Shaoxing

Shaoxing (绍兴) is one of the most historic cities in Zhejiang Province, with more than 2,500 years of history and a reputation as a major center of Jiangnan culture, literature, calligraphy, wine culture, and water-town traditions. Recognized as one of China’s National Historical and Cultural Cities, Shaoxing combines ancient canals, traditional architecture, famous scholars, local crafts, and elegant southern Chinese lifestyles.

• Ancient Water Town & Black-Awning Boats (乌篷船): Shaoxing is a classic Jiangnan water town with rivers, canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses. The most iconic local experience is taking a black-awning boat, a small traditional boat once used by local residents. Traveling through waterways offers a unique view of old Shaoxing’s peaceful lifestyle and cultural atmosphere.
• Lu Xun Culture (鲁迅文化): Shaoxing is the hometown of Lu Xun (鲁迅), one of China’s most influential modern writers. Visitors can explore the Lu Xun Former Residence (鲁迅故里), including his childhood home, ancestral houses, and streets that preserve the atmosphere of old Shaoxing.
• Hometown of Talents & Scholars: Shaoxing has produced many influential figures in Chinese history, including calligrapher Wang Xizhi (王羲之), poet He Zhizhang (贺知章), educator Cai Yuanpei (蔡元培), revolutionary heroine Qiu Jin (秋瑾), and modern statesman Zhou Enlai (周恩来). Numerous memorial halls, former residences, and cultural sites reflect this rich intellectual heritage.
• Shaoxing Yellow Wine (绍兴黄酒): Shaoxing is famous worldwide for Shaoxing Rice Wine, one of China’s most important traditional alcoholic beverages. With a history of more than 2,500 years, the wine is an essential part of local culture and cuisine. Visitors can explore wine museums, traditional breweries, and taste varieties such as Huadiao Wine (花雕酒).
• Kuaiji Mountain & Natural Landscapes (会稽山): The mountains around Shaoxing provide beautiful scenery, historic temples, bamboo forests, and hiking opportunities. Kuaiji Mountain has been closely connected with Chinese legends, history, and traditional culture for thousands of years.
• Orchid Pavilion (兰亭) – Calligraphy Heritage: The Orchid Pavilion, famous for the legendary Preface to the Orchid Pavilion (兰亭集序) written by Wang Xizhi, is one of China’s most important calligraphy cultural sites. It attracts visitors interested in Chinese art, literature, and traditional aesthetics.
• Ancient Towns & Traditional Architecture: Shaoxing preserves many historic neighborhoods and villages featuring canals, stone bridges, white-walled houses, and black-tiled roofs. Areas such as Anchang Ancient Town (安昌古镇) offer authentic experiences of Jiangnan folk culture and traditional handicrafts.
• Local Cuisine & Culinary Culture: Shaoxing cuisine reflects Zhejiang’s delicate flavors and wine traditions. Local specialties include Shaoxing drunken chicken (绍兴醉鸡), stinky tofu (臭豆腐), Meigan Cai dishes (梅干菜), and various dishes prepared with Shaoxing wine.