Just returned from Shaoxing, really don't recommend visiting June-August

Having visited Shaoxing 6 times since college, honestly there are many pitfalls without proper planning. I truly don't suggest going June-August without good preparation 😭😭 ► Must-know before trip: Climate & Transportation ✅ Climate: June-August is Shaoxing's rainy season transitioning to midsummer, 25-35°C with frequent thunderstorms. Pack light jackets, rain gear and sun protection. 🚄 Transportation tips: ✅ High-speed rail: Arrive at Shaoxing North Station, transfer to city center by bus/subway; ✅ In-city: Shared bikes, walking or taxis recommended as attractions are close. 🗺️ Classic itinerary 📍Day1: Yuecheng Cultural Tour ► Morning: Lu Xun's Hometown Free reservation required. Visit Lu Xun's ancestral home, Three Flavor Study, and Hundred Grass Garden to relive textbook scenes. Tip: Arrive before 8:30am for crowd-free photos at the square. ► Afternoon: Shen Garden Classic Jiangnan garden, site of Lu You & Tang Wan's "Phoenix Hairpin" love story. Night show (¥80) is worth experiencing. ► Evening: Cangqiao Straight Street 1.5km waterside neighborhood. Must-try snacks: Shaoxing stinky tofu, cream pancakes, huangjiu ice pops. 📍Day2: Nature & History 🔶 Morning: East Lake Scenic Area Take wupeng boat through Taogong Cave & Peach Cave, experiencing "living Han Dynasty landscape". 🔶 Afternoon: Orchid Pavilion Calligraphy holy site with "Floating Wine Cup" activity, birthplace of Wang Xizhi's "Preface to Orchid Pavilion". 🔶 Evening: Dayu Mausoleum At Kuaiji Mountain foothills, explore Yu's tomb, temple and ancestral hall to learn flood control history. 📍Day3: Nearby Summer Retreat 🔥 Recommendation: Shangyu Snow Valley·Hidden Mountain Homestay Mountain-surrounded with bamboo forests, ideal for family summer escape. Nearby: Snowflake Pool (Shaoxing's "Little Jiuzhaigou"), emerald waters and bamboo hiking trails. 🌿 Must-visit spot guides 📍 Lu Xun's Hometown Hours: 8:30-20:30 (closes 17:00 Mondays). Experiences: Water town opera, Three Flavor morning reading, wupeng boat rides. 📍 Shen Garden Night tour: 18:30-21:30, performance 19:40-20:30. 📍 East Lake Duration: 2hrs, recommended wupeng boat (¥40/person). 📍 Orchid Pavilion Ticket: ¥70, participate in Floating Wine Cup activity. 📍 Dayu Mausoleum Hours: 8:00-17:00, explore ancient relics. 🗺️ Food map: Shaoxing's flavors 😍 Snacks Cangqiao Straight Street: Stinky tofu, cream pancakes, huangjiu milk tea. Tongxinlou: Viral "Eight Treasures" oil buns. 👉🏻 Must-eat meals Xunbaoji Shaoxing Cuisine: Braised pork with preserved vegetables, drunken shrimp/crab. Kong Yiji Restaurant: Cangqiao pancakes, fennel beans. 👉🏻 Specialty restaurants Shaoxing Banquet: High-end local cuisine for special occasions. 🏨 Accommodation: Blending tradition & modernity ✅ Near Lu Xun's Hometown Shaoxing Dream Jiangnan Holiday Hotel: Walkable to Lu Xun's site. ✅ Keqiao District Shaoxing Tianma Hotel: Excellent service, close to Keyan Scenic Area & Anchang Ancient Town. ✅ Shangyu Homestays Snow Valley·Hidden Mountain: Duplex rooms with bamboo views, family-friendly. 🌸 Practical tips 1⃣️ Ticket deals: Combo tickets like "2-day Ancient City Pass (5 choose 4)" at ¥145/person save money. 2⃣️ Summer gear: Wear thick-soled shoes (cobblestones hurt), bring umbrellas and sun protection. ‼️ Free attractions: Zhou Enlai Memorial, Qiu Jin Residence, Cai Yuanpei Residence require advance booking. 4⃣️ Cultural experiences: Join Yue opera performances, calligraphy copying to immerse in local culture. 🗺️ Extended itinerary ideas Family trip: Shaoxing Oriental Land (Cool World/Mountain Kingdom). Ancient town: Anchang Town, try sausage-making, experience waterside life. Nature: Xinchang Giant Buddha Temple, explore millennium-old monastery. 🌈 Shaoxing perfectly blends water town charm with cultural heritage. June-August, escape crowds to find summer serenity and poetry in ancient alleys, gardens and bamboo forests.