शाओसिंग

Do

Strolling through the historic districts of Shaoxing is an experience not to be missed. At Cangqiao Straight Street, beyond admiring the stone-paved roads and traditional residences, you can participate in creating Shaoxing-style handicrafts or join workshops on water-town culture. At the street’s food stalls, handpick ingredients to try making authentic Shaoxing snacks—an enjoyable and delicious activity. thumb|259x259px|Kuaiji's Mountain  Shaoxing’s natural attractions also offer hands-on activities. At Kuaiji Mountain, visitors can hike to the summit and join a painting workshop at the top to capture their journey through art. The campsite at the foot of the mountain offers bonfire experiences, where you can participate in interactive games or enjoy barbecue evenings with others.

Cycling is another fantastic way to explore Shaoxing’s charm. Starting from Cangqiao Straight Street, cycle along the canal to the rural rice fields, stopping to try punting a traditional black-awning boat. This experience gives you a glimpse into the water-town lifestyle. Near the rice fields, you can even join rice planting activities to enjoy the hands-on fun of traditional farming.

In the city center, traditional Chinese foot therapy is ideal for relaxing after a long day. For a more unique experience, short workshops on foot massage techniques are available, incorporating local herbal knowledge. Visitors can learn how to relax and care for their feet, leaving with a certificate of part…

Buy

There are many shopping malls in the downtown area, here recommended some:

Lotus - in the north west of the downtown, a Thai cooperation's shopping center, offering variety of daily products with comprehensive prices. Trust-Mart - in the middle of the downtown, right beneath the center square underground, easy transportation. Buxing Road- in the south of the downtown, famous for its traditional Chinese small products like stamps, old money, pets and small hand made gifts. If time and weather permit, walking is the best way to explore the water-town charm of Shaoxing. Many of its distinctive streets are tucked away in back alleys, inaccessible to motorized vehicles, offering unique shopping and cultural experiences. Markets and shopping streets in Shaoxing are typically organized by product type and concentrated in specific areas or along main streets.

Eat

thumb|Meigan caiMeigan cai, or preserved mustard greens, boasts a rich history of production. People often prepare it at home, making it a staple ingredient in their cuisine. Beyond its everyday use, Meigan Cai is also a popular choice for gifting to family and friends. This flavorful pickled vegetable is especially prized for enhancing the taste of stewed dishes, with the classic Hakka delicacy Meigan Cai Kou Rou (梅菜扣肉/梅干菜烧肉) being a standout example. Shaoxing Xianggao(绍兴香糕), Shaoxing Fragrant Cake is a unique specialty of Shaoxing with a long history. It was one of the eight tribute items presented to the Qing imperial court. The cake is square-shaped with a white and yellow appearance. It has a fine texture, just meit in the mouth, and offers a sweet, aromatic flavor. Made from pure ingredients, it is moderately sweet and easy to digest.

Drink

alt=A smaller scaled version of the classic Shaoxing wine container|thumb|Shaoxing wineShaoxing wine is a variety of Chinese Huangjiu ("yellow wine") made by fermenting glutinous rice, water, and wheat-based yeast. Better quality Shaoxing wine can be drunk as a beverage and in place of rice at the beginning of a meal. Ping Shui Ri Zhu Tea(平水日铸茶) is a traditional famous tea from the Ping Shui town and surrounding areas in the Keqiao district of Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province. It belongs to the green tea category and has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, named after the tea plants grown in the Ri Zhu Ridge area. It was even listed as a tribute in the Tea Classic.

Go next

thumb|300px|On the way from Shaoxing to Qianqing

Qianqing (钱清) — A small town not far away from downtown Shaoxing, bus 613 will get you there directly, and it is famous for its cheap textile and cloth materials with nice quality.

Hangzhou — The capital of Zhejiang Province, famous for its West Lake and rich cultural heritage. Hangzhou is only about 30 minutes away from Shaoxing by high-speed rail, making it a convenient day trip destination.

Ningbo — A bustling port city known for its historical Tianyi Pavilion and modern maritime industry. Ningbo can be reached from Shaoxing in about 50 minutes by high-speed rail.

Shanghai — China's largest metropolis, offering a blend of modern skyline and colonial architecture. Shanghai is approximately 1.5 hours away from Shaoxing by high-speed train or a 2-hour drive.

Mount Huangshan — A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its stunning granite peaks and ancient pine trees. It is about 3 hours from Shaoxing by high-speed train, ideal for a scenic getaway.

Wuzhen — A traditional water town with well-preserved ancient architecture and canals, located approximately 1.5 hours from Shaoxing by car or train.