Shaoxing

Shaoxing is a city full of Jiangnan waterside charm and deep cultural heritage, making it perfect for a weekend or short holiday spent slowing down, strolling, eating, and exploring. Here is a Shaoxing food-and-walking guide to help you enjoy this “museum without walls” with ease.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Textbook Memories and Everyday Local Life
  • Morning: Arrive in Shaoxing and head to Lu Xun’s Former Residence Area, which is free to visit (advance reservation required). Follow the scenes from your schoolbooks as you check in at Baicao Garden and Sanwei Study, and feel the childhood world described in Lu Xun’s writing.

• Afternoon: Walk to Shen Garden to experience the elegance of a Southern Song dynasty garden and the love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. Then head to the Hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy to take photos and wander the streets around the Ink Pond, calligraphy wall, and Grandpa Bookstore, while experiencing authentic waterside-town life.

• Evening: Stroll along Cangqiao Straight Street, try street snacks such as Shaoxing stinky tofu and yellow rice wine popsicles, and soak up the lively nighttime atmosphere.

• Day 2: Remarkable Landscapes and a Slow Ancient-Town Visit
  • Morning: Head to East Lake and take a black-awning boat through cliffs and rock caves to experience the wonder of this “bonsai on water”; alternatively, visit Lanting to enjoy the spirit of the Wei and Jin dynasties and the tradition of floating wine cups along a winding stream amid bamboo groves and flowing water.

• Afternoon: Take a taxi or bus to Anchang Ancient Town. It is less commercialized, and you can see local sausages and pulled white sugar being made, have tea in a riverside teahouse, and enjoy a slower pace of life.

• Evening: Return home with a satisfied stomach and wonderful memories.

Must-Visit Attractions

Most of Shaoxing’s attractions are concentrated in the old town, making them easy to reach on foot or by shared bike.

Must-Try Local Food

When you come to Shaoxing, there is more than classic Shaoxing cuisine to enjoy: the city also has all kinds of addictive street snacks.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay: Staying near Lu Xun’s Former Residence Area or Cangqiao Straight Street is recommended, as transport is convenient, there are many places to eat nearby, and several major attractions are within walking distance. If you want to experience Jiangnan charm, consider choosing a Chinese-style guesthouse near the scenic areas.

• Transport:
  • High-speed rail: Shaoxing North Railway Station is the main hub, with several bus routes connecting to the city center; the old railway station (Shaoxing Railway Station) is closer to downtown.
  • Flights: You can fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, then transfer to Shaoxing by airport bus or high-speed rail.
  • Getting around the city: Attractions in the old town are concentrated, so walking, shared bikes, or buses are recommended; taxis are also very convenient.