After visiting Shen Garden four times, I finally figured it all out!

As a garden embodying the elegance of the Southern Song Dynasty and a tragic love story, Shen Garden's charm goes far beyond its pavilions and towers. After four in-depth visits, I've uncovered its essence—this guide will help you avoid all pitfalls and experience the authentic "Old Shaoxing" vibe. Shen Garden is the only well-preserved Song-style garden in Jiangnan, famous for the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan depicted in "Phoenix Hairpin." The garden is divided into three sections: Historic Relics Area: Original Song Dynasty artifacts like the Gourd Pond, Lonely Crane Pavilion, and Broken Cloud Stone bear witness to 800 years of history. East Garden (Love Garden): Featuring artificial mountains, the Qiongyao Pond, and the Magpie Bridge, it's a romantic paradise. South Garden: Lu You Memorial Hall + Lianli Garden, showcasing poetry manuscripts and exhibits of his life. Ticket Prices & Hours Daytime Ticket: ¥40 (half-price for students/seniors aged 60-70; free for children under 1.2m) Night Tour (Shen Garden Night): Starting at ¥80, includes the live Yue Opera performance "Love in Shen Garden" (19:40-20:30) ⏰ Opening Hours: Daytime 8:00-17:00; Night 17:30-21:00 Must-Visit Spots Broken Cloud Stone: Symbolizing the unbreakable love of Lu You and Tang Wan despite its fractured appearance. Phoenix Hairpin Stele: Engraved with their poignant farewell poem, each word dripping with sorrow. Lonely Crane Pavilion: Named after Lu You's self-comparison to a "lonely crane" in his later years, offering panoramic views of the lotus pond. Six Dynasties Well Pavilion: A millennium-old well where light filters through its hollow roof, symbolizing "receiving heavenly dew." Efficient Itinerary Day Tour (3 hours): Broken Cloud Stone → Gourd Pond → Shuanggui Hall → Lu You Memorial Hall → Lonely Crane Pavilion → East Garden. Night Tour Highlights: 18:30 Capture lantern-lit scenery → 19:00 Watch "Love in Shen Garden" → 21:00 Depart. ⚠️ Blood-and-Tears Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Off-Peak Visits: Weekends from 10:00-15:00 are crowded! Arrive before 8:00 or opt for the night tour for a more relaxed experience. Bug & Sun Protection: With abundant water features and trees, bring mosquito repellent and a sun hat. Night Tour Seating: C-section offers the best value (¥80); A-section is overpriced and unnecessary. Outfit Tip: Wear Hanfu! Capture stunning ancient-style photos with reflections at Gourd Pond and silhouettes at Lonely Crane Pavilion. 🍜 Shaoxing's Culinary Delights Garden Afternoon Tea: At Bayong Tower, try the "Hard-to-Send Love Letter" calligraphy cake and Shaoxing wine tiramisu for a Song Dynasty vibe. Must-Try Outside the Garden: Shaoxing Drunken Chicken: Tender and aromatic, marinated in yellow wine. Preserved Vegetable Braised Pork: Fatty yet melt-in-your-mouth. Cangqiao Straight Street Stinky Tofu: Crispy outside, tender inside, with a savory sauce. Yellow Wine Milk Tea: Light wine aroma + creamy sweetness, perfect for summer. 🛏️ Stay in a Jiangnan Dream Xianheng Hotel: A century-old hotel from Lu Xun's writings, featuring retro rooms and authentic Shaoxing cuisine, just a 10-minute walk to Shen Garden. Lu Xun's Hometown Homestay: Stay by the water on cobblestone streets, with traditional boats visible from your window. 🚣 Nearby Attractions Lu Xun's Hometown (Free): A 10-minute walk to explore Sanwei Study and Baicao Garden, reliving textbook memories. Cangqiao Straight Street (Free): Traditional boats glide through water alleys; shop for sauces and handmade candy—a microcosm of old Shaoxing. Shaoxing Ancient City (Free): Sip tea on Kuaiji Mountain, boat along the waterways, and listen to ancient Yue stories. Shen Garden's magic lies in the lotus shadows veiled in morning mist, the Yue opera melodies at night, and Lu You's sigh: "Though vows remain, love letters are hard to send." Avoid the crowds, immerse yourself, and you'll understand why "Jiangnan has nothing to offer but a garden full of spring."