Da Yu's Mausoleum, a temple and mausoleum complex in honor of China's "great grandfather" Emperor Yu, took over 100 years to erect. The East Lake lies around 6 kilometers east of the city center, featuring beautiful, natural rock formations. The Orchid Pavilion, built in 1548, is considered one of Shaoxing's top "must-see" spots.

  Orchid Pavilion

The Orchid Pavilion is located at the foot of Lanzhu Hill, 12.5 kilometers southwest of Shaoxing city. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Goujian, the king of the Yue State, planted orchids there; during the Han (206BC-AD220), a post pavilion was erected (hence its name).

In the spring of 353 during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), Wang Xizhi, a famous calligrapher, invited his friends there for a party.

As they recited poems while drinking, Wang was challenged to compose a preface to immortalize the moment. Wang, who was in high spirits, wrote an article called "Prologue to the Orchid Pavilion Collection". Eminent and praiseworthy in terms of calligraphy and literary talent, this article became a masterpiece and Wang was crowned as the "sage of calligraphers" of the time, bringing the pavilion its prominence. Today, the Orchid Pavilion is regarded as a Mecca for calligraphers.

  Da Yu's Mausoleum and Yu Wang Temple

Six kilometers southeast of Shaoxing stands an ancient complex that comprises a tomb, temple and memorial hall built to commemorate Da Yu. It is named Da Yu's Mausoleum after the ancient Chinese hero who conquered a disastrous flood.

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