Happy TravellerWelcome to Shaoxing, a beautiful city located on the southern shore of Hangzhou Bay in northeastern Zhejiang province, China. Shaoxing is a hidden gem that is often overlooked, but it boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes and mouth-watering local cuisine that makes it a must-visit destination. Let’s explore the many treasures of Shaoxing and why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Shaoxing was formerly known as Kuaiji and Shanyin and abbreviated in Chinese as 越 (Yuè) from the areas former inhabitants. It is noted for Shaoxing wine, meigan cai, and stinky tofu, and was featured on A Bite of China. Its local variety of Chinese opera sung in the local dialect and known as Yue opera is second in popularity only to Peking opera. In 2010, Shaoxing celebrated the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the city.
One of the prominent residents of Shaoxing was Wang Xizhi, who is considered one of the greatest Chinese calligraphers in history. The city is also the birthplace of the renowned writer Lu Xun, whose former residence is a must-visit site for literature enthusiasts. The parents of Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China, also hailed from Shaoxing. Cai Yuanpei, a philosopher and educator who served as the President of Peking University, was also born in this city.
Shaoxing is a city that is steeped in history and culture. It was first named Shaoxing in 1131 A.D. during the Southern Song dynasty. The name comes from the Shaoxing reign period of Emperor Gaozong of Song and is a poetic term meaning inheriting the imperial task and resurging to prosperity. Modern-day Shaoxing lies north of the Kuaiji Mountains, which were an important center of the people of Yue during ancient China’s Spring and Autumn period. By the time of the Later Han, the lands between the Yangtze and Hangzhou Bay received their own commanderies and administration of Kuaiji—then stretching along the south shore of the bay from Qiantang (present-day Hangzhou) to the East China Sea. The area’s capital in present-day Yuecheng was then known as Kuaiji until the 12th century when it was renamed Shaoxing.
One of the most famous landmarks in Shaoxing is the Shaoxing Grand Theater, which showcases the city’s local Yue opera performances. The theater is also famous for its stunning architecture and cultural significance. The Sanwei Bookstore is another must-visit site, which was built around 1890, at the end of the Qing Dynasty. It was used by the Zhou clan, and the writer Lu Xun was born and grew up in the house. He introduced advanced ideas and technical knowledge to provide opportunities for children in Shaoxing. He turned it into a primary school, believing that education could inspire national regeneration.
The city of Shaoxing is also famous for its beautiful natural scenery. One of the prominent sites is Mount Fu, also called Mount Wolong. It is home to the Palace of King Yue, the Stadium of King Yue, and King Yue himself. He lived there for 19 years. Another famous site is the Tomb of WenZhong, the right minister of King Yue. The Shen Garden, located in Yanan Road, is associated with the poet Lu You and his love for his first wife Tang Wan. The garden dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty.
Finally, no visit to Shaoxing is complete without trying the local cuisine. Shaoxing wine is one of China’s most famous alcoholic beverages, and it is produced using a natural process using the pure water of the Jianhu-Mirror Lake. It has a unique flavor and a reputation both nationally and internationally. Meigan cai, a type of pickled mustard green, is another local specialty that is often used in various dishes. Stinky tofu, a type of fermented tofu, is a
