Shangyu District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang – Travel Guide

Shangyu District, Shaoxing, Zhejiang — the hub of the Tang Poetry Route in eastern Zhejiang and the birthplace of the Butterfly Lovers legend, home to the Cao'e River, Fuzhi Mountain, Yingtai Hometown and other famous attractions. A 2-day 1-night trip to enjoy mountain and water scenery and cultural heritage.

2200+
City History (years)
20
Key Cultural Relic Protection Units
4
Historical & Cultural Villages
7
A-Level Scenic Areas
Fuzhi Mountain terraced fields and sea of clouds, Shangyu District
Fuzhi Mountain Terraced Fields & Sea of Clouds – Landmark of Shangyu District
Fuzhi Mountain is the core scenic area of Shangyu District, featuring unique landscapes such as thousand-year-old terraced fields, ten-thousand-year stone waves, and alpine meadows, making it a famous leisure tourism and photography destination in eastern Zhejiang.

Shangyu District Two-Day One-Night Mountain & Water Cultural Tour

River scenery, terrace wonders, love legends, academy culture

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Cao'e River Scenic Area, Fuzhi Mountain, Yingtai Hometown, Chunhui Middle School, Dongshan Scenic Area
Suitable For
Nature lovers, culture explorers, photography enthusiasts, families, hikers
Budget per Person
¥500-¥1000
01
River Scenery & Cultural Heritage
Cao'e River · Yingtai Hometown · Chunhui Middle School
Highlights

Morning: Stroll along the Cao'e River to enjoy the scenery on both sides. Noon: Taste Shangyu specialty cuisine. Afternoon: Explore Yingtai Hometown to experience the Butterfly Lovers culture. Evening: Visit Chunhui Middle School to appreciate the elegance of the academy.

Attractions
Cao'e River Scenic Area
The mother river of Shangyu, with attractions along the river including Cao'e Temple, Zhonghua Xiaode Garden, and Cao'e River Sluice Gate. It blends natural scenery with filial piety culture, making it a great place for leisure and tourism.
Yingtai Hometown
The hometown of Zhu Yingtai from the Butterfly Lovers legend, including Zhujiazhuang Village, Yushui River, Yingtai Pavilion and other attractions, recreating scenes from the story. It is an important birthplace of Chinese love culture.
Chunhui Middle School
A famous modern private school where Zhu Ziqing, Xia Mianzun, Feng Zikai and others once taught. The campus preserves many historical buildings, known as "South has Chunhui, North has Nankai".
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels along Cao'e River
  • Boutique hotels in Shangyu city center
  • Guesthouses at the foot of Fuzhi Mountain
Food Recommendations
  • Shangyu Grapes
  • Songxia Moldy Tofu Sheets
  • Lianghu Water-Milled Rice Cake
  • Shangyu Drunken Crab
  • Xietang Five-Spice Dried Tofu
Travel Tips
  • The night view of Cao'e River is stunning; evening visits are recommended
  • Advance reservation is required for visiting Chunhui Middle School on their official website
  • Yingtai Hometown has Butterfly Lovers cultural performances; check show times
  • Fresh Shangyu grapes can be enjoyed in summer
02
Mountain Wonders & Historical Relics
Fuzhi Mountain · Dongshan Scenic Area · Return
Highlights

Morning: Climb Fuzhi Mountain to admire terraced fields and sea of clouds. Noon: Taste mountain village cuisine. Afternoon: Explore Dongshan Scenic Area to discover historical relics. Evening: End the trip.

Attractions
Fuzhi Mountain
A famous mountain in eastern Zhejiang, named after the Eastern Jin poet Xie Lingyun who "climbed this mountain to drink wine and compose poetry, then overturned his cup after drinking". It features thousand-year-old terraced fields, ten-thousand-year stone waves, and alpine meadows, making it a paradise for hiking and photography.
Dongshan Scenic Area
Famous for the allusion "Dongshan Re-emergence" (rising again), it was the reclusive place of the Eastern Jin prime minister Xie An. Attractions include Xie An's Tomb, Guoqing Temple, and Shining Garden, with profound cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery.
Chenxi Scenic Town
Located in the southern mountainous area of Shangyu, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, preserving many Ming and Qing buildings. Attractions include Tongze Ancient Temple, Snowflake Pool, and Xunxi Drifting, making it an ideal place for leisure vacations.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Tourist shuttle buses available from Shangyu city center to Fuzhi Mountain
  • Bus route 607 reaches Dongshan Scenic Area
  • Self-driving or charter recommended for mountain attractions
  • Walking or scenic area shuttle available in the Fuzhi Mountain terrace area
Ticket Info
  • Cao'e River Scenic Area: Free (some attractions charge fees)
  • Yingtai Hometown: ¥40
  • Chunhui Middle School: Free (reservation required)
  • Fuzhi Mountain: ¥50
  • Dongshan Scenic Area: ¥45
Featured Experiences
  • Hike Fuzhi Mountain to explore the ten-thousand-year stone waves
  • Enjoy the rapeseed flower scenery in the terraced fields in spring
  • Take a cruise on the Cao'e River to enjoy the scenery on both banks
  • Experience the making of Lianghu Water-Milled Rice Cake
  • Taste fresh Shangyu grapes

Must-Try Foods in Shangyu District

Songxia Moldy Tofu Sheets (Mei Qian Zhang)

A traditional specialty food from Songxia Town, Shangyu, made from high-quality soybeans through a special fermentation process. With a unique flavor, it is one of the famous bean products in the Shaoxing area and a national geographical indication protected product.

Lianghu Water-Milled Rice Cake

A specialty of Lianghu Street, Shangyu, made from high-quality rice through a water-milling process. White, delicate, soft and chewy, it can be stir-fried or boiled, and is an essential food for the New Year in Shangyu with a history of several hundred years.

Shangyu Grapes

A specialty fruit of Shangyu with a long cultivation history and rich variety. Known for large size, sweetness and juiciness, varieties such as "Summer Black" and "Kyoho" are famous nationwide, and it is a national geographical indication protected product.

Xietang Five-Spice Dried Tofu

A traditional snack from Xietang Town, Shangyu, made from high-quality soybeans and simmered with various spices. Bright red in color, rich in aroma, and chewy in texture, it is a famous local snack food.

Shangyu District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-Apr): Rapeseed flowers in full bloom on Fuzhi Mountain terraces
  • Summer (Jul-Aug): Shangyu grapes ripen, enjoy picking experience
  • Autumn (Oct-Nov): Cool weather, ideal for mountain hiking
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, experience the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient town
Must-Do Experiences
  • Hike Fuzhi Mountain to explore thousand-year terraces and ten-thousand-year stone waves
  • Night cruise on the Cao'e River to enjoy the light show on both banks
  • Watch Butterfly Lovers cultural performances at Yingtai Hometown
  • Experience the cultural atmosphere of a century-old prestigious school at Chunhui Middle School
  • Enjoy Shangyu grape picking in summer
Budget Reference
  • Tickets & Experiences: approx. ¥200-300
  • Accommodation: ¥150-400 (1 night)
  • Meals: ¥120-200/day
  • Transport: ¥80-150
  • Total: ¥500-1000
FAQ
  • How to get to Shangyu District? → Shangyu North High-Speed Rail Station with bus connections to the city center
  • Is Fuzhi Mountain suitable for seniors and children? → Some areas are gentle; easy routes can be chosen
  • When do Shangyu grapes ripen? → July to September is the best picking period
  • What specialties does Shangyu have? → Shangyu Grapes, Songxia Moldy Tofu Sheets, Lianghu Water-Milled Rice Cake, Yuehong Wine

Explore Districts & Counties in Shaoxing City