Shaoxing is a water town in Zhejiang province, long associated with Lu Xun, Wang Xizhi and Yue opera, and known for its rice wine, meigan cai and stinky tofu. The old city sits on a plain north of the Kuaiji Mountains, with a dense downtown core of lanes and canals and the major sights scattered between the centre and the outskirts.
For a visitor, the practical split is between the downtown core around the Lu Xun sites and the suburban sights reached by road, such as the Orchid Pavilion, East Lake, the Tomb of Yu the Great and the Keyan Scenic Area. This guide covers which parts of the city to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the choice changes with your budget.
Best areas to stay in Shaoxing
1. Downtown near the Lu Xun Native Place
This is the historic heart of the city, where the Lu Xun Native Place, Sanwei School, Baicao Garden and the Xianheng Hotel sit close together, with Shen Garden on Yan'an Road and Qiu Jin's House also in the centre. It suits first-time visitors who want the main sights within walking distance and a steady supply of local food and wine.
Accommodation here ranges from youth hostels in old buildings with courtyards to established city hotels. The area is compact and walkable, and you are a few minutes from the Lu Xun attractions, which makes it the simplest base if you have only a day or two.
2. Mount Fu (Wolong) area
The area around Mount Fu, also called Mount Wolong, holds the Palace of King Yue, the Stadium of King Yue, the Tomb of Wen Zhong and the Spring of Innocence. It suits travellers who want the historical sites on their doorstep and don't mind being slightly away from the busiest commercial streets.
City hotels are found along the roads here, including Fushan West Road. The hill itself is a short climb, so expect some slopes if you stay on its edges.
3. Jiefang South Road and the southern downtown
Jiefang South Road runs through the downtown and is home to the Xianheng Hotel, one of the city's long-established addresses. It suits visitors who want to be on a main artery with easy access to the centre and to transport onward to the suburban sights.
This is a practical base rather than a scenic one: you are on a busy road, but the Lu Xun sites and Shen Garden remain within reach on foot or by a short ride.
4. Fanli Road, Yuecheng District
Fanli Road lies in Yuecheng District, the urban district that contains the present-day site of the old walled city. It suits travellers who prefer a modern hotel base with straightforward road connections to both the downtown sights and the routes out to the Orchid Pavilion and East Lake.
Expect larger, contemporary properties here rather than courtyard guesthouses. You will rely on taxis or buses for the historic core, but the roads are direct.
5. Keqiao
Keqiao is one of the urban districts of Shaoxing and contains the Keyan Scenic Area, a natural scenery park. It suits visitors whose main interest is the scenery outside the city, or those arriving from the Hangzhou direction who want to be on that side of the metropolitan area.
This is a separate urban centre rather than a quarter of the old town, so treat it as a base only if Keyan and the surrounding countryside are your priority; the downtown sights are a journey away.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: youth hostels and simple guesthouses, including dormitory beds and private rooms, some in old buildings with courtyards near the Lu Xun attractions.
- Mid-range: chain and independent city hotels on the main downtown roads and around Mount Fu, with private rooms and standard facilities.
- Splurge: the larger established hotels in the centre and in Yuecheng District, including international-brand properties on Fanli Road.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself downtown near the Lu Xun Native Place. The writer's former home, Sanwei School, Baicao Garden and Shen Garden are all in or beside the centre, so you can cover the city's main historical sights on foot and use the remaining time for the suburban sites. It also has the widest spread of accommodation, from hostels to city hotels, which makes it workable at any budget.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to walk to the main sights?
The downtown core around the Lu Xun Native Place. The Lu Xun sites, Sanwei School, Baicao Garden and Shen Garden are all in the centre, and the Xianheng Hotel is on Jiefang South Road.
Which area is best for the suburban sights?
The Orchid Pavilion, East Lake, the Tomb of Yu the Great and the Tomb of Wang Yangming are outside the city, so no single base puts them on your doorstep. Staying on the western or southern edge of the centre, or in Keqiao for the Keyan Scenic Area, shortens the road journeys.
Is there budget accommodation in Shaoxing?
Yes. Youth hostels operate in the old streets near the Lu Xun attractions, with dormitory beds and private rooms, alongside simple guesthouses and chain hotels.
What can I expect from a mid-range or upscale hotel in Shaoxing?
Mid-range options are city hotels on the main downtown roads and around Mount Fu. The larger established and international-brand hotels are found in the centre and in Yuecheng District, including along Fanli Road.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.