Shaoxing is the ideal place to get away from the crowds of the Yangtze delta region and enjoy some traditional Chinese inner peace and harmony.

Although not as famous as those in Suzhou, Shaoxing’s many canals offer a glimpse into the long history of this region as well as a way of adjusting to the slower pace of life here. Boat trips are available and depart from the north-west side of the city square taking between 10 and 60 minutes.

In recent times, the city has enjoyed increasing prosperity due to the textile trade and boasts the world’s largest wholesale textile market at Keqiao close to the main Ningbo-Hangzhou-Shanghai road artery.

The city has many parks and some small hills to climb topped with
pagodas in the central area. Most are lit up at night if the weather is good and are safe after dark.

Local people will tell you about the many famous Chinese people who are connected with the city such as the writer Lu Xun but these are little known outside of China. Much more widely known is the city’s yellow or rice wine, known simply as Shaoxing wine, which is exported all over the world and may well be available in your local Chinese restaurant. Be patient as Shaoxing wine is definitely an acquired taste and is deceptively strong. Locally, drinkable bottles of Shaoxing wine start at around 3 RMB going up to around 70 RMB for a miniature ornamental cask of a recent vintage.