Getting Around Guli
Guli is a town in south-eastern China, within Shaoxing's Keqiao District. For a visitor, the practical picture is simple: the town itself is small and best explored on foot, while the wider Shaoxing area is served by an extensive bus network and a metro line that also connects onward to Hangzhou. There are no trams in Shaoxing, and no cable cars, funiculars, or other unusual transport systems in either Guli Town or Shaoxing City.
Rail and Metro
Shaoxing Metro Line 1 is the rail backbone for the area. It links Keqiao District — including Shaoxing North Train Terminal — with Shaoxing city centre, and it connects with Hangzhou Metro Line 5, which makes it possible to travel between the two cities by metro. Fares are distance-based and inexpensive, and the metro runs from roughly early morning until around 10:30 PM. Trains are frequent enough that you generally don't need to plan around a timetable; just turn up and go.
Note that there is no tram network in Shaoxing, so any advice you may read about trams does not apply here.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Buses are the workhorse of local transport across Shaoxing, Keqiao District, and Guli Town. The network covers residential zones, commercial centres, and the main attractions, so it is usually the most direct way to reach a specific destination that the metro doesn't serve. Buses generally run from about 6 AM to 10 PM, with frequency varying by route — busier routes come more often, quieter ones less so.
Fares are low and paid in one of three ways:
- Cash — keep small coins and notes ready, as exact change is expected.
- Shaoxing Transport Card — a pre-loaded card usable on both buses and the metro.
- Mobile payment — WeChat Pay and Alipay QR codes are widely accepted, and mobile payment is the norm among locals.
Newer buses and underground stations offer better accessibility, with ramps and lifts; older vehicles and older parts of the network may be more difficult if you have mobility needs.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are typically yellow or green. You can hail one on the street, pick one up at a designated taxi stand, or book through an app. Fares start at a modest flagfall that includes the first few kilometres, with a per-kilometre charge thereafter. Pay in cash or by mobile app.
One practical rule: check that the driver uses the meter. If a driver refuses, simply find another taxi rather than negotiating.
Didi Chuxing is the dominant ride-hailing app in China and offers an English interface, which makes it the easiest option for most foreign visitors. Registration requires a local mobile number. The app provides in-app tracking and emergency features; before getting in, verify the licence plate and the driver's photo against what the app shows. At airports and train stations, use the official taxi stands and ignore unofficial touts offering rides.
Walking and Cycling
Walking is the best way to see Guli Town itself — it is compact and walkable, and ideal for simply observing daily local life. In Shaoxing, the historical old town around sights such as Lu Xun's Former Residence and Shen Garden is highly pedestrian-friendly, and Fushan Park in the city centre has walking paths. Self-guided walking tours are popular, and some tourism agencies offer guided walking tours.
For two wheels, public bike-sharing systems operate in Shaoxing and Keqiao District. They require a local mobile number, and the deposit is paid via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Some hotels and guesthouses also rent out bicycles, which requires no special licence. Dedicated bicycle lanes exist in parts of Shaoxing and Keqiao, and riverfronts and greenways make pleasant routes. Avoid highways, fast-moving arterial roads, and industrial zones with heavy truck traffic.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are generally not offered to tourists and are not recommended for foreign visitors.
Car Rental
Renting a car is possible but rarely worth it for a visitor. Foreigners need a temporary Chinese driving permit, which requires a passport, a valid foreign driver's licence, and a China visa. Rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Shouqi, and eHi operate in the Shaoxing and Hangzhou area. Driving is generally not recommended for tourists because of the permit process, language barriers, and traffic conditions. If you do drive, remember traffic keeps to the right, and parking in central Shaoxing can be both difficult and expensive.
Getting In from the Airport
The practical route into the city from the airport is by taxi or ride-hailing, or by connecting to the metro and rail network. At the airport, use the official taxi stand rather than accepting offers from unofficial drivers. If you prefer public transport, head for the metro or the train terminal — Shaoxing North Train Terminal is served by Metro Line 1, which runs into Shaoxing city centre and links onward to Hangzhou Metro Line 5. Because the metro runs until around 10:30 PM, late-night arrivals are usually better served by a taxi or Didi.
Practical Tips
- Use Baidu Maps or Aguide for real-time local transport information and navigation.
- Avoid travelling during rush hours, roughly 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM.
- Keep a small amount of cash for buses, but rely on WeChat Pay or Alipay where you can.
- In Shaoxing Old Town, consider a wupengchuan (black-awning boat) ride for a view of the canal system.
- Accessibility is improving but still limited overall; newer infrastructure copes better than older areas.