Shaoxing travel guide

Shake the Wupeng Boat in the Sound of Yue Opera

Hangzhou, Longjing tea, and West Lake are fated to be together. Bring a leisurely spirit and find a lakeside teahouse. Take in the scenery, sipping fragrant tea as the breeze caresses your skin. This is bliss. Allow the famous green tea to awaken your senses with its delicate aromas and smooth finish. Let the peaceful views of willows, boats, and ornate bridges flow through you. Feel time slow down, your worries dissolve. Watch daylight dance across the water as you refill your cup again and again. The secret to immersing yourself in West Lake's essence is simply this: tea. The chance to linger over tea's ritual, embraced by some of China's most stunning vistas, is a travel memory made. Next time inspiration eludes you, come here. A cup of Longjing by the lake is all you need to realign body and mind.

Taimen is filled with stories of Shaoxing

First-time visitors to Shaoxing will likely hear the term “Tai Men” mentioned frequently. In Shaoxing, any relatively upscale house is called a Tai Men, where extended families often dwell together. Strolling just a few steps down Shaoxing's old alleys, you’ll come across a Tai Men, each housing many residents. The courtyard serves as the hub for children's play, neighbors' chats, and household chores. The largest Tai Men complex in Shaoxing's old town is found at Lu Xun's former residence. For a true cultural experience, you can even stay overnight in one of the guesthouses converted from an old Tai Men. Inside these traditional homes, Shaoxing's stories come to life. Savor morning tea in the courtyard with locals starting their day. Peek into busy kitchens churning out homemade delicacies. Glimpse craftsmen at work perfecting age-old trades. Breathing in the timbers' aged scent, you become part of the household's rhythm. At a Tai Men, everyday sights and sounds open a window to Shaoxing's heritage and community spirit.

The former residence depicts the feelings of Shaoxing

Shaoxing has no shortage of famous historic residences – you needn't search far, as many are nestled within the old alleys. Well-known figures like Xu Wei, Wang Xizhi, Zhang Xuecheng, Lu Xun, Zhou Enlai, Qiu Jin, Cai Yuanpei, and Xu Xilin once called this city home. Among the homes worth visiting is Xu Wei's Qingteng Book House. These historic abodes are like doorways into Shaoxing's heritage. Step inside and be transported back in time. Glimpse how scholars and artists found inspiration in tranquil gardens and airy studios. Marvel at architecture showcasing ornate carvings and sweeping eaves. Appreciate household objects that capture what daily life was like through the ages. Listen for echoes of philosophical discussions, literary pursuits, and revolutionary ideas that shaped this city. At each residence, another chapter of Shaoxing's story awaits. Together, these homes paint a vivid portrait of the city's customs, architecture, history and renowned personalities. In Shaoxing, every dwelling tells the story of the city's spirit.

Best Travel Time

Shaoxing is the best season to come to Shaoxing, with warm spring and blooming flowers from March to April every year. Zhuji Wuxie Scenic Spot in Shaoxing wins with its natural scenery. The April May of each year is usually a wet season, especially in case of rainstorm, when the water volume suddenly increases, the scenery is particularly beautiful, and the tourist effect is the best. And famous festivals such as the Lanting International Calligraphy Festival and the Roaring Mountain Peach Blossom Festival are held more frequently at this time. During the plum rain season, the summer heat gradually subsides in the golden autumn and October. The so-called "October Little Spring" is a good time to travel, and the Shaoxing Yellow Wine Festival and Hutang Osmanthus Festival are mostly held at this time. The most unfavorable tourist season: Shaoxing has the hottest July and the coldest January on average throughout the year.

History

Archaeological evidence confirms human activity in Lianyungang's ancient Mount Qushan and present-day Mount Jinping area as early as 10,000 years ago. In 1959 and 1978, the oldest Paleolithic sites in southeast China were discovered at Erjian and Daxian Village with clear stratigraphic layers. Mount Jinping has 19 Neolithic sites, with Erjian being one of China's earliest farming areas.

The 20-meter long, 10-meter wide "General Cliff Painting" discovered in 1979 was appraised by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage as "an extremely important cultural relic and rare major discovery, the earliest 'book' in China."

The Donghan era art treasure "Kongwang Mountain Grottoes Statues" are the earliest Buddhist grotto statues in China, 100-200 years earlier than the Dunhuang Grottoes, and protected at the national level.

The area is also steeped in history, with attractions related to Confucius' sea gazing, Emperor Qin's inspections, and famous poets and officials like Tao Yuanming, Li Bai, Su Dongpo, Shen Kuo, Li Qingzhao, Wu Cheng'en, Li Ruzhen, Wu Jingzi, Lin Zexu, Zhu Ziqing and more.

Arriving at the airport

Currently, only Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport has direct airport shuttle buses to Shaoxing. You can buy tickets to Hangzhou and beyond at Shaoxing Aviation Ticket Center and the CAAC Shaoxing Ticket Office.

Airport Shuttle Schedule:

Hangzhou Airport to Shaoxing/Keqiao - 7:20am to 8pm, departing approx. every 50 minutes

Shaoxing to Airport - 6:00am to 6:30pm

Shaoxing pickup: Outside Margret Grand Hotel

Stops: Keqiao (near Jinghu Hotel), Shaoxing (Margret Grand Hotel)

Fares:

Keqiao - ¥20
Shaoxing - ¥30

Contact:
0571-86662539 (8am-11pm)
0575-5135301 (8am-5pm)

Tickets:
Shaoxing Aviation Ticket Center - 0575-85111382 (35 Jiefang South Rd)
CAAC Shaoxing Ticket Office - 0575-85155888-7789 (in Shaoxing Hotel)

To get from Hangzhou Airport to Shaoxing, take the direct shuttle bus for a convenient connection. Tickets can be purchased in advance in Shaoxing.

Self driving

Shaoxing is a popular driving destination from Shanghai and Hangzhou. Getting there from either city is quite convenient.

Shanghai to Shaoxing:
- Take the Shanghai–Hangzhou Expressway to Hangzhou
- Change to the Hangzhou–Taizhou Expressway and exit at Shaoxing

Returning:
- Take the Hangzhou–Taizhou Expressway to the Shanghai Songjiang exit
- Stop in Jiaxing if you have time

Hangzhou to Shaoxing:
- Take Airport Road - Airport Expressway - Wenming Road - Tangxin Line - Sanyi Line - Bake Line - G104 - Xixi Road

Beijing to Shaoxing: 
- Take Jingjin Tang Expressway from Dahutang and follow signs to Jinghu Expressway to Nanjing
- From Nanjing, take Nanjing–Hangzhou Expressway to Hangzhou
- Hangzhou to Shaoxing is about 60 km, total distance around 1400 km
- Expect around 600 RMB in tolls for private car

Gas stations along the way in Shandong, Henan and Jiangsu provinces have ethanol blended gas. Fill up with regular 93 octane gasoline in Dezhou, Shandong.

With convenient expressways, Shaoxing is an easy and popular drive from surrounding cities.

Medical treatment

Here is a suggested paragraph about medical facilities in Shaoxing, China for an English travel website:Medical Care in ShaoxingShaoxing has a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics providing convenient healthcare access for visitors:Shaoxing People's Hospital568 Zhongxing North Rd (Southwest of Chang'an Roundabout)0575-88228821Shaoxing Second Hospital  141 Yan'an Rd0575-88055555Shaoxing Fifth Hospital226 Jiefang North Rd0575-85138812Shaoxing Sixth People's Hospital468 Yan'an Rd0575-88060606Shaoxing Seventh People's Hospital1234 Shengli West Rd 0575-85397999These major hospitals offer modern facilities, equipment, and skilled doctors to care for any health issues that may arise during your stay. English-speaking staff provide assistance navigating Shaoxing's first-rate medical system. Do not hesitate to seek treatment to ensure you remain healthy and safe while visiting this scenic city.

Emergency call

Here is a suggested paragraph about emergency contacts in Shaoxing, China for an English travel website:Emergency Contacts in ShaoxingKeep these numbers handy during your trip to Shaoxing:Wu Pa Boats Inquiries: 0575-88369970 Chenghuang River Cruise Inquiries: 0575-88318531; 88318589Public Bike Rental Card Service: 0575-88061919Consumer Complaint Hotline: 12315Forest Fire: 95119Price Supervision Hotline: 12358Quality Supervision Hotline: 12365For immediate help, dial 110 for police, 119 for fire, and 120 for medical situations.The Wu Pa boat and Chenghuang river cruise lines can help arrange tours. Use the public bike rental number to obtain a card to unlock bikes around the city. Call the consumer hotline to report issues with goods or services. The supervision hotlines allow you to report concerns over pricing and quality.Having these Shaoxing contacts readily available allows you to travel at ease and get assistance if needed during your visit.

Tourism consulting

When at crowded places like train stations, bus terminals, and metro stations, keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent theft. Areas with high tourist traffic like Tiananmen Square also attract scammers, so tourists should be wary of unlicensed guides demanding money upfront. Avoid handing over any cash to solicitations on the street. Use registered taxi companies like the red Beijing taxis whenever possible. Keep valuables secured and hidden, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be alert in public transportation hubs and tourist sites. When needing assistance, go to authorized help points like the Beijing Tourist Information booths rather than individuals roaming the streets. Beijing is a generally safe city if simple precautions are taken. Report any incidents or suspicious activities immediately to the nearest police officer. They can also provide directions and other help. Enjoy sightseeing, but remain aware of the surroundings.