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Cultural Relics and Historic Landmarks

Holding the relics of the emperors Shun and Yu, ancient landmarks of the Yue Kingdom, stone inscriptions of the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-220) dynasties, cliff engravings of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, former residences of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, the city is called a museum without walls. By the end of June 2019, Shaoxing had 417 historic relics under government protection, 30 of which are under State-level protection, 74 under the provincial-level protection. Among them are the Former Residence of Lu Xun, Emperor Yu's Mausoleum, East Zhejiang Canal, the Ancient Track Road in Keqiao district, Cao'e Temple in Shangyu district, the Ancient Dwellings of the Si Family in Zhuji, the Archaeological Site of Xiaohuangshan in Shengzhou and the Giant Buddha Temple in Xinchang county.

Cultural Heritages

Shaoxing boasts abundant cultural heritages from ancient times. The Yue culture, which is centered on undergoing self-imposed hardships to strengthen one's resolve, the wine culture which brought Shaoxing rice wine to the world, the calligraphic culture which is championed by Wang Xizhi and his Preface to the Orchid Pavilion, the opera culture which is represented by Yueju Opera and Shao Opera, and the utensil culture which is represented by bronze swords, bronze mirrors and Yue celadon are all shinning pearls of ancient Chinese culture.

The city annually holds the Lanting International Calligraphy Festival and a public memorial service to Yu the Great. It is also the permanent site for awarding the Lu Xun Literature Prize.

The East Zhejiang Canal and the Zhaojia Town Shaduf Irrigation Project are included on the lists of World Cultural Heritage and World Irrigation Project Heritage. The Ancient Torreya Woodlot on Kuaiji Mountain is listed by the United Nations as an important agricultural heritage protection site. Up to 24 projects, including the public memorial service to Yu the Great and the brewing skill of rice wine, are on the protection list of national intangible cultural heritages.

Ancient Cityscape

In 490 BC, Fan Li, a senior official of the Yue Kingdom, carried out the order of King Goujian to build the capital city of the Yue Kingdom. Ever since, the ancient city has weathered the storms of 2,500 years and remained intact in the same location. Inside the ancient city are extensive waterways, stone bridges of different shapes, riverside streets and households, and long lanes of tranquility. The three hills, namely Fushan, Tashan and Jishan, present a tripartite balance inside the city. The nine city gates – Dusi, Wuyun, Dongguo, Jishan, Zhili, Xipian, Changxi, Ying'en, Chang'an – stand lofty and strong. Historic residential blocks including Yuezi town, the former residence of Lu Xun, Bazi Bridge, Xixiao River, the former residence of Calligraphy Saint, Shimenkan, Xinhe Lane, Cangqiao Straight Street, sustain their ancient architecture. Folk houses with white walls and black tiles, elegant old curtilages, birthplaces of renowned historic figures – they unfold the grandeur and charm of this ancient city.