Shaoxing: Wupeng Boat Ride Through Ancient Canals

Experience the most iconic symbol of Shaoxing — the Wupeng boat (乌篷船), a traditional black-canopy rowing boat that has navigated these ancient canals for centuries. Often called "China's gondola," the Wupeng boat is unique to Shaoxing and offers the most authentic way to explore this water town. Board your Wupeng boat at Lu Xun Native Place and drift along the tranquil canals, passing under centuries-old stone arch bridges, alongside whitewashed traditional houses, and through the living heart of old Shaoxing. Your skilled boatman propels the craft using the traditional foot-operated oar technique — a mesmerizing skill passed down through generations. The route takes you through the historic canal from Lu Xun's childhood neighborhood to Shen Garden (沈园), the famous Song Dynasty garden where the poet Lu You wrote his heartbreaking love poem on the wall. Along the way, your guide shares stories of literary legends, local customs, and the daily life of canal-side residents. This is the Shaoxing that Lu Xun wrote about — timeless, poetic, and unforgettable.