canal as its main line, integrating history and modern commerce, and reproducing the prosperous scene of the Southern Song Dynasty. The city tower can be visited for free. There are stairs on both sides of the city gate to go up. The main building has a brief introduction to the history of Ying'en Gate, as well as displays of Shaoxing's special items (photo 2). This May Day, a large-scale outdoor wedding ceremony will be held here, and the entire street will be decorated as a wedding venue. The cruise ships are also decorated as wedding flower boats. Taking advantage of the fact that there is no one before the festival, first experience the feeling of a flower boat cruise (photos 7 to 14). 📍Detailed address: Intersection of Xiaxi Road and Yu Road, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province. 🚉Transportation Guide: 1. Direct lines to "Ying'en Gate" Station: Route 52A (get off at "Ying'en Gate" Station); Commuting Special Line 1007 ("Ying'en Gate Station"). 2. Nearby stations (within walking distance) Yuanmen Bridge Station: Route 5 (including Express 5, Express 5A, 5B), Route 108, Route 118 (including 118A, Branch Line of Route 118), Route 168 (including 168A), Special Route 1028, etc. 🕙Opening hours and tickets: Open all day for free, including the city gate. ✅Must-experience: Night tour of the ancient canal, ticket price is CNY 60. 🌟Highlight features: A variety of restaurants along the river, there is always one that suits you. 🏨Hotel recommendation: Hampton by Hilton Hotel.