Guli Zhejiang, China Travel Guide
Shaoxing boasts several iconic landmarks that highlight its deep history and cultural significance. These sites welcome any traveler.
Explore the rich heritage and diverse what the culture offers across the city's celebrated destinations.
Pre-book your entry tickets for popular attractions like Lu Xun's Former Residence online. This reduces time and aids entry, especially during busy periods. Use GetYourGuide for attraction tickets.
Shaoxing Opera Museum (history and artistry of Shaoxing Opera), Anchang Ancient Town Folk Museum (folk customs and the old way of life of a water town).
Some art galleries in Shaoxing show local artists, conventional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and contemporary art. Check local listings for current exhibitions.
Shaoxing Grand Theatre is the main venue for performing arts, regularly hosting Shaoxing Opera (Yueju), other theatrical productions, concerts, and dance shows. Smaller district-level cultural centers host local events.
Always check local listings, Shaoxing tourism websites, or the websites of specific museums and cultural institutions for current special exhibits, temporary displays, or unique programming. These offer fresh perspectives and seasonal events.
Shaoxing's long history gifts a wealth of historic places. Exploring these locations connects you directly to China's past.
Shaoxing has a long past with archaeological discoveries, though most are not developed as major tourist attractions. The city's continuous habitation means many ancient layers lie beneath recent construction. The Shaoxing Museum displays many excavated artifacts.
Shaoxing Old Town (Yuecheng District) is a beautifully preserved historical district. It features traditional houses with white walls and black tiles, ancient rock bridges arching over a network of canals, and narrow, winding alleyways.
Daxian Temple and Qinglian Temple offer peaceful retreats. Dayu Ling (Tomb of Yu the Great) is the legendary tomb of Yu the Great, a mythical emperor revered for his flood control efforts and establishing China's first dynasty. It is a site of historical and cultural pilgrimage.
Lu Xun's Former Residence functions as a memorial to the great writer, preserving his childhood home and study. Dayu Ling serves as a grand memorial complex dedicated to Yu the Great, featuring temples, stone tablets, and scenic surroundings.
China Textile City (Keqiao), while a modern trading hub, its sheer scale and historical development represent a significant industrial heritage. It displays the evolution of China's textile industry over decades. No major military heritage sites are open for tourism in the immediate Guli/Shaoxing area.
Anchang Ancient Town has a quieter, more authentic water town experience. Bazi Bridge, an ancient "eight-character" shaped bridge, is an architectural marvel. Qinglian Temple offers a serene spiritual experience.
A less-touristed ancient water town near Keqiao District, known for its traditional architecture, local food (especially cured meats and sausages hanging to dry in winter), and preserved folk customs. It offers a genuine, lived-in ancient town experience.
An ancient, unique "eight-character" shaped bridge in Shaoxing Old Town. Its unusual design and historical significance make it a hidden architectural marvel, often ignored by visitors rushing to other sites.
While Daxian Temple is more prominent, Qinglian Temple offers a serene and less crowded spiritual experience, showing traditional Buddhist architecture and peaceful courtyards.
Beyond the main attractions, Shaoxing includes many local favorites and unique photo opportunities for engaging with local culture.
Beyond its historical sites, Shaoxing features scenic natural attractions, fostering relaxation and appreciation of the local landscape.
An iconic landmark and a beautiful natural park. Its unique rock formations, lush greenery, and tranquil waters make it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or boat ride. Take a wupengchuan boat ride for an unique perspective.
A large urban park in the heart of Shaoxing city center. It has green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas, delivering an oasis within the metropolis for all fitness levels.
Known for its scenic beauty, Jianhu (Mirror Lake) is also historically important for Shaoxing the process of making wine, as its waters are believed to contribute to the wine's quality. It has picturesque views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Kuaiji Mountain (会稽山), southeast of Shaoxing, features hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, and houses the legendary Tomb of Yu the Great. The area fosters appreciation for natural beauty and distant vistas. East Lake's unique rock formations and caves, shaped by centuries of quarrying and natural erosion, represent the most prominent geological features. Best experienced from a wupengchuan boat.
Explore scenic tours on GetYourGuideJianhu and East Lake are the main scenic lakes. Shaoxing is celebrated for its intricate network of canals and waterways. These are not typically only historical transport routes but also provide a beautiful backdrop for the city, particularly the old town. Gondola lifts on these canals are a common way to experience this water-centric landscape.
Book boat tours on GetYourGuideThe Guli/Shaoxing area is not a main destination for wildlife viewing. While you might see common birds and small animals in parks or rural areas, there are no specific wildlife reserves or safaris.
Shaoxing is inland, so no beaches are directly accessible. The nearest coastal areas are towards Ningbo or further along the Zhejiang coast. Many mid-range and luxury hotels feature indoor swimming pools for guests.
Gondola rides on Shaoxing Canals capture iconic shots of wupengchuan boats gliding under ancient bridges, especially during golden hour. Photograph the white-walled, black-tiled houses, intricate wood carvings, and classic garden elements. Candid shots of locals going about their day or unique displays of local food offer a genuine glimpse into the culture.
Beyond the well-known attractions, Shaoxing holds hidden gems that offer a quieter, more intimate glimpse into local life and culture. These are worth seeking out for an unique experience.
Explore local favorites to connect with the authentic rhythm of Shaoxing. Capture unique moments away from the typical tourist routes.
Explore Anchang Ancient Town in winter. The unique sight of cured meats hanging to dry offers a memorable cultural and photographic experience.
For booking tours and activities in Shaoxing, including visits to ancient towns, check GetYourGuide.
Discover the city's hidden charms.
These locations present an unique plus calmer glimpse into local life and culture, away from the typical tourist crowds.
Discover the genuine rhythm of Shaoxing life and document memorable moments away from the usual tourist attractions.
The trend points towards preserving and subtly developing more of the lesser ancient towns in the wider Shaoxing prefecture.
Discover new facets of Shaoxing's evolving landscape.
Capture the true essence of Shaoxing with these distinct photo subjects, reflecting local life and historical charm.
Frame memories that tell Shaoxing's story.
Observe and photograph the everyday rhythm of Shaoxing's residents, reflecting genuine community and culture.
Capture the pulse of the city.
Allow yourself to wander without a rigorous itinerary in the Old Town. Serendipitous discoveries are common.
A friendly smile or simple Mandarin phrase can open doors to local interactions plus tips.
Certain hidden gems, like Anchang's cured meats, are best experienced during certain seasons (e.g., winter).
