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Prefecture-level city in Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
Photo: serapio, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Shaoxing (绍兴) is a city in Zhejiang, near Shanghai and Hangzhou, famous for its traditional Chinese bridges, boats, architecture, yellow wine and a huge number of textile and cloth factories. The city is home to notable historical sites such as the Former Residence of Lu Xun, East Lake, and the Mausoleum of Yu the Great. Shaoxing is also famous for its traditional crafts, including yellow rice wine brewing and blue calico printing. With its beautiful waterways and deep cultural roots, Shaoxing is an excellent destination for experiencing Jiangnan charm and exploring Chinese history and culture.
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鲁迅故里景区
An assortment of buildings associated with Lu Xun, a famous early 20th-century Chinese writer.
沈园
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.
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 serves as an important site to explore the city’s history and traditions.
羊山石佛
Stone Buddha Grottoes peaks, one for the southern four stone Buddhas. Buddha, 10 meters high, the left knee fall to be shaking hands with visitors, this attitude is rare in China. Yangshan foot of the lake has Shifosi, Temple, surrounded by water on both sides of solitary backers.
兰亭/Lanting
Lanting is a famous calligrapher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. According to legend, he once worked here to plant orchids; he set up a pavilion, hence the name Lanting. The site was built in the 27th year of Ming Jiajing (AD 1548) when the county was rebuilt by Shen Qi. It was restored to the style of Ming and Qing gardens in 1980.
绍兴博物馆
The Shaoxing Museum, located in the city center, is a comprehensive museum showcasing the rich history and local culture of Shaoxing. Its collections include ancient artifacts, calligraphy, ceramics, and traditional handicrafts, with a special focus on the legacy of Yu the Great, Lu Xun's literary contributions, and Shaoxing rice wine culture. The museum’s modern exhibitions and interactive displays provide visitors with an engaging way to explore the unique charm of this historic city.
绍兴黄酒博物馆
The Shaoxing Yellow Wine Museum showcases the brewing history and cultural traditions of Shaoxing yellow wine. Visitors can explore the fermentation process and enjoy wine tasting and making.
东湖风景区
East Lake Scenic Area is located about six kilometers east of the ancient city of Shaoxing. Known as one of the three famous lakes in Zhejiang Province, East Lake features a unique combination of cliffs, caves, stone bridges, and water. Though small in size, its extraordinary scenery formed by unusual rocks and caves has earned it the reputation of a rare "marvel among lakes" in the tourism industry.
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.
会稽山
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 hiking trails, and stunning summit views, making it an ideal spot for trekking and relaxation.
绍兴大剧院
Shaoxing Grand Theater organizes more than 100 performances every year. It has successfully received and held the 6th World Chorus Festival, the 7th China Art Festival, the Opening (closing) Show of China Yue Opera Art Festival, the 21st Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival and other major performances. Shaoxing Grand Theater has become a window for cultural exchanges between Shaoxing and the rest of the world.
兰亭书法艺术中心
The Lanting Calligraphy Art Center is a cultural venue dedicated to preserving and promoting Chinese calligraphy. Visitors can admire classic calligraphy works, learn about its history, and enjoy the hands-on experience of creating their own calligraphy.
孔乙己酒家 · 非遗门店
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.
湘会楼(鲁迅西路店)
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.
尚鼎鲜特色面
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.
郑师傅烧饼油条
This is a casual restaurant that specializes in traditional Chinese breakfast items, particularly sesame flatbreads (烧饼) and deep-fried dough sticks (油条).
阿国饭店
This is a restaurant specializing in authentic Zhejiang cuisine. It is quite popular, and reservations are recommended in advance.
几荷乌篷船宴（鲁迅店）
This is a restaurant that focuses on traditional Shaoxing local specialties. Common classic dishes on the menu include Shao San Xian (绍三鲜), Mei Gan Cai Kou Rou (梅菜扣肉), and Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐).
兴昌酒菜饭
This restaurant's menu features common Shaoxing specialties such as Drunken Chicken, dishes made with Huangjiu (yellow rice wine), and classic local appetizers that pair well with drinks.
轩儿面
This is a restaurant that specializes in traditional Shaoxing noodles, with a focus on authentic handmade noodles paired with local Shaoxing-style snacks.
一城一味
Quick-service Chinese restaurant
丛林猫
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.
福山日夜商店
A small bar hidden on Huanshan Road, with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful decor.
無用useless
It has both indoor and outdoor areas, where you can enjoy quiet conversations or live music performed by a band.
整点酒吧
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.
入海精酿酒馆craftbeer(宽庭店)
The drink menu is updated regularly. Guests can relax in the courtyard, sipping drinks and enjoying the breeze.
自由咖啡improv bar
A combination of a bar and a café, featuring various styles of live music performances held irregularly.
后巷Coffee Lab
Located close to Lu Xun's former residence, this place features beautiful traditional Chinese courtyard decor and offers a spacious environment.
有涧咖啡
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.
城南咖啡
The space is spacious and popular, making it ideal for gatherings with friends. The overall style is American vintage.
土氣(偏门直街店)
The café has two floors with a glass roof, and you can spot little squirrels on the nearby sycamore tree. It is very close to the Shaoxing Museum.
拜拜咖啡屋
A cozy little house with a Japanese style, featuring cute tableware and plates.
UnderTree树下咖啡
A café located under a tree. The space is a bit small, but the atmosphere is warm and cozy, with beautiful decor.
一加咖啡(人民中路店)
This is a café located inside a creative park, with many cute little decorations. The atmosphere is clean, relaxing, and very quiet.
六日咖啡
The barista asks about customers' taste preferences to recommend the right coffee beans.
几方咖啡
The coffee shop features a vintage style overall, with a variety of coffee beans displayed on the counter. The outdoor seating area is perfect for photos.
绍兴鲁迅故里国际青年旅舍
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.
绍兴世茂假日酒店
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.
书圣故里文化街
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.
仓桥直街
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.
兰亭景区周边集市
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.
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 necessities. Visitors can shop for unique goods while enjoying the scenic night views of Shaoxing’s waterways, making it a vibrant cultural experience.
绍兴装饰用品市场
Shaoxing Decor and Home Goods Market is concentrated around Zhongxing Road, where shops specialize in lighting, furniture, and home décor, attracting visitors seeking unique items for their homes.
银泰百货(聚银时代购物中心店)
One of the largest and most comprehensive malls in the city, offering a mix of international and local brands, along with dining and entertainment options. It’s particularly popular among families and young shoppers.
世茂广场(绍兴越城店)
In a bustling area of Shaoxing, it has multiple floors of shopping, a cinema, and a children’s play area, making it ideal for a family day out.
By train
By bus
The easiest way to get into Shaoxing is by bus, almost every city in Zhejiang will have transportation to Shaoxing.
By car
Foreigners can rent vehicles in Shaoxing, but they must hold a valid Chinese driving license, as international driving permits are not accepted in mainland China.
The downtown is very clean, and very nice to walk around to feel the perfect combination of modern and ancient Chinese culture.
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