At 0/5 km southwest of Shaoxing City, there is a garden, which was not famous at first, but with the spread of a work by Wang Xizhi, a great calligrapher in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, this garden became famous and became a holy place for calligraphy. This is Lanting.
In the Spring and Autumn Period, Gou Jian, the King of Yue, planted orchids here, and in the Han Dynasty, he set up a post pavilion, hence the name Lanting. There are mountains, forests and bamboos here. It is a beautiful place.
Lanting has been rebuilt many times in history, and the most recent building took place in 1980, which created the style of Ming and Qing gardens.
In 353 AD, Wang Xizhi and 42 relatives and friends came here to drink and write poems, and then Wang Xizhi prefaced this collection of poems with intoxicating feelings. This is the famous Preface to Lanting Collection.
Several scenic spots in the scenic spot were built according to the stories of that year. Wang Xizhi loves geese, and a few white geese are stocked in the pool, which is even more idyllic.
Qushui is a game for scholars in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The glass goes with the flow. Whoever stops in front of it will have a glass of wine and write a poem. This is how Lanting gathered momentum.
As a holy place for calligraphy, visitors can also show their talents and splash ink here.
Wang Youjun Temple is the essence of Lanting. Built in the reign of Kangxi, it has white walls and tiles, surrounded by water. The statue of Wang Xizhi is displayed in the temple, and the cloisters on both sides are the stone carvings of Preface to Lanting written by famous artists in past dynasties.
Beautiful scenery, far away from the city, Lanting is worth spending half a day walking slowly.