Xiashu Town Ecological Tourism Scenic Area

Xiashu Town Ecological Tourism Scenic Area

Xiashu Town Ecological Tourism Scenic Area is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Yuewangzheng is located in Bei’wu Village, Xiashu Town, northwest of Shaoxing, about 30 kilometers from the city center, and is the second batch of county-level scenic spots in Shaoxing.

Yuewangzheng lies at the junction of Shaoxing, Xiaoshan, and Zhuji, occupying a strategically vital geographical position that has been contested by military forces since ancient times. It is a mountain ridge on the border between Shaoxing and Xiaoshan, with Bei’wu Village and Shuwu Village of Xiashu Town to the east and Xiashandai Village of Suoqian Town, Xiaoshan, to the west, and has an elevation of 354 meters.

Yuewangzheng is located at 120°31′ east longitude and 30°08′ north latitude, and features a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by distinct seasons, moderate temperatures, abundant sunlight, plentiful rainfall, and a long frost-free period. It is also affected by hazardous weather such as typhoons, cold waves, and hail.

It is named after King Goujian of Yue, who trained his troops rigorously at the mountaintop after suffering a defeat. This is well-documented in historical texts. The “Records of Yue” states: “Yue took refuge in the mountains of Kuaiji, and Wu pursued and besieged them.” The Qianlong-era “Shaoxing Prefecture Records” says: “Yuewang Mountain, also called Yuewangzheng, and also known as Qishan. The old records of Shanyin County state: In the past, King Goujian of Yue stationed his troops here, hence also called Qishan. …” The Jiaqing-era “Shanyin County Records” record: “Goujian stationed his troops here, hence also called Qishan. There are sites such as Zouma Gang (Horse-Riding Ridge), Fubing Lu (Ambush Road), Xima Chi (Horse-Washing Pool), Zhigeng Lou (Watchtower), and more.” In 494 BC, after suffering a defeat, Goujian’s remaining 5,000 soldiers took refuge here, hence it is also called Qishan, commonly known as Yuewangzhai (Yue King’s Stronghold), and is another military garrison site of King Goujian.

Yuewangzheng has rich historical and cultural connotations and holds strong appeal to national culture. King Goujian of Yue once endured hardship here, striving diligently to govern the state, cultivating virtue internally and extending influence externally. Through ten years of gathering strength and ten years of training, he ultimately destroyed Wu and restored Yue. To this day, the mountain retains numerous historical sites left by King Goujian’s stationed troops, including “Muyu Shan” (Bathing Mountain), “Yinma Chi” (Horse-Drinking Pool), “Zouma Gang” (Horse-Riding Ridge), “Cuijian Shi” (Quenching Sword Stone), “Fubing Lu” (Ambush Road), “Zhigeng Lou” (Watchtower), “Xianren Dong” (Immortal Cave), and “Jiulong Pan Shanding” (Nine Dragons Coiling Around the Summit).