Shaoxing
Shàoxīng (Simplified: 绍兴, Traditional: 紹興, Wade-Giles: Shao-hsing) is a prefecture-level city in northeastern Zhejiang Province, China.
Shaoxing became a subprefecture during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Under the Republic of China, it became a county. And under the rule of the People's Republic of China, it became a city.
It is 65 km from Hangzhou.
History
Modern day Shaoxing sits on the site of the capital of the Spring and Autumn state of Yue (state). Around the sixth century BC, Yue had a sinicised ruling elite which fought a number of wars against its northern arch-rival Wu (state).
Administration
Shaoxing City governs three county-class cities, two counties, and one district:
- Shàngyú City (上虞市)
- Shàoxīng County (绍兴县)
- Shèngzhou City (嵊州市)
- Xinchāng County (新昌县)
- Yuèchéng District (越城区)
- Zhūjì City (诸暨市)
Notable people
Tourism
- Lu Xun's residence is preserved near the middle of the city, and has become a tourist destination.
- East Lake (东湖) is a traditional scenic area just out of town.
- Shaoxing has the Cemetery of Yu the Great (大禹陵).
Miscellaneous
- Rice wine (黃酒) is also known as Shaoxing Wine (紹興酒) or Southern Wine (南酒). It is used both as a liquor and in cooking.
