Shaoxing｜The Lesser-Known Route in the Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy! South Gate Entry Roaming Guide!

This is the place where the Sage of Calligraphy, Wang Xizhi, lived in Shaoxing, and also the hometown of famous figures like Cai Yuanpei and Liu Rushi. It still preserves architectural styles from the Eastern Jin to the Republic of China era. The layout of front streets and back rivers hides the most authentic Jiangnan charm. Jie Zhu Temple was his former residence, and the Ink Pool truly got its name from "practicing calligraphy by the pool until the water turned black." Even the Tishan Bridge carries the legend of him inscribing words for an old fan seller. Every step echoes with history.

🗺️【Recommended Tour Route】(Enter from the South Gate)
South Entrance Plaza → Tanhua Bridge → Jishan Street → Tishan Bridge (Wang Xizhi’s fan inscription story) → Duopo Alley → Wupeng Boat Dock (boat tour) → Jie Zhu Temple (Wang Xizhi’s former residence) → Ink Pool → Grandpa’s Bookstore (popular check-in spot) → Jishan Academy

✨Route Highlights:
· Entering from the south entrance, the newly built plaza is spacious and great for photos
· Tanhua Bridge leads straight to Jishan Street; looking up you can see the Wenbi Tower atop Jishan, a perfect photo spot
· Jie Zhu Temple was originally Wang Xizhi’s home, later donated by him to become a temple, full of historical stories
· Tishan Bridge features a bronze statue of Wang Xizhi inscribing a fan for an old fan seller, and his "Kuaixue Shiqing Tie" calligraphy is on the wall
· Ink Pool: Right upon entering the scenic area, you encounter the Ink Pool, with its emerald water reflecting the "Ink Pool" stone tablet. The pen-washing sculpture on the shore is very immersive, and wearing light-colored clothes to capture reflections is amazing

💰【Tickets and Opening Hours】
· Street area ticket: Free
· Internal attractions: Tickets required for Cai Yuanpei’s former residence, Wang Xizhi Exhibition Hall, etc.
· Opening hours: Street area open all year round, 24 hours; internal attractions open 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

⚠️【Tips】
1. The south entrance is now open, allowing direct entry and avoiding crowds at the east entrance
2. Some attractions require tickets; if planning to visit multiple sites, buying a combo ticket is more cost-effective
3. The street area can be visited at night, but internal attractions are closed after hours
4. Wear comfortable flat shoes; the stone pavement is not suitable for high heels
5. Choose iced yellow wine milk tea! Hot drinks mask the wine aroma, and versions with fermented rice are more authentic

Every wall in the Sage of Calligraphy’s hometown is adorned with Wang Xizhi’s poems. Walking here feels like traveling back to Jiangnan a thousand years ago. No need to rush your itinerary—sit by the river, enjoy a pastry, watch the Wupeng boats glide by, and you’ll understand Wang Xizhi’s leisurely life back then! Find a weekend to come and experience the slow pace of time here!