Shaoxing Overview

Basic information

• Chinese Name: 绍兴
• Location: In the north-central part of Zhejiang province and the south of Hangzhou Bay
• Area: 8273.3 square kilometers
• Population: About 2.1 million, Han Chinese is the vast majority nationality group.
• Language: Mandarin, Shaoxing Dialect

Administrative Division

Shaoxing has direct jurisdiction over 3 districts, 1 county and 2 county-level cities. There are 79 towns, 15 rural areas, 24 streets, 488 communities and 2, 188 villages.

• 3 districts: Yuecheng District(越城区), Keqiao District(柯桥区) and Shangyu(上虞区)
• 1 county: Xinchang county(新昌县)
• 2 county-level cities: Shengzhou City(嵊州市) and zhuji(诸暨市)

Geography

The whole Shaoxing lies in the handover zone of western mountainous hills, eastern hills and northern plain of Zhejiang province. There are various types of topography, and its western, middle and eastern parts belong to hills. Its north part is Shaoxing-Yu Plain, and overall terrain trend tilts from southwest to northeast. Shaoxing landform can be summed up as “four mountains, three basins and one basin”, namely Kuaiji Mountain, Siming Mountain, Tiantai Mountain, Longmen Mountain, Zhuji Basin, Xinsheng Basin, Sanjie-Zhangzhen Basin, Puyang River, Cao E River and Shaoyu Plain. The highest point in Shaoxing is Dongfeng Mountain in Zhuji which is the main peak of Huiji Mountain ranges, about 1, 194 meters above sea level. The lowest level there is just 3.10 meters. In the middle part of Zhuji, the landforms there are mostly hills which are within 500 meters. One marked characteristic of Shaoxing geography is that there are lots of waters.

Climate

Shaoxing is located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone where sees distinct monsoon, four marked seasons, mild climate, moist and rainy weather. However, owing to its complicated terrain and middle latitude, microclimate difference is obvious. Also, disastrous weather is brought as well. To know more about Shaoxing Climate.

The Best Time to Go

Shaoxing has four distinct seasons and moderate climate, which makes it an all appropriate tourist destination the whole year. But the hottest time is July and the coldest is January, just try to avoid this two months. Wuxie has the most beautiful natural scenery in Shaoxing, which is suitable for visiting from April to May since this two months would see heavy rains which is capable of making the scenic spot much spectacular. Additionally, Lanting International Calligraphy Festival and Houshan Peach Blossom Festival fall on this period as well. Therefore, April and May are good seasons for traveling Shaoxing. Meanwhile, weather in the fall is also suitable for visiting there.

Things to Do

Taking Shaoxing black-awning boat is an agreeable choice for tourists because Shaoxing is such a place showing marked characteristics of water towns in the south region of Yangtze River. Siting on the black-awning boat, listening the agreeable sound of water and admiring the unique villages and residence along the river, you would never feel regretful to decide to take Shaoxing as your travel destination.

Secondly, drinking Shao-hsing Wine and eating broad bean is a must. Shao-hsing Wine is quite famous all over the China so that you may meet the situation that when you mention Shaoxing to some people, Shao-hsing Wine is the first thing turning up in their mind. It has eight essential amino acids so it is also called as “liquid cake”. In China, it would be better and normal for people to eat something dried just nuts, such as peanuts. So drinking Shao-hsing Wine with broad bean is a perfect match.

Then, visiting Guiji Mountain which ranks in first among the most famous nine mountains in China is a recommended thing to do. It is a significant headstream of Chinese scenic poetry. Meanwhile, Guiji Mountain is the place that nurtured China’s first dynasty “Xia”, and it is the symbol of Chinese civilization.

Also, it is worthy for tourists to visit Luxun’ and Xishi’ former residence. These two people both have different impact in China, especially Luxun who ever gave up medicine studying and chose to write in order to save his nation.

Transportation

Transportation in Shaoxing is convenient and you could have various choices as well. We’ve provided you information on Shaoxing transportation ways in details. To know more about Shaoxing Transportation.

History & Culture

Shaoxing started from Xiaohuangshan Culture which belongs to the middle period of the Neolithic Age, with a long history of more than 9,000 years. Since its excellent location, it functioned well. In Spring and Autumn Period, it was the center of Yue State. And as the development advancing, it grows rapidly and splendidly. Its long history laid good foundation to profound Shaoxing culture like Yue Opera, She Opera, Shao Opera, etc. To know more Shaoxing Culture.

Economy

Guiji, the name of Shaoxing in ancient time, functioned as the political, economic and cultural center of Zhejiang province until Tang dynasty, such as the bronze sword in the State of Yue, bronze mirror during the Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms, porcelain and tea produced after Tang dynasty, silk to be known in Tang dynasty and Shaoxing rice wine with prosperous growth in South Song dynasty, etc. All these contributed a lot to Shaoxing economy. With a prosperous history of economy development, economic growth in Shaoxing developed well. With good location and reform & adjustment with the times, Shaoxing economy sees promising future among the first, second and third industries.

Festival

Every place celebrates diverse festivals and activities during different periods in China. Engaging in those festivals could help you welcome far more unique and wonderful traveling experiences so that we have gave some details of recommended festivals in Shaoxing. To know more about Shaoxing Festivals.

Tourism

There are all sorts of natural reserves in Shaoxing, which contributes to tourism there. As a famous historical and cultural city, Shaoxing has good conditions in developing tourism. Different levels of tourist economic counties, towns, special villages, zones and tourist resorts have been put in place. It has become a popular tourist destination for more and more people.

Dining

Shaoxing dishes, known for its profound historical contents and charming flavor, has traditionally been favored by a lot of customers. It is a significant element of Zhejiang cuisine which belongs to one of the China's eight regional cuisines. It is also proved by various materials that Shaoxing dishes are cradle and birthplace of Zhejiang cuisine. Here are some details about Shaoxing Dishes.