Lu Xun's Hometown & Shen Garden scenic area is located in Yuecheng District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The area consists of two parts: Lu Xun's Hometown and Shen Garden, covering a total area of approximately 68,000 square meters. Lu Xun's Hometown preserves a complete complex of traditional Shaoxing residences from the late Qing Dynasty, including core attractions like Lu Xun's Former Residence, Hundred-Plant Garden, and Three-Flavor Study. Shen Garden is one of the best-preserved Song Dynasty gardens in the Jiangnan region, with 15 remaining Qing Dynasty buildings and water features occupying 35% of its area. The two sites are connected by a cultural corridor, creating a unique "former residence + classical garden" experience.
History and Culture
Lu Xun's Hometown is the birthplace and childhood home of Lu Xun (1881-1936), the founder of modern Chinese literature. From 1881 to 1898, Lu Xun spent his childhood and teenage years here, drawing material for his classic works such as "From Hundred-Plant Garden to Three-Flavor Study" and "Hometown." The site preserves the complete Zhou Family New Terrace Gate complex, showcasing the lifestyle of a late Qing Dynasty scholar-official family in Shaoxing.
Shen Garden was built during the Shaoxing era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1131-1162) as a private garden of the Shen family. It became famous for the tragic love story between patriotic poet Lu You and Tang Wan during the Southern Song Dynasty. Lu You composed his renowned poem "Phoenix Hairpin" here, making Shen Garden one of China's four great ancient gardens of love. Most existing structures were rebuilt during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty while retaining the original Song Dynasty garden layout.
Main Attractions
Lu Xun's Former Residence
Lu Xun's Former Residence is where he was born and raised. Built during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, it covers 1,210 square meters. The architecture is a typical Shaoxing terrace-style residence with three sections including an entrance hall, main hall, bedrooms, and kitchen. Over 200 original items of furniture and daily objects used by the Zhou family are displayed, authentically recreating Lu Xun's childhood environment.
Hundred-Plant Garden
The Hundred-Plant Garden was Lu Xun's childhood playground, covering about 2,000 square meters. It preserves plants described in "From Hundred-Plant Garden to Three-Flavor Study," including the soapberry tree, mulberry tree, and fleeceflower root, along with a Ming Dynasty well. The garden offers different seasonal views, with spring being particularly beautiful.
Three-Flavor Study
The Three-Flavor Study is where Lu Xun studied from ages 12 to 17, located about 150 meters from his former residence. This Qing Dynasty building covers 45 square meters, featuring a central plaque inscribed "Three-Flavor Study" and preserving Lu Xun's original desk carved with the character "early." A small garden behind the study offers a tranquil atmosphere.
Shen Garden
Shen Garden is a famous classical Jiangnan garden covering 12,000 square meters. Main attractions include the Lonely Crane Pavilion, Double Osmanthus Hall, Plum Inquiring Pavilion, and Six Dynasties Well Pavilion, with Lu You's "Phoenix Hairpin" poem carved on the garden wall. The exquisite layout emphasizes water features, showcasing the Song Dynasty garden art of "seeing the grand in the miniature."
Local Cuisine
Shaoxing Stinky Tofu
Shaoxing Stinky Tofu is crispy outside and tender inside, smelly but delicious - the most iconic local snack. Several time-honored stinky tofu shops can be found on Cangqiao Straight Street near the scenic area, best served with sweet bean sauce and chili sauce.
Fennel Beans
Fennel Beans became famous through Lu Xun's character Kong Yiji. Made from local broad beans boiled with fennel, cinnamon and other spices, they're soft and sweet with a unique aroma. The most authentic version is served at Xianheng Restaurant within Lu Xun's Hometown.
Shaoxing Yellow Wine
Shaoxing Yellow Wine, brewed with water from Jianhu Lake, comes in four main varieties: Yuanhong, Jiafan, Shanniang, and Xiangxue. The Yellow Wine Experience Hall in Shen Garden offers tastings of different vintages and demonstrations of traditional brewing techniques.
Ticket Information
The combo ticket for Lu Xun's Hometown & Shen Garden costs 80 yuan per person, covering both sites. Opening hours are 8:00-17:00 (extended to 17:30 from April 1 to October 31). Free admission for seniors over 60 and children under 1.2m; students get 50% discount with valid ID. Recommended visiting time is 3-4 hours.
Suggested Itinerary
Recommended route: Lu Xun's Hometown Visitor Center → Lu Xun's Former Residence → Hundred-Plant Garden → Three-Flavor Study → Lu Xun Memorial Hall → Shen Garden (Lu You Memorial Hall → Lonely Crane Pavilion → Double Osmanthus Hall → Phoenix Hairpin Stele). It's about a 10-minute walk between the two sites, or take the scenic area shuttle (5 yuan one way).
Transportation
- Bus: Routes 8, 13, 24, 30, 88 to "Lu Xun's Hometown" stop
- Subway: Shaoxing Metro Line 1 "Lu Xun's Hometown" Station Exit A
- Driving: 3 parking lots nearby at 5 yuan/hour
- High-speed rail: From Shaoxing North Station take BRT Line 1 to "Lu Xun's Hometown"
Must-See Attractions
- Lu Xun's Former Residence: Understand the literary giant's upbringing
- Hundred-Plant Garden: Relive childhood scenes from Lu Xun's works
- Three-Flavor Study: Experience Lu Xun's school days at his original desk
- Shen Garden: Appreciate Song Dynasty garden art and Lu You's love story
Travel Tips
- Arrive before 9am to avoid tour group crowds
- Rent audio guides (20 yuan each) for in-depth explanations
- Spring and autumn are best; summer requires sun protection, winter needs anti-slip shoes
- Shen Garden night tours offer special experiences (separate ticket)
- Cangqiao Straight Street nearby has many specialty shops and restaurants
Precautions
- No smoking or eating outside designated areas
- Don't touch exhibits or use flash in heritage protection zones
- Stone paths can be slippery when wet - wear appropriate footwear
- Selfie sticks and drones are prohibited
- Maintain quiet to respect other visitors' experience