Donghu, located approximately 6 kilometers east of Shaoxing’s ancient city, is not vast in area. Its scenery is not profound or overwhelming, nor does it possess the grand, water-sky blend of vastness. Instead, it offers a small yet spirited charm, earning it the nickname ‘landscape bonsai’. Additionally, it served as a filming location for the 1982 version of ‘Journey to the West’, specifically for the scenes in the Country of Women.
The water in Donghu is much clearer than that of the traditional Chinese boats in Shaoxing’s urban canals. What’s particularly striking is that, due to its history as a quarry, the steep cliffs on both banks are the remnants of stone extraction, with the spring water washing out the carvings, creating a vibrant array of colors that are quite pleasing to the eye. There are also narrow stone caves, some of which are just wide enough for a single boat to pass through, adding to the wonder.Upon entering the scenic area, not far away is the Hanbi Pavilion dock, from where one can take a traditional Chinese boat through Xiantao Cave, Laba Cave, and Taogong Cave to the Jishou Tower dock. The one-way trip takes about 20 minutes, costing 40 yuan per person, 20 yuan for infants under 1.2 meters (not including), and the boats are for groups of four (for reference). The wonders of Donghu include Taogong Cave and Xiantao Cave, which, from the shore, appear to be simple stone-framed gates.
However, as you approach by boat, you can see the stone gate and its reflection forming a massive peach shape. At the entrance of Taogong Cave, only a small boat can pass, but inside, it’s a different world altogether, resembling a natural giant well. Looking up at the small patch of sky from the bottom of the cave gives one a sense of seeing the sky from the bottom of a well.
The Jishou Tower dock is located inside the scenic area, next to the Jishou Tower. The Yangfan Boat next to it hosts two free performances of local drama every day: 9:30-10:30 and 14:00-15:00. However, the best seats for watching the drama are set with tables and chairs, and one must order a cup of tea to sit. If taking a traditional Chinese boat tour of Donghu is the main attraction, then walking along the shore will reveal the exquisiteness of the pavilions and towers.
The opening hours are 08:00-17:00 all year round; for Ruomen Mountain, the opening hours are 8:30-15:30 (adjusted to 8:30-11:00 in July and August), with specific details subject to the daily announcements at the scenic area.
Preferential policies include free entry for children under 6 years old (with valid documents or under 1.2 meters in height), active-duty military personnel, disabled military personnel, martyrs’ families, and retired military personnel. Local citizens with valid ID (excluding Golden Week and small holidays), students with student IDs for individual visits (half price), and collective visits for primary, middle, and high school students from across the country (free with a letter from the school, excluding Golden Week and small holidays).
