Shaoxing

Understand

Shaoxing is a historic cultural city known for its rich heritage and picturesque Jiangnan water town scenery. With over 2,500 years of history, Shaoxing is one of the birthplaces of ancient Yue culture.

Orientation

Central areas The heart of Shaoxing is concentrated around Yuecheng District, where visitors will find most of the city’s historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and vibrant streets for shopping and dining. This area is ideal for exploring Shaoxing’s unique heritage. Key highlights include:

Lu Xun’s Former Residence: The childhood home and memorial site of Lu Xun, one of China’s greatest modern writers, located in a charming neighborhood featuring traditional architecture. Shen Garden: A classical Chinese garden famous for the love story of Song Dynasty poet Lu You and his first wife, Tang Wan. Mausoleum of Yu the Great: A site honoring Yu the Great, a legendary ancient hero credited with controlling floods in Chinese history. Cangqiao Straight Street: A preserved historical street that captures the traditional water-town scenery unique to Shaoxing.

Suburban and nearby areas Shaoxing’s suburban areas combine modern development with cultural and natural attractions, making them perfect for day trips or short visits.

Keqiao: Renowned for its global textile industry, Keqiao is home to the China Textile City, the world’s largest textile market. Visitors can also enjoy scenic spots such as Jianhu Lake and the Lanting Pavilion, a historic site famous for calligraphy. Shangyu: East of Shaoxing, Shangyu offers both cultural sites and outdoor activities. The Cao’e River, surrounded by ancient temples and bridges, and Dong Mountain, a tranquil retreat, are popular highlights. Zhuji: A county-level city within Shaoxing, Zhuji is famous for pearls and scenic spots like Xishi’s Hometown, showcasing Yue culture, and Wuxie Waterfall, an iconic natural attraction. Shengzhou: Known as the birthplace of Yue Opera, Shengzhou features cultural gems like the Yue Opera Townand Shanxi Creek, a serene landscape celebrated by Chinese poets.

Outer suburban areas Shaoxing’s outer areas are characterized by natural beauty, with numerous mountains, rivers, and ancient villages that offer opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and cultural exploration. These regions provide a peaceful escape and showcase the deeper charm of Jiangnan. Shaoxing offers a diverse range of experiences, from its deep historical roots to its scenic landscapes and thriving cultural traditions. Whether you’re exploring the iconic landmarks of Yuecheng or the tranquil outskirts, Shao

Getting there

By plane There is no civil aviation airport in Shaoxing, so passengers traveling to the city by air typically transit through nearby regional airports.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is the nearest major international airport to Shaoxing, located approximately 30 km west of the city. It offers convenient connections to Shaoxing via shuttle buses, taxis, and private transfers. See the Hangzhou article for more details. Ningbo Lishe International Airport is another option for reaching Shaoxing, located around 120 km southeast of the city. It is connected to Shaoxing by intercity buses and private transportation services. See the Ningbo article for more details. Yiwu Airport is a smaller regional airport about 100 km southwest of Shaoxing. Travelers can reach Shaoxing from Yiwu via intercity buses or taxis. See the Yiwu article for more details.

By train

1 Shaoxingbei Railway Station (绍兴北站). Shaoxing North Railway Station is the principal hub for high-speed trains serving Shaoxing and surrounding areas. Located about 10 km north of the city center, it’s accessible via local bus lines and taxis for a quick commute. The station features a spacious departure hall with a variety of dining options and convenient facilities. While English-speaking staff may be limited, signage is clear and generally easy to follow. There are several hotels near the station, but it’s advisable for foreign travelers to check in advance regarding accommodation policies. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Shaoxing Railway Station (绍兴站). Shaoxing Railway Station serves as a central hub for both standard and high-speed trains connecting Shaoxing to nearby cities. Located about 5 km southeast of the city center, it offers easy access via local bus routes and taxis for a short commute. The station is moderately sized, with a comfortable departure hall and essential facilities, including dining options and convenience stores. Although English-speaking staff may be limited, signage is clear, making navigation relatively straightforward for visitors. There are several hotels near the station, but foreign travelers are advised to confirm accommodation policies in advance to ensure a smooth stay. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Shaoxingdong Railway Station (绍兴东站). Shaoxing East Railway Station is a key high-speed rail stop about 15 km east of the city center. It’s easily accessible by bus and taxi, with modern facilities, dining options, and clear signage for easy navigation. While English assistance may be limited, the station is straightforward for travelers. Nearby hotels may require advance confir

Getting around

The downtown is very clean, and very nice to walk around to feel the perfect combination of modern and ancient Chinese culture. In Shaoxing, getting around is easy with a well-developed public transport system. Buses cover most of the major attractions, neighborhoods, and surrounding areas, making them an affordable and reliable choice for exploring the city. Shared bikes are commonly available near bus stops and popular tourist sites, offering a convenient way for short-distance travel and connecting to public transport. Many locals and tourists also use ride-hailing apps like DiDi for quick and efficient transportation. Payments can be made through Alipay or WeChat, making the process seamless for travelers. However, since most taxi drivers don’t speak English, it’s advisable for visitors to prepare their destination in Chinese or ask hotel staff to write it down. This will help when asking for directions or showing it to taxi drivers. Young locals may be more familiar with basic English, so it’s worth asking them for help if needed. Crossing the street in Shaoxing requires extra caution. Even at zebra crossings, vehicles may not yield to pedestrians. Always follow traffic signals, and it is safest to cross when the pedestrian light is green. When crossing busy streets, joining a group of locals can increase the chances of cars slowing down or stopping.

See

Shaoxing is a city with a long history, and its cultural relics and natural scenery are beloved by visitors. In Yuecheng District and Keqiao District, you can feel the ancient charm of Shaoxing. Traditional black awning boats still travel along the old canals, and the streets and historic buildings along the canals showcase the rich Jiangnan water-town style. Lu Xun's Hometown, which not only highlights the childhood life of the renowned writer Lu Xun but also preserves many late Qing and early Republic-era buildings, is a particularly popular attraction. East Lake Scenic Area (Yuecheng District) is a famous natural and cultural attraction in Shaoxing, known for its unique rock formations, clear waters, and stone bridges. Visitors can take a boat ride on East Lake to enjoy the blend of nature and culture. Nearby, Lan Pavilion (Lanting) is renowned for being the place where the famous calligrapher Wang Xizhi wrote the "Orchid Pavilion Preface," making it a sacred site for Chinese calligraphy enthusiasts. Shaoxing is also famous for its winemaking culture. A visit to the Shaoxing Yellow Wine Museum offers insights into the history and craftsmanship of Shaoxing rice wine. Besides cultural attractions, Shaoxing boasts beautiful natural scenery, such as Kuaiji Mountain, which is great for hiking and outdoor activities. The mountain is also home to historical landmarks like Dayu Mausoleum, which are well worth exploring. Fishermen in this town used to use cormorants (鸬鹚) for fishing, but nowadays the town only has the birds on special occasions. Call the travel association ahead of time to ask before coming here to look for birds.

1 Lu Xun's Hometown Tourism Precinct (鲁迅故里景区), 241 Luxun Zhong Lu, Yuecheng District (绍兴市越城区鲁迅中路241号). An assortment of buildings associated with Lu Xun, a famous early 20th-century Chinese writer. free. (updated Dec 2017) 2 Shen's Garden (沈园), 318 Luxun Zhong Lu, Yuecheng District (绍兴市越城区鲁迅中路318号). A historic garden known for its Song Dynasty style and the famous love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. With its picturesque bridges, flowing streams, and lush greenery, the garden exudes classical charm, making it a nice spot to experience Southern Song culture and a romantic atmosphere. (updated Dec 2017) 3 Bazi Bridge (八字桥). Bazi Bridge is one of the oldest existing overpass bridges in China, built during the Northern Song Dynasty. Named for its unique figure-eight shape, the bridge showcases an ingenious design and structure. Surrounded by flowing rivers and ancient alleys, it represents the charm of Shaoxing’s water-town culture and s

Do

Strolling through the historic districts of Shaoxing is an experience not to be missed. At Cangqiao Straight Street, beyond admiring the stone-paved roads and traditional residences, you can participate in creating Shaoxing-style handicrafts or join workshops on water-town culture. At the street’s food stalls, handpick ingredients to try making authentic Shaoxing snacks—an enjoyable and delicious activity.

Shaoxing’s natural attractions also offer hands-on activities. At Kuaiji Mountain, visitors can hike to the summit and join a painting workshop at the top to capture their journey through art. The campsite at the foot of the mountain offers bonfire experiences, where you can participate in interactive games or enjoy barbecue evenings with others. Cycling is another fantastic way to explore Shaoxing’s charm. Starting from Cangqiao Straight Street, cycle along the canal to the rural rice fields, stopping to try punting a traditional black-awning boat. This experience gives you a glimpse into the water-town lifestyle. Near the rice fields, you can even join rice planting activities to enjoy the hands-on fun of traditional farming. In the city center, traditional Chinese foot therapy is ideal for relaxing after a long day. For a more unique experience, short workshops on foot massage techniques are available, incorporating local herbal knowledge. Visitors can learn how to relax and care for their feet, leaving with a certificate of participation as a memorable keepsake. Shaoxing’s cultural performances and art activities are equally captivating. At the Shaoxing Grand Theater, join interactive sessions to learn basic movements and singing techniques of Yue Opera. Calligraphy enthusiasts can visit the Lanting Calligraphy Art Center to copy classics by Wang Xizhi and create their own calligraphy pieces under expert guidance.

1 Warehouse bridge straight street (仓桥直街). Warehouse bridge straight street is one of Shaoxing's well-preserved ancient streets, showcasing the charm of Jiangnan water towns. The stone-paved road, old bridges, and traditional houses reflect the city's rich history and culture. free. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Kuaiji's Mountain (会稽山), Dayuling, ☏ +86 (0575)88366666. 8:00~16:30. Kuaiji Mountain, located in the southeastern part of Shaoxing, is renowned for its rich history and picturesque natural scenery. It is the burial site of Yu the Great, an ancient hero of China’s flood control efforts, with the Mausoleum of Yu situated at the mountain's base, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The mountain also offers dense forests, winding

Buy

There are many shopping malls in the downtown area, here recommended some:

Lotus - in the north west of the downtown, a Thai cooperation's shopping center, offering variety of daily products with comprehensive prices. Trust-Mart - in the middle of the downtown, right beneath the center square underground, easy transportation. Buxing Road- in the south of the downtown, famous for its traditional Chinese small products like stamps, old money, pets and small hand made gifts. If time and weather permit, walking is the best way to explore the water-town charm of Shaoxing. Many of its distinctive streets are tucked away in back alleys, inaccessible to motorized vehicles, offering unique shopping and cultural experiences. Markets and shopping streets in Shaoxing are typically organized by product type and concentrated in specific areas or along main streets.

Street markets

1 Dongpu Street Antique Market (东浦街古玩市场). Ring River Night Market is a lively evening destination, with stalls along the river selling snacks, lanterns, clothing, and daily necessities. Visitors can shop for unique goods while enjoying the scenic night views of Shaoxing’s waterways, making it a vibrant cultural experience. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Shusheng Cultural Street (书圣故里文化街), ☏ +86 575 85081938. All day. Shusheng Cultural Street is a must-visit landmark to experience Shaoxing’s rich cultural heritage. This street features exhibitions of calligraphy, shops selling traditional Chinese writing tools, and displays on Shaoxing rice wine culture. Visitors can purchase local specialties like handcrafted calligraphy supplies, rice wine, and other souvenirs. free. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Cangqiao Straight Street (仓桥直街). All day. Cangqiao Straight Street is not only a picturesque pedestrian street but also a hub for experiencing traditional Shaoxing life. Shops here sell handicrafts, traditional snacks, and the iconic black felt hat of Shaoxing. The street also hosts a small antique market where collectors might find unique treasures. free. (updated Nov 2024) 4 The Lanting Scenic Area Market (兰亭景区周边集市), ☏ +86 575 84606887. The Lanting Scenic Area Market on the outskirts of Shaoxing centers around calligraphy culture. Visitors can buy calligraphy artworks, ink stones, brushes, and other traditional writing tools. The market also has stalls selling local specialties like Shaoxing stinky tofu and pickled goods. (updated Nov 2024) 5 Ring River Night Market (环城河夜市). Ring River Night Market is a lively evening destination, with stalls along the river selling snacks, lanterns, clothing, and daily necessi

Eat

Meigan cai, or preserved mustard greens, boasts a rich history of production. People often prepare it at home, making it a staple ingredient in their cuisine. Beyond its everyday use, Meigan Cai is also a popular choice for gifting to family and friends. This flavorful pickled vegetable is especially prized for enhancing the taste of stewed dishes, with the classic Hakka delicacy Meigan Cai Kou Rou (梅菜扣肉/梅干菜烧肉) being a standout example. Shaoxing Xianggao(绍兴香糕), Shaoxing Fragrant Cake is a unique specialty of Shaoxing with a long history. It was one of the eight tribute items presented to the Qing imperial court. The cake is square-shaped with a white and yellow appearance. It has a fine texture, just meit in the mouth, and offers a sweet, aromatic flavor. Made from pure ingredients, it is moderately sweet and easy to digest. 1 Kong Yiji Restaurant · Intangible Cultural Heritage (孔乙己酒家 · 非遗门店), 112 Cangqiao Zhijie, ☏ +86 575 85172777, +86 575 85229878. 10:30-15:00, 16:30-21:00. This restaurant specializes in traditional Shaoxing cuisine, blending the city's rich history and culture. It is committed to preserving and innovating local intangible cultural heritage dishes, such as Shaoxing wine and stinky tofu. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Xianghui Lou (湘会楼(鲁迅西路店)), 244 Luxun W Rd, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 575 85226577. 11:00-14:00, 16:30-20:30. It is a restaurant specializing in authentic Hunan cuisine. The environment is comfortable, and the prices are affordable, making it popular among both locals and tourists. The restaurant is especially suitable for guests who enjoy spicy food, with generous portion sizes and quick service. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Shang Ding Xian Special Noodles (尚鼎鲜特色面), Yuecheng District, 62, ☏ +86 15967580025. M-F 11:00-14:00, 17:00-20:30; Sa Su 11:00-13:30, 17:00-20:30. This is a restaurant specializing in unique noodle dishes and is known for offering a variety of fresh, flavorful noodle options, made with carefully selected ingredients. (updated Nov 2024) 4 Zhengshifu Clay Oven Rolls Fried Bread Stick (郑师傅烧饼油条), Jinghu Rd, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 13626754133. Daily 04:30-21:00. This is a casual restaurant that specializes in traditional Chinese breakfast items, particularly sesame flatbreads (烧饼) and deep-fried dough sticks (油条). (updated Nov 2024) 5 Xunbaoji (寻宝记绍兴状元店), 127 Fushan St，Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 575 85223317. Chinese restaurant (updated Nov 2024) 6 Aguo Restaurant (阿国饭店), 15-1-5Hushan N Rd, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 15088504811. This is a restaurant specializing in authentic Zhejiang cuisine. It is quite popular, and reservati

Drink & nightlife

Shaoxing wine is a variety of Chinese Huangjiu ("yellow wine") made by fermenting glutinous rice, water, and wheat-based yeast. Better quality Shaoxing wine can be drunk as a beverage and in place of rice at the beginning of a meal. Ping Shui Ri Zhu Tea(平水日铸茶) is a traditional famous tea from the Ping Shui town and surrounding areas in the Keqiao district of Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province. It belongs to the green tea category and has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, named after the tea plants grown in the Ri Zhu Ridge area. It was even listed as a tribute in the Tea Classic.

Bars 1 Jungle Cat Bar (丛林猫), 50 Hechangtang, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 177 9008 6057. 06:00-24:00. A charming little bar that is very popular with women. The atmosphere is quiet and comfortable, and each drink is unique, with rich and layered aromas. (updated Nov 2024) 2 Fushan Day & Night Store (福山日夜商店), 235 Hengjie St, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 18367618071. 14:00-02:00. A small bar hidden on Huanshan Road, with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful decor. (updated Nov 2024) 3 Useless (無用useless), 150 Pianmen St, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 18888702681. 10:00-02:00. It has both indoor and outdoor areas, where you can enjoy quiet conversations or live music performed by a band. (updated Nov 2024) 4 Zhengdian (整点酒吧), 695 Jiefang S Rd, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 15757190335. Perfect for those who enjoy a quiet atmosphere, with a friendly and welcoming owner. The craft beer and snacks in the shop are exceptionally good. (updated Nov 2024) 5 craftbeer (入海精酿酒馆craftbeer(宽庭店)), ☏ +86 13362577525. Daily 18:00-02:00. The drink menu is updated regularly. Guests can relax in the courtyard, sipping drinks and enjoying the breeze. (updated Nov 2024) 6 Free Coffee improv bar (自由咖啡improv bar), 287 Jiefang S Rd, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 13357573901. Daily 14:00-02:00. A combination of a bar and a café, featuring various styles of live music performances held irregularly. (updated Nov 2024)

Café 7 Back Alley Coffee Lab (后巷Coffee Lab), 4 Xiaochanfa Ln, Yuecheng District. Located close to Lu Xun's former residence, this place features beautiful traditional Chinese courtyard decor and offers a spacious environment. (updated Nov 2024) 8 Youjian Coffee (有涧咖啡), 63 Jishan St, Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 13757586006. The café is located by the river, where you can enjoy watching boats come and go. The décor follows the traditional Shaoxing architectural style, with a strong ink painting ambiance. (updated Nov 2024) 9 South of City Coffee (城南咖啡), 673 Yuecheng District, ☏ +86 18505752559. 10:00-21:00. The spac

Sleep

Home Inn ShaoXing MoEr (inside Mole Modern town in the northern west downtown). Shaoxing Hotel, Huanshan Rd No.9, ☏ +86 575-5155888. €38-136. Xianheng Hotel, Jiefang South Rd No.680. Shaoxing International Hotel, Fushan West Rd No.100. Shaoxing Native Place Youth Hostel (绍兴鲁迅故里国际青年旅舍), 鲁迅故里内新建南路558号（鲁迅故里西大门口即咸亨酒店旁边）, ☏ +86 575-85080288, [email protected]. Decent youth hostel in a nice old building with a lovely courtyard. Located a few minutes walk away from the Lu Xun attractions in a nice old street. Dormitories for around ¥50, privates from around ¥138. (updated Aug 2016) Holiday Inn Shaoxing (绍兴世茂假日酒店), No.89 Fanli Road, yuecheng District, ☏ +86 5758 959 8888. Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . (updated Nov 2024)

Go next

Qianqing (钱清) — A small town not far away from downtown Shaoxing, bus 613 will get you there directly, and it is famous for its cheap textile and cloth materials with nice quality. Hangzhou — The capital of Zhejiang Province, famous for its West Lake and rich cultural heritage. Hangzhou is only about 30 minutes away from Shaoxing by high-speed rail, making it a convenient day trip destination. Ningbo — A bustling port city known for its historical Tianyi Pavilion and modern maritime industry. Ningbo can be reached from Shaoxing in about 50 minutes by high-speed rail. Shanghai — China's largest metropolis, offering a blend of modern skyline and colonial architecture. Shanghai is approximately 1.5 hours away from Shaoxing by high-speed train or a 2-hour drive. Mount Huangshan — A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its stunning granite peaks and ancient pine trees. It is about 3 hours from Shaoxing by high-speed train, ideal for a scenic getaway. Wuzhen — A traditional water town with well-preserved ancient architecture and canals, located approximately 1.5 hours from Shaoxing by car or train.