Shaoxing's ancient canals and traditional workshops still attract visitors seeking a glimpse of China's literary and cultural past.

At the festival, vendors offered tastings of vintage Shaoxing wines that warmed the crowd on a chilly night.

For the braised pork, I simmered the meat with soy sauce, ginger, and a generous splash of Shaoxing wine, and also offered a small glass of it as an after-dinner drink.