Xi Shi’s Hometown

Xi Shi’s Hometown scenic area is a general term that includes the Huan River and the landscape[...]

Xi Shi’s Hometown scenic area is a general term that includes the Huan River and the landscape belt on both banks. It boasts beautiful Jiangnan landscapes and vast Chinese-style gardens. Various themed exhibition halls within the scenic area allow visitors to learn about the life of Xi Shi. The core area for sightseeing is around Xi Shi Hall. The scenic area is open to the public without the need for admission tickets. However, certain attractions such as Xi Shi Hall, the Hall of Chinese Historical Beauties, Fan Li Temple, Folklore Museum, and Zheng’s Ancestral Hall require tickets for entry. It is recommended to purchase a joint ticket if planning to visit these sites. Xi Shi Hall, situated on the opposite bank of the other attractions at the foot of Zhu Luo Mountain, can be reached by crossing the Huan Sha Bridge or a floating bridge. Xi Shi Hall is worth a visit within the entire scenic area. The architecture is not ancient but was rebuilt in the 1980s. The wood carvings, lattice windows, and bracket sets were constructed using over ten thousand pieces of traditional architectural elements collected from the Zhuji area, making it not only a memorial to Xi Shi but also a showcase of the essence of Zhuji’s folk architectural art. To the right of Xi Shi Hall, the Ancient Yue Terrace, on the upper level, worships King Goujian of Yue, along with Wen Zhong and Fan Li, while the lower level is a museum of the ‘Xi Shi’s Journey’ story. Zheng Dan Pavilion faces Xi Shi Hall from afar, and on its left, the West Son Poetry Corridor displays steles with poems and portraits of Xi Shi written by literary figures throughout history. Passing by the newly built Camphor Museum and Pearl Museum, and descending from Huan Sha Pavilion, one arrives at Huan Sha Stone, where it is said that Xi Shi washed silk in ancient times, and the words ‘Huan Sha’ handwritten by Wang Xizhi are still clearly visible. Climbing the Zhu Luo Pavilion on the south side of the Poetry Corridor, one can overlook the scenery of Huan Sha River. The antique street at the foot of Jinji Mountain on the south bank features various newly built attractions. The Hall of Chinese Historical Beauties near the scenic area entrance collects stories of famous women in history, with a focus on Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diao Chan, and Yang Guifei, known as the ‘Four Great Beauties.’ The exhibition mainly features portraits and wax figures, which are quite distinctive in content and layout. The Chinese Folklore Museum displays some local traditional daily necessities, offering insights into the local culture. Fan Li Temple and Zheng’s Ancestral Hall are common Jiangnan ancestral halls, primarily showcasing architecture and providing information on the lives of notable figures. If you prefer not to spend money on these artificial attractions, simply strolling along the antique-style Ancient Yue Street, shopping, and enjoying tea, or taking a leisurely walk along the Huan River boardwalk, admiring the sculptures of women washing silk by the river, is also a pleasant experience. In summer, the area is adorned with blooming lotus flowers, while in spring and autumn, the river’s calm waters reflect the beauty of Jiangnan’s landscapes. Operating hours are from May 1st to September 30th, 08:00-17:00; and from October 1st to April 30th, 08:00-16:30.


Service facilities include a nursing room.

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