Shaoxing
Shaoxing is a prefecture-level city on the southern shore of Hangzhou Bay in northeastern Zhejiang province, China.
Located on the south bank of the Qiantang River estuary, it borders Ningbo to the east, Taizhou to the southeast, Jinhua to the southwest, and Hangzhou to the west. As of the 2020 census, its population was 5,270,977 inhabitants, among which 2,958,643 lived in the built-up area of Hangzhou–Shaoxing, with a total of 13,035,326 inhabitants.
Getting to Shaoxing
There is no civil aviation airport in Shaoxing, so passengers traveling to the city by air typically transit through nearby regional airports. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is the nearest major international airport to Shaoxing, located approximately 30 km west of the city. It offers convenient connections to Shaoxing via shuttle buses, taxis, and private transfers.
- 01Shaoxingbei Railway Station
Shaoxing North Railway Station is the principal hub for high-speed trains serving Shaoxing and surrounding areas.
- 02Shaoxing Railway Station
Shaoxing Railway Station serves as a central hub for both standard and high-speed trains connecting Shaoxing to nearby cities.
- 03Shaoxingdong Railway Station
Shaoxing East Railway Station is a key high-speed rail stop about 15 km east of the city center.
- 04Shangyu Railway Station
Shangyu Railway Station serves as an important stop for both regular and high-speed trains, connecting Shangyu District to other major cities in Zhejiang.
Worth seeing
Shaoxing is a city with a long history, and its cultural relics and natural scenery are beloved by visitors. In Yuecheng District and Keqiao District, you can feel the ancient charm of Shaoxing. Traditional black awning boats still travel along the old canals, and the streets and historic buildings along the canals showcase the rich Jiangnan water-town style.
- 01Lu Xun's Hometown Tourism Precinct
- 02Shen's Garden
- 03Bazi Bridge
Bazi Bridge is one of the oldest existing overpass bridges in China, built during the Northern Song Dynasty.
- 04Yangshan Stone Buddha
Stone Buddha Grottoes peaks, one for the southern four stone Buddhas.
- 05The Orchid Pavilion
- 06Shaoxing Museum
Things to 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.
- 01Warehouse
Warehouse bridge straight street is one of Shaoxing's well-preserved ancient streets, showcasing the charm of Jiangnan water towns.
- 02Kuaiji's Mountain
Kuaiji Mountain, located in the southeastern part of Shaoxing, is renowned for its rich history and picturesque natural scenery.
- 03Shaoxing Downtown Theatre
- 04Lanting Calligraphy Art Center
The Lanting Calligraphy Art Center is a cultural venue dedicated to preserving and promoting Chinese calligraphy.
Where to eat
Meigan 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.
- 01Kong Yiji Restaurant · Intangible Cultural Heritage
- 02Xianghui Lou
- 03Shang Ding Xian Special Noodles
This is a restaurant specializing in unique noodle dishes and is known for offering a variety of fresh, flavorful noodle options, made with carefully selected ingredients.
- 04Zhengshifu Clay Oven Rolls Fried Bread Stick
- 05Xunbaoji
Getting around Shaoxing the local way
- Go nextHangzhou is only about 30 minutes away from Shaoxing by high-speed rail, making it a convenient day trip destination.
From Wikivoyage: Shaoxing, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-09.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see file page), Wikimedia Commons.