FindYourStay

Where to Stay in Shaoxing

China

|

Pop. 2.3M

|

3 neighborhoods covered

โš ๏ธ Caution๐Ÿš‡ Good Transit๐Ÿ’ฐ From CNY 300/dayโ˜€๏ธ Best: Apr, Oct, Nov

Shaoxing at a Glance

7 categories

56
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ
SafetyModerate
50
๐Ÿšถ
WalkabilityModerate
60
๐Ÿ’ฐ
AffordabilityExpensive
25
๐Ÿ“ถ
WiFiUnknown
50
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
Food SceneGood
47
๐Ÿ›๏ธ
CultureRich
79
๐Ÿš‡
Public TransitExcellent
81

Top Tips for Shaoxing

Things to know before you go

๐Ÿ’ก

Local Tip

Try the local 'San Sheng Si' (three-life-four) rice wine, a Shaoxing specialty, often served warm with savory snacks.

๐Ÿš‡

Getting Around

Download the 'Zhejiang Transportation' app or use Alipay/WeChat for real-time bus information and mobile ticketing if possible.

โš ๏ธ

Watch Out For

Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (use official stands or DiDi).

๐Ÿ‘ฉ

Solo Female Travel

Shaoxing is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas late at night and being aware of your surroundings are sufficient.

Hidden Gems in Shaoxing

Lesser-known spots the locals love

๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Lu Xun's Former Residence

Step back in time at the former home of one of China's most influential modern writers. It offers a glimpse into his life and the historical context of his writings.

museumDongchangbu Street
๐Ÿœ

Qingke Tea House (้’ๅฎข่Œถ้ฆ†)

Experience a truly local vibe at this unassuming tea house. Sip on fragrant local teas and enjoy simple snacks while observing daily life unfold.

foodBaita Road
๐ŸŒฟ

Orchid Pavilion (Lan Ting)

While known for its historical significance, many tourists overlook the serene beauty of this park. It's famous as the site where Wang Xizhi wrote his masterpiece, the 'Lantingji Xu' (Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion).

parkKeqiao District
๐ŸŒฟ

Shen Garden

This is not just a garden; it's a place steeped in tragic romance. It's known for its exquisite classical Chinese garden design and the legendary love story of Lu You and Tang Wan.

parkGongmenkou
๐Ÿšถ

Dongpu Town

FREE

Wander through this ancient town renowned for its pottery. You can see artisans at work, visit workshops, and perhaps even find a unique ceramic souvenir.

streetKeqiao District
๐ŸŒฟ

Jianhu Lake

FREE

A large and picturesque lake offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Locals enjoy it for leisurely strolls, cycling, and simply enjoying the natural scenery.

parkKeqiao District

What It Costs in Shaoxing

Daily budget per person in CNY

๐Ÿ’ก77% cheaper than London

Budget๐ŸŽ’

CNY 300/day

Mid-Range๐Ÿจ

CNY 600/day

Luxuryโœจ

CNY 1500/day

Where to Stay in Shaoxing

Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid

Best for

first-timersculturefoodiescouples

Walk to

  • Lu Xun Native Place5 min
  • Shen Yuan Garden10 min
  • Qingke Street15 min

Pros

  • +Rich historical and cultural sites
  • +Abundant local cuisine
  • +Picturesque canals and bridges

Cons

  • -Can feel crowded with domestic tourists
  • -May lack modern amenities in some parts
Generally very safe for tourists during the day; well-lit and populated at night within main tourist areas.

Best for

digital nomadsbusiness travelersbudget

Walk to

  • Hangzhou Bay Wetland Park30 min
  • Binhai Commercial Center20 min

Pros

  • +Modern infrastructure and facilities
  • +Potentially lower accommodation costs
  • +Quieter and less tourist-centric

Cons

  • -Limited tourist attractions
  • -Requires more reliance on transport to reach historical sites
Generally safe due to its modern development and lower population density; nighttime can be quiet outside commercial areas.

Best for

budgetsolo travelersfoodies

Walk to

  • Keqiao Textile City10 min
  • Jiefang Road Shopping Area15 min

Pros

  • +Vibrant local atmosphere
  • +Excellent local eateries
  • +Good transport links

Cons

  • -Less focused on traditional tourism
  • -Can be noisy and very busy
Safe during the day in commercial areas; nighttime can be less populated and quieter outside main streets, exercise standard caution.

Areas to be cautious

  • Industrial Zones on the Outskirts: These areas lack tourist infrastructure, offer little of interest, and can be difficult to navigate without a specific purpose.

Insider tip: Try the local 'San Sheng Si' (three-life-four) rice wine, a Shaoxing specialty, often served warm with savory snacks.

Safety in Shaoxing

Safe
CautionModerateSafeVery Safe
๐Ÿ‘ฉ

Solo Female Travel

Shaoxing is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas late at night and being aware of your surroundings are sufficient.

๐ŸŒ™

At Night

Main tourist areas and commercial centers are well-populated and safe. Residential areas can be quiet; stick to main roads if walking alone late.

๐Ÿšจ

Emergency

110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)

Common Scams to Watch For

  1. 1Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (use official stands or DiDi).
  2. 2Fake tea ceremony or art student scams (common in major tourist cities, less so here but be aware).

Getting Around Shaoxing

Transport, connectivity, and costs

โœˆ๏ธ

Airport to City

From Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): Direct airport buses to Shaoxing Bus Station (approx. 1.5-2 hours, 50-70 CNY). Alternatively, take the airport metro line to Hangzhou East Railway Station and then a high-speed train to Shaoxing North Station (total time approx. 1.5 hours, 70-100 CNY).

๐ŸŽซ

Day Pass

Metro day passes are not commonly available; single rides are inexpensive.

Single: Metro: 2-7 CNY depending on distance. Bus: 1-3 CNY.

๐Ÿšถ

Walkability

Good Transit

Uber, Didi

๐Ÿ“ถ

WiFi

Good

30-60 Mbps (in cafes/hotels)

Public Transport

Shaoxing Metro (Lines 1 & 2 connect key areas including the North Railway Station and downtown), local buses, and taxis/DiDi.

Ride-share

DiDi (China's Uber equivalent) is widely available. A typical 15-20 minute ride costs around 20-40 CNY.

Transport Tip

Download the 'Zhejiang Transportation' app or use Alipay/WeChat for real-time bus information and mobile ticketing if possible.

WiFi & Remote Work

Free WiFi

Most hotels, many cafes and restaurants (often require local phone number registration or WeChat/Alipay login).

Coworking

Limited options specifically advertised for tourists; some cafes offer good working environments. Some serviced office spaces exist in business districts (e.g., Binhai) but are usually for long-term leases. Daily rates are uncommon.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Best months to visit: Apr, Oct, Nov

Jan: 12ยฐ / 1ยฐ ยท 7d rain
12ยฐ
1ยฐJ
Feb: 11ยฐ / 3ยฐ ยท 15d rain
11ยฐ
3ยฐF
Mar: 18ยฐ / 8ยฐ ยท 15d rain
18ยฐ
8ยฐM
Apr: 24ยฐ / 14ยฐ ยท 16d rain
24ยฐ
14ยฐA
May: 27ยฐ / 17ยฐ ยท 14d rain
27ยฐ
17ยฐM
Jun: 29ยฐ / 22ยฐ ยท 24d rain
29ยฐ
22ยฐJ
Jul: 35ยฐ / 27ยฐ ยท 17d rain
35ยฐ
27ยฐJ
Aug: 36ยฐ / 26ยฐ ยท 17d rain
36ยฐ
26ยฐA
Sep: 31ยฐ / 24ยฐ ยท 20d rain
31ยฐ
24ยฐS
Oct: 25ยฐ / 17ยฐ ยท 9d rain
25ยฐ
17ยฐO
Nov: 19ยฐ / 10ยฐ ยท 9d rain
19ยฐ
10ยฐN
Dec: 13ยฐ / 4ยฐ ยท 5d rain
13ยฐ
4ยฐD
Rain daysBest monthsTemperatures in ยฐC

Hotels & Accommodation in Shaoxing

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Who Is Shaoxing Best For?

Matched recommendations for different traveller types

๐Ÿงณ

First-time Visitors to Shaoxing

Stay in: Ancient City (Lu Xun's Hometown)

This area provides the quintessential Shaoxing experience with historical sites, canals, and local food.

๐Ÿงณ

Culture Enthusiasts

Stay in: Ancient City (Lu Xun's Hometown)

Home to Lu Xun's former residence and numerous historical gardens, it's rich in literary and cultural heritage.

๐Ÿงณ

Budget Travelers

Stay in: Keqiao District

Offers more affordable accommodation and dining options, with good access to local life and transport.

๐Ÿงณ

Digital Nomads seeking quiet

Stay in: Binhai New City (Hangzhou Bay)

Provides modern infrastructure and potentially quieter surroundings, though fewer tourist amenities.

๐Ÿœ

Foodies

Stay in: Ancient City (Lu Xun's Hometown)

This area is packed with traditional Shaoxing restaurants serving regional specialties and snacks.

About Shaoxing

Shaoxing is a prefecture-level city on the southern shore of Hangzhou Bay in northeastern Zhejiang province, China. Located on the south bank of the Qiantang River estuary, it borders Ningbo to the east, Taizhou to the southeast, Jinhua to the southwest, and Hangzhou to the west. As of the 2020 census, its population was 5,270,977 inhabitants, among which 2,958,643 (Keqiao, Yuecheng and Shangyu urban districts) lived in the built-up (or metro) area of Hangzhouโ€“Shaoxing, with a total of 13,035,326 inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaoxing

Is Shaoxing safe for tourists?
Shaoxing is a major city in China. Like any large city, standard travel precautions apply. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and keep valuables secure.
What is the average hotel price in Shaoxing?
Hotel prices in Shaoxing vary by season and location. Budget hotels typically start from $30-50 per night, mid-range hotels from $60-120, and luxury hotels from $150+. Use the map above to compare current prices across different areas.
What area should I stay in Shaoxing?
The best area to stay in Shaoxing depends on your priorities. First-time visitors often prefer central locations for walkability, while budget travellers may find better deals in surrounding neighbourhoods. Browse the interactive map above to explore different areas.
When is the best time to visit Shaoxing?
Shaoxing enjoys a warm climate year-round. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures without peak-season crowds. Summer can be very hot.
How do I get around Shaoxing?
Shaoxing has extensive public transport including buses and metro/subway. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. Many visitors find that staying centrally reduces the need for transport.

Shaoxing Guides by Traveller Type

Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel

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