Orchid Pavilion in Shaoxing

Orchid Pavilion in Shaoxing

In 353, a great calligrapher in ancient China, Wang Xizhi wrote the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection" there, taking the Pavilion into fame and making it the holy land of calligraphy. His 'Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Anthology' has made the Orchid Pavilion the Calligraphic Mecca.

Type: Pavilion, National AAAA Tourist Area
Chinese Name: 兰亭
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission Ticket: 40 RMB
Recommended Travel Time: 1~2 Hours
Location: Lanting Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City(绍兴市柯桥区兰亭镇)

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Orchid Pavilion

Orchid Pavilion is located in the southwest suburb of Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, 13 kilometers from the city center. It is a tranquil place in the middle of a natural park and resembles the southern Chinese gardens of Suzhou or Yangzhou.

Why is Orchid Pavilion So Special?

The attraction of The Orchid Pavilion not only comes from magnificent landscape and graceful southern China gardening sights, but also from profound historical culture and its unique and vast reputation in the calligraphic field. In 353, a great calligrapher in ancient China, Wang Xizhi wrote the “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection” there, taking the Pavilion into fame and making it the holy land of calligraphy.

“Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Poetry Collection” of Wang Xizhi

“Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Poetry Collection” is the most famous work of calligraphy by Wang Xizhi. Written in running-cursive script, it is the most well-known and wild-copied piece ever. It describes a gathering of 42 literati at the Orchid Pavilion during the Spring Purification Festival, the third day of the third lunar month, to compose poems and enjoy the wine.

Main Attractions of Orchid Pavilion

The famous Goose Pond stone stele stands at the center of this pavilion. Carved into it are the two Chinese characters (“E Chi” meaning “Goose Pond”). One of the characters was written by Wang Xizhi himself, the other by his son Wang Xianzhi who also became a famous calligrapher. The characters were carved in the style of Chinese calligraphy.

Liushang Pavilion was constructed during the time of the Qing dynasty near the spot at the stream where Wang Xizhi and his friends often drank wine and composed poems. Its two sides contain calligraphic inscriptions in the handwriting-styles of the Qianlong Emperor and Kangxi Emperor.

When the Lanting International Calligraphy Festival is held every year on March 3rd of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, calligraphy lovers imitate the ancient poets by playing the ‘floating goblets’ drinking game at the sides of this zigzagging stream.

How to get to Orchid Pavilion

Travel with ChinaDragonTours (top recommended)

If you want to get out of the traffic and hassle of navigation, you can book a private tour package that includes visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local guide and driver will escort you to the Orchid Pavilion and most convenient way and take care of all the details. You just have to focus on the visiting.