Things To Do
in Shaoxing
Shaoxing is a historic city in Zhejiang Province, renowned for its timeless canals, white-washed river towns, and classical Jiangnan aesthetics. It blends literary heritage with traditional crafts and one of China’s most famed regional wines, Shaoxing wine, which flavors local cuisine and daily life. Its winding lanes, ancient gardens, and stone bridges offer a gentle glimpse into centuries of culture while remaining conveniently reachable from nearby Hangzhou and Shanghai.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, savor refined Zhejiang flavors, and explore cultural sites tied to Lu Xun and Jiangnan history.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day in the heart of Shaoxing by visiting the beautiful Sanwei Study, a historical site that showcases traditional Chinese architecture. As the morning sun lights up the peaceful surroundings, take a leisurely stroll around the nearby streets to appreciate the ancient buildings and local life. Don’t forget to taste a freshly brewed cup of Shaoxing rice wine at a local tea house to kick-start your day.
In the afternoon, head towards the Shaoxing Museum to delve into the rich history and culture of the region. The museum features a diverse collection of artifacts that reflect the area's artistic heritage, including calligraphy and ceramics. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the picturesque canals, allowing you to admire the scenic views and the charming traditional houses lining the water.
As the sun sets, wander through the vibrant pedestrian streets of the city, where you can indulge in local street food delicacies. Sample savory dumplings and freshly made noodles while soaking up the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter. Finish your evening with a visit to the iconic Shen Garden, where you can enjoy a serene walk amidst the illuminated landscape.
Begin your day early with a visit to East Lake, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters. Rent a bicycle and ride along the scenic paths, stopping to take in the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding hills. The morning mist creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.
After a refreshing morning, have a picnic lunch by the lakeside with local snacks purchased from nearby vendors. Spend your afternoon exploring the various scenic spots, including the East Lake Bridge and the charming pavilions dotted along the shore. If you're feeling adventurous, try paddle boating to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot at one of the lakeside teahouses to relax and sip on traditional Shaoxing tea. The sunset over the lake creates a breathtaking backdrop, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. End the evening with a leisurely walk, listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying the serenity of the lake.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥟Street food snack | $1-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich literary and cultural heritage including Lu Xun’s legacy
- Beautiful Jiangnan canal towns and classic Zhejiang cuisine
- Accessible day trips to nearby Hangzhou and Shanghai via rail
- High-quality Shaoxing wine culture and traditional crafts
- Limited English in some older, non-tourist areas
- Can be hot and humid in summer; crowds during peak travel seasons
- Nightlife is relatively low-key compared to larger cities
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪儿？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "你能接受微信支付吗？" - Can you accept WeChat Pay?
- "请给我帮助" - Please help me
Places to Visit in Shaoxing
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic courtyard and buildings associated with the famed writer; a compelling backdrop for portraits and period photography.
Picturesque waterways with white-washed walls, traditional boats, and stone bridges—great for dawn or dusk shots.
Classical Jiangnan garden with intricate pavilions, rocks, water features, and serene courtyards ideal for architectural photography.
Narrow lanes and old shopfronts along the canal; atmospheric night photography with warm lantern light.
Industrial-charm facade and wine-aging spaces that make for unique stills blending history and production.
Food in Shaoxing
Shaoxing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Duck braised slowly in Shaoxing wine with soy sauce and aromatics; a classic pairing with local rice wine and rice dishes.
Must-Try!
Sweet fermented rice served warm with glutinous rice dumplings; a comforting, signature Shaoxing dessert.
Braised pork belly in soy sauce and sugar; a beloved Zhejiang staple widely available in Shaoxing restaurants.
Lotus root simmered in a syrup scented with osmanthus; a fragrant, seasonal sweet often found in local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Lively street stalls offering Shaoxing snacks, rice wine-based drinks, fried treats, and regional sweets along a historic thoroughfare.
Market areas in the Keqiao district with fresh produce, noodles, and Zhejiang snack specialties—great for a casual bite.
Evening stalls along the riverfront serving quick bites, street foods, and local delicacies in a lively, laid-back setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite nod or brief handshake is common. Address people respectfully and avoid loud conversations in quiet public spaces.
Stand in line, wait your turn, and share dishes with the group when appropriate. Use utensils to serve others rather than hand-to-hand passing.
Dress modestly, keep voices down, and avoid touching sacred artifacts unless permitted.
Safety
Tipping in Shaoxing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in everyday retail or casual dining in Shaoxing. In high-end hotels or Western-style establishments, a small tip may be appreciated but is not expected.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Cash is still useful in markets and smaller eateries; international credit cards are less commonly accepted outside larger venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent showers; stay hydrated, wear light breathable clothing, and carry a light rain jacket. Outdoor sightseeing is best early in the morning or late afternoon.
Mild and comfortable with colorful foliage; excellent for walking tours, canal photos, and garden visits.
Cool to cold with occasional drizzle; pack warm layers and a waterproof shell; indoor cultural sites are a good fallback on wet days.
Pleasant temperatures and flowering landscapes; ideal for strolling historic streets and gardens.
Shaoxing at Night
Hiking in Shaoxing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Lush bamboo-covered trails and gentle elevations; a scenic escape close to Shaoxing.
Rural hillside paths and scenic viewpoints within reach for a day hike from Shaoxing.
Airports
How to reach Shaoxing by plane.
Primary regional gateway for Shaoxing; about 60-90 minutes away by high-speed train or car depending on traffic.
Major international hub; access via high-speed rail or long-distance train connections; typically a 2-3 hour journey by rail from nearby cities.
Alternative regional airport, reachable with longer train/road connections; useful for certain destinations in Zhejiang.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Han Chinese with Zhejiang dialects; culturally rooted in Jiangnan traditions and Shaoxing wine heritage.
Presence of cultural institutions and nearby universities attracts students and researchers from across China.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular recreational activity in schools and community centers across Zhejiang.
Common in parks and sports facilities; easy for visitors to join in.
Widely played in city courts and school gyms; often a social activity in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shaoxing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most Zhejiang restaurants. Look for vegetable dishes and tofu, or ask for dishes prepared with vegetable stock and no meat-based broths. If unsure, request no meat or fish and confirm that Shaoxing wine is suitable for vegetarians.