By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
As China’s grand mountains and vast waters have increasingly shone on the global tourism stage, the richly nuanced and enduring cultural landscape of ancient towns has become the next destination for travelers to explore. Among the water townscapes of the Jiangnan region, Shaoxing, spanning over 2,500 years of history, still retains its quaint small bridges, flowing waters, and black-canopied boats. This ancient town, with its “small bridges, flowing waters, and homes” and “whitewashed walls, black tiles, and bluestone,” is hailed as an “open-air museum without walls.”
Among the many water towns in Jiangnan, Shaoxing, after 2,500 years of history, still preserves its simple yet enduring lifestyle. (Image provided by Shaoxing Municipal Tourism Commission)
Located on the southern wing of the Yangtze River Delta, Shaoxing has a history of over 2,500 years dating back to the establishment of the capital by King Goujian of Yue during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The ancient city of Shaoxing still retains its original site, and within the 8.3-square-kilometer old city area, five major historical districts and 270 ancient buildings are well preserved. These include the Lu Xun Hometown Historical Block, which showcases the ambiance described in Lu Xun’s works; Cangqiao Old Street, noted for its ancient city features and awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award; Shufo Hometown, the best-preserved area related to the Sage of Calligraphy; Baziqiao Block, a typical representation of Shaoxing’s ancient street-river layout; and Xixiaohé Block, which prominently displays Shaoxing’s water town characteristics. Together, they continue the thousand-year-old cultural heritage of the ancient city.
When visiting Shaoxing, one simply cannot miss the ancient city culture, scenic landscapes, and local offerings such as Huangjiu (yellow wine) and traditional opera. Stroll through the ancient city, visit the town’s treasured Lu Xun Hometown, and experience scenes from Lu Xun’s writings such as “Three Early Readings” and “Blessing.” Then take a distinctive tricycle ride through the narrow streets to tour historical districts like Cangqiao Straight Street and Shufo Hometown. Visit Orchid Pavilion to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of literary elegance and enjoy the fun of “wine cups floating along winding waters.” Go to the Dayu Mausoleum to witness the grandeur of the Dayu worship ceremony. Finally, return to the city center to savor a traditional meal at the century-old Xianheng Hotel. In the evening, don’t miss the Shen Garden Night Show, where you can enjoy a theatrical performance that encapsulates Shaoxing’s local culture and operatic traditions.
Meandering waterways are lined with poetic traditional architecture; drifting slowly by boat feels like stepping into a time tunnel. (Image provided by Shaoxing Municipal Tourism Commission)
Nature and landscape lovers can visit East Lake to admire its unique rock formations, head to Xianglu Peak to experience the mystique of misty mountain rains, explore Ke Yan to witness nature’s spectacular stone sculptures, take in the natural beauty of the Five Cascades for a picturesque, undulating mountain and water scene, or go to Fengming Mountain in Shangyu to see the breathtaking sight of hanging rocks and waterfalls. In Shengzhou, view the “Number One Waterfall Group of Jiangnan”—Baizhang Waterfall—and then take a boat ride on Wozhou Lake to retrace the poetic path of the Tang Dynasty’s great poet Li Bai.
Viewed from above, the landscape is a feast of white walls and gray tiles, exuding tranquil, classic charm. (Image provided by Shaoxing Municipal Tourism Commission)
For travelers keen on tracing history and culture through their taste buds, Shaoxing offers not only a visit to the Huangjiu Museum and a taste of authentic Shaoxing Huangjiu Banquets, but also a chance to observe the brewing process and even try your hand at painting decorative designs on wine jars. You can also enjoy an elegant wine ceremony performance at Xianheng Hotel, or explore the origins of Huangjiu in the ancient town of Dongpu by Mirror Lake. Additionally, catch a graceful and tender performance of Yue Opera at the Yue Opera Museum in Shengzhou or at Xishi’s Hometown in Zhuji.
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