Shao Hong Kong

烧香港

Shao Hong Kong is named after the river, and the streets on the north and south banks of the port are called Shao Hong Kong South Street and Shao Hong Kong North Street respectively.
The residential areas of Shaogang retain much of their Ming and Qing dynasty style. A gentle river flows, and stone embankments are studded among the stone embankments. Among the connected houses, ancient alleys lead from the river in front to the fields in the back, with winding paths leading through. Along Gao Street in the north, there are the Li Family Lane, the Small Lane, and the Ni Family Lane. In the south, there is the Fenbang Lane.
The "Gang" in Shao Hong Kong has two meanings: one is the street, the other is the river port. Long ago, this area was inhabited by the wealthy. Therefore, a distinctive feature of the buildings in Shao Hong Kong is their exceptionally high thresholds, over a foot high, made of a single piece of stone.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: XiTang Town, Keqiao District, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, China (浙江省绍兴市柯桥区西塘镇)

  • History: XiTang ShaoXiangGang is a traditional area in XiTang famous for its local street food, particularly baked and roasted delicacies that have been passed down through generations. The area reflects the culinary heritage of the region.

  • Architecture: The surrounding buildings are traditional water-town style: whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, narrow alleys, stone bridges, and canals. The streetscape blends historic charm with local food culture.

  • Cultural Value: The area represents Shaoxing’s food culture, showcasing authentic local flavors, street food practices, and communal dining traditions. It’s a cultural hotspot for both locals and tourists.

  • Other Information: XiTang ShaoXiangGang is a lively area especially in the evening. Visitors can explore small food stalls, watch local chefs prepare dishes, and enjoy canal-side views. It is also close to other XiTang scenic spots.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • Ticket Price: Free to enter; food prices vary by stall (typically 5–50 CNY per item)

  • Best Photo Spots: Canals with bridges
    Evening street food stalls with lanterns
    Narrow alleys with traditional water-town buildings

  • Time Reference: 1–2 hours for a food tour; longer if combining sightseeing

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: XiTang Jinji Hotel (西塘锦绮酒店)
    Mid-range: XiTang Water Town Inn (西塘水乡客栈)
    Budget & Boutique: Local guesthouses along the canal (西塘民宿)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Roast duck wings (烤鸭翅)
    Glutinous rice dumplings (粽子)
    Grilled river shrimp (烤河虾)
    Famous Spots: XiTang ShaoXiangGang Food Street (西塘烧香港美食街), local canal-side stalls

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Local preserved foods (酱菜)
    Shaoxing rice wine (绍兴黄酒)
    Handmade crafts from the water town
    Traditional snacks and pastries

Transportation

  • By Bus: Take local buses to XiTang Town (西塘镇) from Shaoxing or Hangzhou; walk to ShaoXiangGang food street
    By Taxi: Directly from Shaoxing city center or nearby train station
    By Car: Parking available at town entrances; walk through the alleys to the food street

Nearby Attractions

  • XiTang Old Town (西塘古镇) – ~0.5 km, walk along canals
    Night Canal Show (夜游西塘) – ~0.7 km, reachable by foot
    Traditional Water Bridges – ~1 km, walking along the streets

Tips for Visitors

  • Visit in the evening for the best street food experience
    Carry cash for small food stalls
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking on stone streets
    Try small portions at multiple stalls to sample more dishes
    Respect local residents and maintain cleanliness

Recommended itineraries

  • D1: XiTang ShaoXiangGang → XiTang Old Town (西塘古镇) → Night Canal Show (夜游西塘)
    Transportation: Walk along canals between locations
  • D1: Morning: XiTang Ancient Streets → Afternoon: XiTang ShaoXiangGang Food Street → Evening: Canal-side photography
    Transportation: Walk or short taxi rides
  • D1–D2: Day 1: XiTang ShaoXiangGang → XiTang Old Town → XiTang Temple (西塘寺)
    Day 2: Nearby riverside villages and local markets
    Transportation: Walking and local shuttle buses

User Reviews

By Yan Niu |

Shao Hong Kong is named after the river that runs from Lujia Bridge to Wufu Bridge. The streets along the north and south banks of the river are called Shao Hong Kong South Street, collectively known as Shao Hong Kong Street. South Street is 222 meters long and 2-4 meters wide, while North Street is 256 meters long and 2-8 meters wide. North Street houses the Shengtang Temple, and beyond Wufu Bridge are the Fuyuan Temple and Dongyue Temple. Burning incense was once very popular.

By Yu Hao |

Cross Anjing Bridge to Lujia Bridge, and the east-west river under the bridge is Shao Hong Kong.

By Sumi eating dragon fruit |

Shao Hong Kong is named after the river that runs between Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge. The streets along the north and south banks of the harbour are known as Shao Hong Kong South Street, collectively known as Shao Hong Kong Street. South Street is 222 meters long and 2-4 meters wide, while North Street is 256 meters long and 2-8 meters wide. North Street houses the Shengtang Temple, and beyond Wufu Bridge, the Fuyuan Temple and Dongyue Temple. In the past, burning incense was very popular. The residential areas of Shao Hong Kong largely retain the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A gentle river flows, and stone embankments are embedded in the stone embankments. Among the connected houses, ancient alleys connect the river in front and the fields in the back, with winding paths leading through the middle. Along the north side of the harbour are the Li Family Lane, the Small Lane, and the Ni Family Lane. To the south of the harbour lies Fenbang Lane. Shao Hong Kong was the earliest prosperous center of Xitang Ancient Town. The word "gang" in Shao Hong Kong has two meanings: the street and the river port. Long ago, it was the residence of the wealthy. Therefore, the buildings in Shao Hong Kong have a distinctive feature: the thresholds here are particularly high, more than one foot high, and are made of whole stones.

By 11 |

Small bridges, flowing water, and houses, a great place to take photos and check in

By pale |

It's just an interesting name, so I come here for a visit when there are few tourists.

By Passenger Journey |

Everyone who comes to Xitang will come here, you can take a look.

By Silent Valley Facing the Wind |

Shao Hong Kong is a branch of the eastern Xitang River. Its North and South Streets are the main tourist areas in eastern Xitang. The Ming and Qing Woodcarving Museum (Yuqing Hall), the Shengtang, the Ni Residence, and the Wufu Bridge are all located on either side of this short branch. The name "Shao Hong Kong" comes from the many temples that once attracted people to burn incense and make wishes. Today, only the Shengtang appears to remain.

By zhm_jinan |

It's a quiet little street, it's nice to walk around if you have time

By Xiaofeng |

Shaogang is the oldest prosperous center of Xitang Ancient Town. The word "gang" in Shaogang's name has two meanings: one is the street, and the other is the river port. Long ago, it was a place where wealthy people lived. Therefore, a distinctive feature of the buildings in Shaogang is the unusually high thresholds, more than a foot high, made of a single piece of stone. Traveling from Shanghai to Shaogang, Xitang, Jiaxing is also very affordable.

By C^H_E^N |

The Jiangnan water town is unique and worth a visit.

By A person as quiet as a chrysanthemum |

It's OK. Xitang is relatively quiet if it's not the weekend.

By Look around |

I visited Xitang on a road trip in April 2008. Back then, it was still a relatively newly developed old town, with buildings beginning to take shape, few tourists, and simple folk customs. In early spring, with the warmth and blossoms, the town seemed even more tranquil and elegant when I woke up early in the morning, strolling through the streets before the tourists arrived. Walking through the narrow bluestone-paved alleys in the rain, the faint fragrance of rapeseed flowers wafting through the damp air, I was deeply captivated by this ancient town.



Here are the photos I took at that time. You can see how much it has changed.

By Wang Yucheng |

Only half of the street is inside the scenic area, and the other half is outside the scenic area. It is very primitive in the early morning.

By World Peace |

The residential houses in Shaogang basically retain the style of Ming and Qing Dynasties. There is a small river flowing slowly, and stone river piers are inlaid in the stone embankments. Among the continuous houses, there are ancient alleys leading to the river in front and the fields in the back, with winding paths in the middle leading to secluded places.

By Xiaomi |

The scenery is nice, not crowded, and the hotel is relatively cheaper than in the center!

By |

Shao Hong Kong is named after the river that runs from Lujia Bridge to Wufu Bridge. The streets along the north and south banks of the river are called Shao Hong Kong South Street, collectively known as Shao Hong Kong Street. South Street is 222 meters long and 2-4 meters wide, while North Street is 256 meters long and 2-8 meters wide. North Street houses the Shengtang Temple, and beyond Wufu Bridge are the Fuyuan Temple and Dongyue Temple. Burning incense was once a popular activity.



The residential areas of Shaogang retain much of their Ming and Qing dynasty style. A gentle river flows, and stone embankments are studded among the stone embankments. Among the houses, ancient alleys connect the river in front and the fields in the back, with winding paths leading to secluded areas. Along Gao Street in the north, there are the Li Family Lane, the Small Lane, and the Ni Family Lane. In the south, there is the Fenbang Lane.



Shaogang is the oldest prosperous center of Xitang Ancient Town. The "gang" in Shaogang's name has two meanings: one is the street, and the other is the river port. Long ago, it was a place where wealthy people lived. Therefore, a distinctive feature of the buildings in Shaogang is the unusually high thresholds, over a foot high, made of a single piece of stone. Traveling from Shanghai to Shaogang, Xitang, Jiaxing, is also very affordable.

By Josh |

During the day, this place has a very Jiangnan style and you can take a look.

By FFFFFF |

The name "Shao Hong Kong" comes from the numerous temples along the river. Devotees would come here by boat to burn incense, hence the name. Even during the day, when it's bustling with tourists, this area is relatively quiet. If I have the chance to visit again, I'll definitely stay here.

By Young |

Shao Hong Kong is the earliest prosperous center of Xitang Ancient Town. Shao Hong Kong is named after the river between Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge. The streets on the north and south banks of the river are called Shao Hong Kong North Street and South Street, collectively known as Shao Hong Kong.

By LErick |

It was a prosperous commercial area in ancient times, but now it is located between the core scenic area and the exit. It is slightly quieter than the bar street, and you can still see local women washing clothes.

By mumu |

Shao Hong Kong is considered the center of Xitang. There are ancient buildings on both sides of the river here, and the greenery is also very good. There are two rows of willow trees by the river, which is very artistic.

By Mr. Jiajia |

I don't have any particular experience, and it feels very commercialized, but as a northerner, I can still appreciate the feeling of small bridges, flowing water, and people. The night view is beautiful. Before I went, I thought it would be convenient to stay in the bar street, but when I got there, I realized it's a small place and it's convenient to stay anywhere. Don't stay in the bar street, it's very noisy at night~~~

By Lazy Cat |

Shao Hong Kong is the earliest prosperous center of Xitang Ancient Town. The word "Gang" in Shao Hong Kong has two meanings: one is the street, and the other is the river port. Long ago, it was where the rich lived. Therefore, the buildings in Shao Hong Kong have a distinctive feature: the threshold here is particularly high, more than one foot, and is made of a whole stone.

By hyacinth! |

Shao Hong Kong is named after the river between Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge. The streets on the north and south banks of the harbor are therefore called Shao Hong Kong South Street, collectively known as Shao Hong Kong Street.

By Qinhuai River bank, lights dim |

There are many great bars here, all kinds of them, anyway, come here and relax

By On the river bank |

Shao Hong Kong is a port on the side of Xitang, with many small shops and cultural attractions. It is not crowded, and there are some cultural attractions here.

By Taoyuan Valley Master |

The ferry crossing where people burned incense in ancient times has now become a rare quiet place in the Xitang scenic area.

By HONG |

Shao Hong Kong is located in Xitang. Shao Hong Kong is not a port, but one of the oldest streets in Xitang Town.

By Zhao Huoding |

Shao Hong Kong is the earliest prosperous center of Xitang Ancient Town. Shao Hong Kong is named after the river between Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge. The streets on the north and south banks of the river are called Shao Hong Kong North Street and South Street, collectively known as Shao Hong Kong.

By Flowers are not flowers |

At first glance, the name is a bit confusing. After reading the introduction, I learned that Shao Hong Kong is named after the river between Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge.

By Dong Muyingxue_Drlent |

Very good, very good, it really fits the feeling of Jiangnan. I dreamed of Xitang when I was a child, and now it has finally come true

By Huh? You called me? |

The river between Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge is called Shao Hong Kong. Compared with other scenic spots in Xitang, there are very few people here. It is nice to walk quietly.

By Water Water |

In any small restaurant, choose a table by the window, watch the cruise ships outside the window, and you will feel relaxed both physically and mentally.

By Lei Zi |

In fact, for Xitang, or many scenic spots, you really need luck. You can experience the mood of the misty Jiangnan water town in the drizzle, or feel the bright sunshine after the rain. Please automatically ignore the factors of large crowds.

By Seven-fold Buddha's Grace |

Shao Hong Kong is named after the river that runs from Lujia Bridge to Wufu Bridge. The streets along the north and south banks of the harbour are known as Shao Hong Kong South Street, collectively known as Shao Hong Kong Street. The residential buildings in Shao Hong Kong largely retain the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and are said to have been the residence of the wealthiest people. Shao Hong Kong boasts a quaint history and delightful scenery. While not as bustling as the Misty Corridor, it offers a tranquil retreat, offering a relaxing break and a cup of tea.

By Caterpillar 🐛 |

It's ok, just an average ancient town. The good thing is that it is free to enter after 4:30 pm.

By slowly |

This image is not very deep, it's very blurry!

By Heart is far away |

Beautiful, very nice environment. Beautiful, very nice environment.

By ben021005 |

Burning Hong Kong has nothing to do with Hong Kong. More accurately, it's a place to burn incense. It's said that there were many temples on both sides of the river in the past, so people came here to burn incense. Nearby are attractions such as Wufu Bridge, the Holy Church, and the Ming and Qing Woodcarving Museum, which you can stroll around and enjoy. The old houses, with their white walls gone, are all mottled with traces. The small river, wooden boats, and old bridges are full of the atmosphere of small town life.

By Mulan |

The whole Xitang feels very good. The bustling places have their own bustling flavor, and the quiet places have their own quiet flavor.

By anjella_w |

It has the characteristics of a water town, is a very lively place, and is also a key scenic spot.

By Playful Sagittarius |

An alley in the corner of Xitang, no special impression

By Coffee Afternoon Tea |

Burning Hong Kong is located in Xitang Scenic Area. Because of this special name, I was also surprised at first, but after looking at the origin of the name on the wall, I know that many people came here by boat to burn incense, and the place where they got off the boat was a port, so it was named "Burning Hong Kong".

By Grass on the horizon |

I've forgotten what it's like here. But overall it's good.

By sushi0451 |

The name is strange, but it is actually a small alley. You can stop by and take a look.

By Master's Ring |

All locations are the same, but all locations are beautiful.

By Rabbit Xiaobai |

Shao Hong Kong is named after the river, and the streets on the north and south banks of the port are called Shao Hong Kong South Street and Shao Hong Kong North Street respectively.

The residential areas of Shaogang retain much of their Ming and Qing dynasty style. A gentle river flows, and stone embankments are studded among the stone embankments. Among the connected houses, ancient alleys lead from the river in front to the fields in the back, with winding paths leading through. Along Gao Street in the north, there are the Li Family Lane, the Small Lane, and the Ni Family Lane. In the south, there is the Fenbang Lane.

The "Gang" in Shao Hong Kong has two meanings: one is the street, the other is the river port. Long ago, this area was inhabited by the wealthy. Therefore, a distinctive feature of the buildings in Shao Hong Kong is their exceptionally high thresholds, over a foot high, made of a single piece of stone.

By Outstanding achievements in Kuaiji |

The beauty of Xitang can be summed up in three words: quiet, peaceful and elegant.

By sinco |

The hotel we booked was right here. Since it was so close to the edge, there weren't many tourists. We put down our luggage at the hotel, took a shower, and then went over here to play. When we came back around 9pm, the light wasn't very good either.

By Lorina |

This is an entrance to the Xitang Scenic Area, where you can easily take pictures of the beautiful scenery.

By LXL-Small |

When we were walking around, there were not many people here. There were willow trees along the river. When we were tired, we sat there to enjoy the cool air. It was super comfortable.

By Cici |

Hong Kong is not very interesting during the day, but it will be very lively at night.

By Shaomai Prince |

The temple is located here. There are generally fewer tourists here than in the western scenic area. It is quite comfortable to drink tea in the teahouse and enjoy the river view.

By Cythia |

The small bridge, the flowing water, and the houses by the water, I really like this peaceful feeling.

By Happy |

The scenery of Xitang is very good, it feels like a poem and a picture.

By Forever |

A small street behind the commercial street, full of hostels

By 521 |

Xitang is really beautiful. I visited other ancient towns later, but none of them were more natural than Xitang.

By Elk |

There are relatively fewer tourists here. It was raining when I went there, so there were even fewer tourists. Compared with other busy alleys, this place is suitable for walking slowly and strolling. It is a small street for relaxing.

By You lead the way, I'll follow |

Shao Hong Kong is the earliest commercial center of Xitang. It was very prosperous in the past, but now it has been replaced by the Misty Corridor and Bar Street, so there are fewer tourists than other places. You can come and have a look, it has a unique charm.

By Sunflowers also love rainy days |

I can’t remember clearly, there are too many small attractions in the ancient town.

By Sea breeze boat |

Shaogang Harbor is located southeast of Xitang Ancient Town. Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge are located on the harbor, and Ni's residence and Shuiyang Tower are located on both sides of the harbor. The harbor is home to many floating plants, which, because they are confined within a certain range, appear to add a touch of greenery.

By Bird |

You can only take pictures here at night, there is nothing to see during the day

By gm |

The winding river flows through the ancient town, and there are quite a lot of small boats. You can actually get on and off the boats at the steps along the river.

By I travel at my own pace |

Shao Hong Kong is a quieter area in Xitang, lined with quaint residential buildings, untouched by the commercial atmosphere. The quiet streets, rarely seen without tourists, offer a truly authentic waterside town experience. In late October, the swaying green willows along the riverbank create a truly beautiful scene.

By Han Yu Carol.F |

It feels like the quietest area in Xitang, the scenery is relatively neat and clean. It also seems to be relatively new.

By Never miss Z |

The crisscrossing waterways outline the lifeline of the Jiangnan water towns, and it is these ever-flowing waterways that sustain the people of these water towns.

By Mars User |

Shao Hong Kong is located between Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge, and has many preserved local buildings.

By He Yi Mi Huo_Eva |

They are all small attractions in Xitang Ancient Town, which are relatively famous. So if you visit carefully, you can still walk to them. After all, Xitang is not very big.

By Walker |

The scenery is nice, but it will be very crowded during holidays. If you want to take pictures, it is best to go early in the morning...

By Benny the Wanderer |

In Xitang Ancient Town, you can walk around and find something interesting, just like this Shao Hong Kong...

By That summer, encounter |

Live near Shao Hong Kong, there are many unique inns

By Smile. |

Shao Hong Kong is the earliest prosperous center of Xitang Ancient Town. Shao Hong Kong is named after the river between Lujia Bridge and Wufu Bridge. The streets on the north and south banks of the river are called Shao Hong Kong North Street and South Street, collectively known as Shao Hong Kong.

By traveler |

Free to wander around, there are some places to eat breakfast


The attractions mentioned in the left itinerary


More attractions in XiTang


Popular attractions in Zhejiang

Top attractions in Hangzhou

Top attractions in Jinhua

Top attractions in Lin'an

Top attractions in Lishui

Top attractions in Nanxun

Top attractions in Ningbo

Top attractions in Quzhou

Top attractions in Shaoxing

Top attractions in Shengsi

Top attractions in Taizhou

Top attractions in Wenzhou

Top attractions in WuZhen

Top attractions in XiTang

Top attractions in Zhoushan