Shaoxing

Shaoxing is a beautifully preserved water town in Zhejiang province, often referred to as the "Museum without Walls." It attracts visitors with its extensive network of canals, ancient stone bridges, and classical white-washed houses with black roofs. Known as the hometown of many famous Chinese literary figures, including Lu Xun, it provides a deep dive into China's scholarly past. Wandering through the narrow alleys, you can take a ride in a traditional wupeng (black-awning) boat and visit historical sites like the Shen Garden and Lu Xun's Native Place. Shaoxing is arguably most famous for its cuisine and beverages, particularly Shaoxing Yellow Wine (Huangjiu) and stinky tofu. The local culinary style emphasizes slow cooking and rich, complex flavors. Shaoxing is incredibly accessible, located just a short high-speed train ride from Hangzhou or Shanghai. The city has its own railway stations with frequent daily connections. The well-suited times to visit are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the canals are surrounded by beautiful foliage.

Nearby cities

Ningbo

A port city in Zhejiang province with a long history as a major trading post.

Dayu

Dayu is a historic fortress town in Zhejiang, famous for its well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture and rugged coastline.

Dingqiao

A charming coastal town in Zhejiang Province, famous for the spectacular Qiantang River tidal bore.

Yandang Shan

Yandang Shan is a spectacular mountainous region renowned for its dramatic peaks, deep caves, and ancient temples nestled in cliffs.

Mount Putuo

Mount Putuo is a sacred Buddhist island dedicated to Guanyin, featuring serene temples, sandy beaches, and spiritual tranquility.

Mount Sanqing

Mount Sanqing is famous for its outstanding granite peaks, ancient Taoist temples, and sea of clouds.

History & landmarks

Wuzhen

One of the most famous water towns on the Grand Canal, known for its well-preserved canals, stone bridges, and traditional indigo-dyed te…

Xitang

A captivating ancient water town in Zhejiang province, characterized by its covered corridors, stone bridges, and serene canals.

Zhouzhuang

Often called the 'Venice of the East,' this is China's oldest and most famous water town, with over a thousand years of history.

Suzhou

Suzhou is called the Venice of the East for its exquisite classical gardens, picturesque waterways, and silk production.

Nature

Hangzhou Bay

An inlet of the East China Sea, bounded by Zhejiang province and the municipality of Shanghai.

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