Let's go - soak in Shaoxing

Author: None
Publisher:
Publishing Date: None
Features: This book catches the eye and jumps out from among the colorful covers on the bookstand. Its design is unique: an antique-style bound book with an elegant cover photo—a middle-aged man in a black felt hat, happily sipping yellow wine on a wooden boat. The title is also distinctive: a trendy and fashionable five-character phrase—Let’s Go, Brew Shaoxing. It feels like a call from the energetic group of “flash mobbers.” This book makes you reach out and pick it up, open it, even if you only have a faint and unforgettable impression of Shaoxing as a city because of Lu Xun. Upon closer look, the words on the cover of the book inspire deep respect: “Many cities in China are famous for their historical and cultural heritage. But those that maintain a high level of quality while shedding imperial grandeur are few and far between. Among these, only two or three cities can be said to densely gather this non-court culture. If we further demand that this culture extends into modern times, into the Xinhai Revolution and the May Fourth Movement, then only one city remains. That is Shaoxing—the city of Wang Xizhi, Lu You, Xu Wei, Qiu Jin, and Lu Xun.” In just a few words, Yu Miqiu elevates Shaoxing to a position of supremacy. His tone is reminiscent of how he described Yueyang Academy in Hunan: “You see, the entire Qing Dynasty, with so many mind-boggling things, was almost completely absorbed by this mountain courtyard.” Yu Miqiu says he is always amazed by Shaoxing every time he visits—how could such a small city carry such a profound historical spirit, enduring for millennia? Shaoxing is indeed profound, with its white-walled, black-tiled houses, its small bridges and flowing water, its wooden boats, black felt hats, and pickled mustard greens—all embodying the weight of culture. Yet Shaoxing is also approachable and suitable for relaxed interpretation, whether it’s water-town opera, the charm of Xianheng Liquor, the tradition of floating cups on streams, or the wedding customs of Huadiao. You can leisurely stroll and savor each aspect. Just like the book promotes the idea of “brewing,” the word “brew” is and, embodying a deep immersion in the experience, unaware of the path ahead. The small city of Shaoxing is such a “paradise,” seemingly distant from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization’s rapid expansion and the relentless pursuit of fame and fortune by modern people. It absorbs and infects you with its own rhythm and charm. I have visited Shaoxing repeatedly, each time only skimming the surface but never wanting to leave. If Shaoxing were a painting, it would be a traditional Chinese landscape in the style of freehand brushwork, with a serene and elegant atmosphere. No bold colors or dramatic tension. If Shaoxing were a woman, she would be a refined and delicate beauty, gentle and demure, with a mirror-like water surface in front of her home reflecting her grace. Shaoxing’s tranquility is so profound that it makes you reluctant to shout or make a fuss, forcing you to tread lightly and hold your breath, arriving quietly like Yu Miqiu. Rowing across Jian Lake, wandering through Shen Garden, reflecting at the Orchid Pavilion, chatting with gaunt elders in front of the Temple of the Yue Gate, or sharing drinks with kind-hearted boatmen—all are done quietly, slowly, like a gentle lullaby, afraid of disturbing a dream that has lasted for thousands of years. Yes, Shaoxing is a dreamland. Once you step into this dream, you become a part of it. It can be said that Let’s Go, Brew Shaoxing has found a very suitable narrative style for this city, using the perspective of a backpacker traveler, setting off with enthusiasm and speaking in a leisurely manner, presenting the charming aspects of Shaoxing to the readers. The vivid and engaging descriptions of attractions, service tips along the way, and lively photographs make this book a rather practical guide to exploring Shaoxing. Even if you haven’t been to Shaoxing, you can follow the book and stroll and observe at your own pace. The book clearly explains the transportation, accommodation, attractions, and itineraries of all the worthwhile places in Shaoxing, completely eliminating the need to blindly follow a travel agency like a “duck” being rushed around. Let’s Go, Brew Shaoxing has once again sparked my longing for Shaoxing. As the Tourism Bureau Director of Shaoxing City said, Shaoxing always has endless scenery to see and endless stories to tell. This book presents a feast of travel to the readers, with a dazzling array of delicious dishes, making you both delighted and overwhelmed, unsure of where to start. Perhaps too many features can dilute the essence. With a critical eye, the book’s comprehensive and evenly balanced descriptions of Shaoxing’s various attractions are regrettable. Maybe this also relates to Shaoxing’s strategic positioning in tourism development—should Shaoxing make which dish its most enticing “golden signboard”?