Located in the Yuecheng District of Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, the Shusheng Hometown Historic District (书圣故里) stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Shaoxing, preserving its historical charm and serving as the birthplace of eminent figures who have influenced Chinese culture. This district is renowned as the hometown of the “Sage of Calligraphy,” Wang Xizhi, the former residence of the eminent educator Cai Yuanpei, and the sacred grounds where scholars like Liu Zongzhou and Huang Zongxi pursued their studies.
The former residence of Cai Yuanpei, a Qing dynasty-era architectural masterpiece, bears witness to the life and ideals of this renowned educator and cultural luminary. Meanwhile, the Jiezhu Temple, originally the residence of Wang Xizhi, is documented in historical texts as follows: “The former residence of Wang Xizhi, a general of the Jin Dynasty, is also known as his separate estate. There are two ponds outside the gate, known as the Goose Pond and the Ink Pond.” This site not only holds significance in Buddhism but also serves as a significant birthplace of calligraphic art.
Furthermore, the Jishan Academy, one of the largest academies in Shaoxing during its time, nurtured numerous scholars and literati. The Tishan Bridge, named for the many literary figures who inscribed poems on it, became a gathering place for intellectuals and literati. The Tanghua Platform Gate, a Ming dynasty structure, served as the main entrance to the Shaoxing Prefecture School, witnessing the prosperity of ancient education in Shaoxing.
A stroll through the Shusheng Hometown Historic District allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Shaoxing, a picturesque water town in southern China. Riding in a traditional black awning boat along the river, passing through ancient bridges like the Tishan and Jifang, visitors can enjoy the cheerful laughter and lively conversations of locals, as if stepping into an ink painting. The stone-paved streets, ancient bridges, and black awning boats bear the imprint of time, narrating the ancient legends and tales of Shaoxing.
Beyond being a hub of historical and cultural significance, the Shusheng Hometown Historic District is a vibrant community brimming with life. Its residents uphold traditional ways of life, their daily routines steeped in a genuine love for life. Whether savoring authentic Shaoxing cuisine or enjoying traditional Shaoxing opera, visitors can deeply appreciate the unique charm of Shaoxing.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0575-88993399 0086-0575-85081938 |
Location and Transportation
The Shusheng Hometown Historic District is nestled amidst a vast expanse of ancient residential buildings at the southern foot of Jishan Mountain in Shaoxing City. Stretching from Zhongxing Road in the east to Jiefang Road in the west, and from Huancheng North Road in the north to Shengli Road in the south, this district covers an area of approximately 0.8 square kilometers. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 3A, 3B, 3, 8A, 8, 9, 13A, 13, 18, 21, 25, 26, 68, 88, 111, or 319 and get off at Songhai bridge Stop (宋海桥站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Shusheng Hometown Historic District is City Square (城市广场) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit B, walk about 500 meters to the east to reach the attraction.
