Shaoxing Old City

Shaoxing Old City is about 65 km southeast of Hangzhou and reached in 20-30 minutes by high-speed train from Hangzhou East to Shaoxing North, followed by a 15-20 minute taxi or bus into the historic canal district, or via a direct intercity coach in 60-75 minutes. The old city, centred on Yuecheng District, is one of the few Jiangnan water towns still built around a living network of canals rather than a single restored scenic zone, and is closely associated with writer Lu Xun and the Shaoxing rice-wine (huangjiu) tradition. A day trip typically starts at Lu Xun's Former Residence and the adjoining Lu Xun Memorial Hall, then continues through Cangqiao Historic Street, where stone-arched bridges cross the canals lined with black-tiled Ming and Qing-era houses. Midday is well spent at Shen Garden (Shenyuan), a classical garden linked to the poet Lu You, or watching black-awning canal boats (wupeng chuan) poled by boatmen wearing distinctive felt hats. Afternoon can include the Bazi Bridge, one of China's oldest surviving stone bridges, and a stop at a local huangjiu shop or restaurant to sample Shaoxing's aged rice wine alongside dishes such as drunken chicken and stinky tofu, a local specialty distinct from other regions' versions. Shaoxing suits a year-round visit thanks to its historic sites being largely indoor or covered, though spring and autumn bring the most comfortable canal-side walking weather; arriving by mid-morning allows a full circuit of Cangqiao Street and Lu Xun's residence before lunch.