Shaoxing travel guide: where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Shaoxing.
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- Boat rides through cliff caves (wupeng boats)
- Lakeside walking paths and gardens
- Ticket office, restrooms and small shops
East Lake Scenic Area (Dongpu)
Shaoxing is inland and has no sea beaches; this entry is a waterfront or lake leisure spot. East Lake is a flooded former quarry in Dongpu with sheer rock cliffs, arched stone bridges and caves that visitors tour by black-awning wupeng boat.
Editor’s tip. Go on weekday mornings to avoid boat queues
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- Stone quarry cliffs and Buddha statues
- Boat rides on the water
- Walking paths and cafes
Keyan Scenic Area and Jianhu Lake
Shaoxing is inland and has no sea beaches; this entry is a waterfront or lake leisure spot. Keyan is a former stone quarry reshaped into lakes, bridges and a Buddha statue, and it sits near Jianhu Lake and Lu Town.
Editor’s tip. Combine with Jianhu Lake and Lu Town in one trip
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- Forest park paths
- Waterfalls and pools
- Restrooms and small shops
Wuxie Scenic Area (Zhuji)
Shaoxing is inland and has no sea beaches; this entry is a waterfront or lake leisure spot. Wuxie is a mountain forest scenic area in Zhuji with waterfalls and streams rather than a beach.
Editor’s tip. Take a taxi from Zhuji, not public transport
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- Canal-side promenade
- Ancient bridges
- Small cafes and tea houses
Anchang Ancient Town Riverfront
Shaoxing is inland and has no sea beaches; this entry is a waterfront or lake leisure spot. Anchang is a canal town with a waterfront promenade, old bridges and wupeng boats.
Editor’s tip. Visit on weekday mornings
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- Riverside walking paths
- Park benches and grass areas
- Cafes in nearby towns
Cao'e River Riverfront, Shangyu
Shaoxing is inland and has no sea beaches; this entry is a waterfront or lake leisure spot. The Cao'e River runs through Shangyu with riverside parks and walking paths.
Editor’s tip. Do not swim in the river
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Shaoxing’s coast.
Is there a beach at East Lake?
No. It is a freshwater quarry lake with cliffs and boat tours, not a swimming beach.
From the East Lake Scenic Area (Dongpu) editorial.
How much is admission?
About ¥50 (~$7.41); hours 08:30-17:00.
From the East Lake Scenic Area (Dongpu) editorial.
Is Keyan a beach?
No. It is a quarry lake with cliffs; swimming is not offered.
From the Keyan Scenic Area and Jianhu Lake editorial.
Can Keyan be visited with Jianhu Lake?
Yes, they are neighbouring areas often visited together.
From the Keyan Scenic Area and Jianhu Lake editorial.
Is there a beach at Wuxie?
No. It is a mountain scenic area; Shaoxing has no sea beaches.
From the Wuxie Scenic Area (Zhuji) editorial.
Can it be reached by public transport?
Only by coach to Zhuji, then a taxi.
From the Wuxie Scenic Area (Zhuji) editorial.
Is Anchang suitable for swimming?
No. It is a canal town for walking and boat rides.
From the Anchang Ancient Town Riverfront editorial.
How far is Anchang from the old town?
About 20 km.
From the Anchang Ancient Town Riverfront editorial.