History
From social reformers like Lu Xun to wistful poets sipping Shaoxing's famed yellow rice wine on the banks of lazy streams as they composed lyrical dances; Shaoxing's history is that of China's cultural heritage. Founded 2,500 years ago, Shaoxing has been described as "a museum without walls." Built as early as in B.C. 490, Shaoxing has many historical sites and stories, and is famous for its beautiful scenery of rivers, lakes, and canals.

During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC), Goujian, King of the Yue Kingdom was deposed after a defeat in battle with the Wu Kingdom. However, in planning the restoration of his kingdom and to remove the humiliation of the defeat, he slept on brushwood and tasted gall to increase his resolve. Goujian made Shaoxing the capital and named it Yuechi. In the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), it was renamed Shaoxing and this has continued to the present day.

Culture
Shaoxing, recognized by the Chinese government as one of the nation’s most famous historical and cultural cities, recently won one of the most attractive Chinese city awards. Shaoxing is well known as a top tourist destination for its long history, diversified culture and picturesque landscape. With a history that can be traced back 5,000 years and an ancient town that was built 2,500 years ago, Shaoxing has very rich heritage of cultural resources to offer visitors. Exceptional waterside landscapes and legacies associated with famous people make Shaoxing a unique tourism city. Known as a city of rivers; city of bridges; city of yellow rice wine; city of calligraphy; and city of famous people, Shaoxing attracts visitors from around the world.

Shaoxing is the hometown of many famous politicians, philosophers, writers, and scientists in Chinese history, such Cai Yuanpei, a famous educator; Premier Zhou Enlai; and Lu Xun, a famous novelist who has had very important influence in the cultural history of China; and Qiu Jin, a heroine. Chairman Mao Zedong once wrote a poem, praising Shaoxing as the "home of famous names.”

Yue opera is a relatively new local Chinese opera popular in the southern regions of the Yangtze River. It originated in the beginning of the 1900s in Shaoxing -- which belonged to the Yue State in ancient times -- so it was popularly became known as Yueju (Yue opera). It was derived from a type of story-singing. Originally, it was performed with a small drum and hardwood clappers for rhythm. Later, choral and orchestral accompaniment was added. It drew some musical elements from Shao opera and subsequently formed its own characteristics.

Yue opera is famous for its lyricism, and singing is a dominant part. The tunes are sweet and beautiful, and performances are vivid and full of local color. Originally, Yue opera was only performed by males and then was changed to all female performances. After 1949, male and females began to work together. Most of Yue opera plays are based on romantic love stories. The most famous ones performed in Shaoxing style are "Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai," "The Dream in Red Mansions" and "The Romance of Western Chamber.”

Being an ancient water city, Shaoxing has many stone bridges crisscrossing various flowing rivers and canals. At the end of 1993, there were 10,610 bridges in Shaoxing; thus it has been called the “city of 10,000 bridges.” A large proportion of these bridges are ancient bridges. These can be regarded as a miniature version of Chinese bridge development history. Therefore, Shaoxing has also been dubbed as the “museum of ancient bridges.”

Shaoxing is famous for its renowned rice wine, which is also called yellow wine (due to its color). It is one of China's eight traditional famous wines and has a history of more than 2,400 years. The wine is made from top-quality polished glutinous rice, wheat, and pure water from Jianhu Lake. Shaoxing wine is noted for its yellow color, mellow fragrance and taste. The Rice Wine Festival of Shaoxing is held in October each year. This is a grand festival including discussions on wine culture and rice wine; a gourmet street show; evening lantern show; and the calligraphy-painting exhibition on rice wine.

Shaoxing is also famous for its calligraphy culture. “Lanting Xu” is the most famous work of calligraphy by Wang Xizhi. Written in semi-cursive script, it is the most well-known and well-copied piece ever. Lanting International Calligraphy Festival is held each year at the Orchid Pavilion on March 3rd of Chinese Lunar Calendar. Many famous calligraphers gather that day to display their calligraphic skills and works.