Shaoxing绍兴

Overview

Shaoxing, formerly known as Kuaiji and Shanyin, is located in north-central Zhejiang, with 2500+ years of city history, birthplace of Yue culture. Shaoxing is the hometown of modern Chinese literary giant Lu Xun. Shaoxing yellow wine has 2500+ years of history. Shen Garden is famous for Lu You and Tang Wan's love story. Lanting became a calligraphy holy land because of Wang Xizhi's 'Preface to the Orchid Pavilion'.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Lu Xun's Hometown

National 5A scenic spot, includes Lu Xun Ancestral Home, Lu Xun Former Residence, Sanwei Study and Baicao Garden. Sanwei Study is where Lu Xun studied as a boy, must-visit for Chinese literature lovers.

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Shen Garden

Where Southern Song poet Lu You met ex-wife Tang Wan, famous for their 'Phoenix Hairpin' poems. Garden has pavilions and bridges, evening has 'Shen Garden Night' Yue opera live show.

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Lanting (Orchid Pavilion)

Calligraphy holy land because of Wang Xizhi's 'Preface to the Orchid Pavilion'. Has Goose Pool, Flowing Cup Pavilion. Every lunar March 3rd holds winding stream cup floating activity.

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East Lake (Donghu)

Shaoxing East Lake is famous for cliff, cave, stone bridge and lake combination, known as 'The No.1 Water-Stone Bonsai'. Taking Wupeng boat through cliffs is the best experience.

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Anchang Ancient Town

One of Shaoxing's four ancient towns, preserves authentic Jiangnan water town style. Sausage, sauce duck and Renchang Sauce Garden are Anchang's three treasures.

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Food & Snacks

Shaoxing Yellow Wine

Shaoxing yellow wine has 2500+ years of history, brewed with Jianhu water and quality glutinous rice, amber color, mellow taste. Guyue Longshan and Kuaiji Mountain are famous brands.

Fennel Beans

Famous nationwide through Lu Xun's story 'Kong Yiji', most representative drinking snack in Shaoxing. Broad beans cooked with fennel and spices, savory, perfect with yellow wine.

Fermented Amaranth Stems

Shaoxing specialty fermented food, amaranth stems made through special fermentation, smelly smell but delicious taste, favorite appetizer of Shaoxing people.

Cream Xiaopan (Shaoxing Pastry)

Shaoxing traditional pastry, shaped like small bowl, bottom is peach crisp pastry, top is meringue, crispy and sweet. Available at Cangqiao Straight Street.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• The Grand Canal (Shaoxing Section) (2014) — Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The Shaoxing section, also known as the Zhedong Canal Shaoxing section, is one of China's oldest canals. Heritage sites like the ancient towpath and Bazi Bridge are well-preserved, reflecting the unique residential culture of the Yue water-town region.
• Shaoxing Yellow Wine Brewing Craft (2006) — Shaoxing yellow wine brewing craft has 2500+ years of history, National Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2006. Uses Jianhu water, quality glutinous rice and unique wine starter.
• Yue Opera — Yue Opera originated in Shengzhou, Shaoxing, China's second largest opera genre, National Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2006. Known for graceful singing, representative work 'Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai'.

Practical Tips