# East Lake Scenic Area (Shaoxing) (东湖景区)

Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province · East China, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/east-lake-scenic-area-shaoxing
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥50
- **Time needed:** 2–3 hours
- **Getting there:** Near East Lake Scenic Area bus stop
- **Good for:** Photography, Nature

## About East Lake Scenic Area (Shaoxing)

This area was once a quarry. On both banks of the lake stand the steep cliffs left by quarrying, which mountain spring water has washed into streaks of brilliant colour, a truly striking sight. There are also narrow stone caves, some barely wide enough for a single boat to pass through, which are quite remarkable. The water of East Lake is far clearer than the canals of urban Shaoxing, so many visitors come specifically to ride a wupeng boat (乌篷船) here. The scenic area was also a filming location for the Kingdom of Women in the 1982 TV version of Journey to the West.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Ride a wupeng boat around East Lake: Wupeng boats are available for hire here, and you may even try rowing yourself, but always follow the boatman’s instructions. A wupeng boat costs ¥85 and seats up to 3 people. Boats are rented from two ticket booths, so make sure you know which is which before you board. Even if you skip the boat, you can walk the path and still see two of the caves.
- 2. Beware of mosquitoes: Bring some Qingliang oil (清凉油) to protect against mosquito bites at night.
- 3. Visiting order: After touring East Lake, stop by the Mausoleum of Yu the Great, then take bus No. 10 to Lu Xun’s Former Residence. This is much more convenient than going straight from East Lake to Lu Xun’s Former Residence.
- 4. Village opera performances: Village opera (社戏) is performed daily at Jishou Tower (稷寿楼) in the scenic area, and admission is free.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 1169. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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