At the foot of Jishan in Shaoxing lies the place where the Sage of Calligraphy, Wang Xizhi, once lived. The scenic area is an open street. Along the roadside are old buildings with whitewashed walls and black tiles, including residences and small shops where one can buy snacks and enjoy coffee. Strolling along the street and reminiscing about the stories of Wang Xizhi’s fan inscription and the pearl of abstinence that occurred here is quite interesting.
The block is bordered by Huancheng North Road to the north, Jiefang Road to the west, Shengli East Road to the south, and Xingzhong Road to the east. There are numerous alleys along the way that one can enter for a casual stroll and choose according to personal itinerary. Near Cai Yuanpei Square is the former residence of Cai Yuanpei. It is a simple and elegant Ming-Qing dynasty style building that displays the life and achievements of the academic giant, Mr. Cai Yuanpei. There is a statue of Mr. Cai in the hall, exuding scholarly grace. In front of the former residence is Feibi Alley. The adjacent Qian Ye Guild Hall is now a coin exhibition hall where one can learn about the development history of Shaoxing’s banks.
Heading north, passing by the birthplace of the Jishan School, Jishan Academy, and the Champion Pavilion, one arrives at the elevated Wenbi Tower. This tower, resembling a writing brush, is a landmark of Jishan and a great place to overlook the entire city of Shaoxing from a high vantage point. Climbing the tower, one can overlook the entire block and see the high-rise buildings of Shaoxing in the distance.Heading south back to West Street, you’ll find the broad stone-paved street leading eastward to the Jiezhu Lecture Temple, once the former residence of Wang Xizhi. Just in front of the temple, the Goose Pond and the Ink Pond are nestled among the old residences, almost indistinguishable from their surroundings.
Continuing south along Jishan Street in front of the temple, you’ll come across the well-known Duo Po Alley and Ti Shan Bridge. These sites are famous for Wang Xizhi’s inscription on a fan for an old woman. Further along, the San Huai Hall showcases well-preserved architecture, along with exquisite wood and stone carvings.
For a deeper dive into Wang Xizhi’s legacy, head to the Wang Xizhi Exhibition Hall in Xie Qiao Alley. Here, you can explore the calligraphic works and life stories of Wang Xizhi and his son, as well as immerse yourself in the art of calligraphy in the dedicated experience area.
The entire area is open all year round, with 24/7 access. However, the business hours for the internal venues may vary depending on the daily opening conditions. A must-see tip: Except for the Qian Ye Guild Hall and San Huai Hall, tickets for other attractions included in the joint ticket can be purchased separately at the respective attractions. If you plan to visit several attractions, buying a joint ticket is more cost-effective.
