One of my favorite travel cities!

Shaoxing's "Chahu Lake" (pronounced: àng sāng hú) typically refers to Angsang Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Shaoxing, renowned for its ancient towpath from the Ming Dynasty, wetland scenery, and the charm of Jiangnan water towns. Here's the latest 2025 travel guide: 1. Basic Information - Location: Jinghu New District, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing City. For navigation, search "Angsang Lake Bitang" or "Bifengtang Farmhouse." - Admission: Free, no reservation required. - Opening Hours: Open all day, year-round. Best lighting during morning mist (6:30-8:30) and sunset (17:00-18:30). - Transportation: - By car: Free parking, but spaces are limited. Arrive before 8:30 on weekends. - Public transport: Take BRT Line 1 to "Yuezhong Xintiandi" station, then a 10-minute taxi ride; or take Metro Line 1 to "Jinghu Center Station" and transfer to a taxi. - From Hangzhou: Take a high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station to Shaoxing North Station (~25 minutes), then a 30-minute taxi ride. 2. Core Activities 1. Bitang Ancient Path: The "Great Wall on Water" of Jiangnan - Highlights: A 1.5 km-long stone embankment from the Ming Dynasty, spanning the lake. It served as an ancient transportation route and a shelter for boats. Reeds sway on both sides, and misty rain creates an ink-painting-like scene. - Photo spots: - Stone bridge turn: Capture a symmetrical view of the bridge and lake. - Lakeside pavilion: Observe egrets flying at dawn or dusk; bring binoculars to spot night herons hunting. - Hiking tips: Flat terrain, ~30 minutes round trip, suitable for families and seniors. Wear breathable clothing in summer and avoid midday heat. 2. Wetland Exploration: Wupeng Boats & Reed Maze - Boat experience: - Route: Depart from the dock, navigate through reeds, with boatmen explaining waterbird ecology. Stops include the lakeside pavilion or fishing village. - Cost: Wupeng boats cost 80 CNY/boat (fits 4), negotiable to 50 CNY in off-season (e.g., August). - Tips: Mosquitoes increase after 4 PM; bring repellent. - Birdwatching: September is migration season. Use binoculars at observation decks to spot egrets and wild ducks—stay quiet to avoid disturbing birds. 3. Nearby Itinerary: Day Trip Suggestions - Morning: Explore Bitang Ancient Path; photograph misty embankments and egrets. - Lunch: Try lake delicacies at Bifengtang Farmhouse—recommendations: lake noodle soup (fresh snails + shrimp) and drunken crab with Shaoxing wine (28 CNY each). - Afternoon: - Option 1: Boat through wetlands, visit fishing villages, photograph sunset boat returns. - Option 2: Head to Yunsong Village (15-minute drive) for tea fields and a 4 km light hike through bamboo groves and ancient villages. - Evening: Return downtown to visit Lu Xun’s Hometown and Shen Garden for cultural immersion. 3. Food Recommendations - Must-try dishes: - Shaoxing wine milk tea: Exclusive blend from Guyue Longshan Winery, combining wine aroma with creamy texture. - Steamed pork with fermented tofu: A local specialty pairing pungent fermented tofu with savory pork, best with rice. - Shaoxing Sanxian: A hearty soup with fish balls, meatballs, and shrimp. - Restaurants: - Bifengtang Farmhouse: ~60 CNY/person; signature dishes: "one chicken, two ways" (poached + stewed) and osmanthus cake. - Chaying Restaurant: A classic in Xianglin Village, famous for braised pork and bamboo shoot dishes. 4. Important Notes 1. Drone Regulations: - Register via UOM (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Management System) and submit flight applications 1 day in advance; file with local police via "Zhejiang Government Service" app. - No drones allowed over the lake center or wetland core; fines apply for violations. 2. Safety: - Slippery stone paths after rain; wear anti-slip shoes. - Sun protection and hydration are essential during summer heat (10:00-16:00). 3. Eco-Protection: - No bird feeding or littering in wetlands. - Avoid touching reeds to protect bird habitats. 5. Seasonal Highlights - Spring (Mar-May): Rape flowers bloom along the embankment, creating golden vistas. - Summer (Jun-Aug): Lush reeds and morning mist create fairy-tale scenes; cool breezes and lotus views at dusk. - Autumn (Sep-Nov): Bird migration peak; golden reeds perfect for autumn photography. - Winter (Dec-Feb): Misty lake with withered lotuses; serene and poetic ambiance. 6. Accommodation - Downtown hotels: Near Lu Xun’s Hometown or Cangqiao Straight Street for night strolls and snacks. Try Shaoxing Xianheng Hotel (Lu Xun-themed rooms). - Rural homestays: Yunsong Village options like "Potang Homestay" offer tea-field tranquility. Angsang Lake’s pristine wetlands and cultural heritage suit slow-paced travelers. Whether strolling ancient paths, boating through reeds, or savoring local flavors, you’ll embrace Jiangnan’s charm. Check "Shaoxing Culture & Tourism" WeChat for updates before visiting.