Shaoxing | Beyond Lu Xun's Hometown, I Recommend This Hidden Gem

🌿When it comes to Shaoxing, don't just think of the black-awning boats and Xianheng Restaurant from Lu Xun's writings. Just 12 km south of the city lies a secret realm sculpted by time— Keyan Scenic Area, using mountains and waters as paper, quarried stones as brushes, painting the most magnificent cultural epic in the Jiangnan region. 🎨【Three-Act Immersive Tour: From Quarry to Poetic Landscape】 Act One: Keyan - Thousand-Year Carvings on Steep Cliffs ▪️ Yungu Stone: The 40m tall "Number One Stone Under Heaven" stands at an angle, with ancient cypresses growing on top, seeming ready to topple yet standing firm as a rock (Photo Tips: shoot upward to emphasize height, wear bright colors for dramatic contrast) ▪️ Tiangong Buddha: A 10.6m tall Maitreya Buddha carved into the cliff face, despite a millennium of weathering, the drapery lines remain delicately detailed (The Buddha's face looks stunning in the slanting morning light) ▪️ Cliff inscriptions: The characters "Keyan" left by Tang and Song dynasty scholars on the cliff have been dyed moss-green, resembling a breathing ink painting Act Two: Jian Lake - A Flowing Jiangnan Scroll ⛵ Must-Experience: ▫️ Painted boat ride (15 yuan): Departing from Luzhen Dock, see green mountains reflected in clear waters while boatwomen sing Shaoxing opera ▫️ Ancient towpath stroll: The 3 km "white jade embankment" winds across the lake; choose a deserted section of stone path for silhouette shots or flowing dress photos (Recommended after 4 pm when the setting sun sparkles on the water) ▫️ Wine Island exploration: The island houses Shaoxing yellow wine workshops where you can sample freshly opened Huadiao wine for free (Remember to bring ID for registration) Act Three: Luzhen - Lu Xun's Stories Come Alive 🎭 Immersive Experiences: - Village theater: "The True Story of Ah Q" performances daily at 10:00/14:00, with actors coming into the audience—sit in the front rows - Black-awning boat tour: 35 yuan for a private boat through the water alleys; ask the boatman to row to "Xianheng Restaurant" dock, place a plate of fennel beans on the bow for photos - Listen to storytelling in old teahouses: Enjoy a cup of Wujiapi wine at "Kuiwen Pavilion" while listening to stories about "Kong Yiji" 🚶【Secret Route: Guide to Avoiding Crowds】 Recommended route (counterclockwise to avoid crowds): East Gate of Keyan → Yungu Stone → Tiangong Buddha → Mirror Bay → Painted boat to Jian Lake Wine Island → Ancient towpath → Black-awning boat to Luzhen → Luzhen Village Theater → Exit from West Gate Best times: ▫️ Morning 8:30-10:30: Rush to Keyan core area before tour groups arrive for empty shots ▫️ Afternoon 13:00-15:00: Boat rides on Jian Lake + towpath photos when sunlight is gentle ▫️ Evening after 16:00: Lanterns light up in Luzhen, crowds thin out, perfect for empty shots of stone-paved paths 🍽️【Keyan Culinary Delights】 ▪️ In Luzhen: "Luzhen Restaurant" offers preserved vegetable pork zongzi (freshly wrapped and steamed, fragrant with bamboo leaves) ▪️ Outside the scenic area: "Old Song Restaurant" on Keyan Avenue, must-try dishes include drunken crab and steamed "double stinky" (Shaoxing specialties that adventurous eaters will love) ▪️ Hidden dining tip: Buy a jin of Taidi wine on Wine Island, sit on a stone bench along the towpath with fennel beans, watching the clouds drift by 📌【Practical Guide】 📍 Address: 558 Keyan Avenue (Navigate to "Keyan Scenic Area Gate 3," parking fee 10 yuan/day) 🎫 Tickets: 130 yuan combo ticket (includes Keyan + Jian Lake + Luzhen + painted boat; black-awning boat extra) ⏰ Hours: 7:30-17:00 (Luzhen opens free at night for light shows) 💡 Tips: Wear non-slip shoes! Some stone steps in Keyan are steep; bring a light jacket as lake winds can be strong While crowds push you forward at Lu Xun's hometown, Keyan's landscape whispers: slow down, take your time. Here, you can learn from the ancients to "rest on stones and rinse in streams," or like locals, shell a fennel bean on the bow of a black-awning boat, watching Yungu Stone's shadow in Jian Lake, rippling with moonlight from a thousand years ago.