Keyan Scenic Area

What are the most recommended things to do in Keyan Scenic Area?

Explore the stunning natural landscape with its unique rock formations and lush greenery.
Visit the historic temples and cultural sites located within the scenic area.
Take a boat ride along the waterways that weave through the scenic area.
Photography of the panoramic views, especially from elevated viewpoints.
Hike along the trails that offer peaceful surroundings and beautiful views.

Introducing Keyan Scenic Area

The Keyan Scenic Area is located approximately eight kilometers west of Shaoxing City, nestled against Keshan Mountain to the north and bordering Jianhu Lake to the south. Drawing on the millennium-old Yue culture, the scenic area showcases Shaoxing's unique cultural heritage, including stone culture, water culture, bridge culture, wine culture, opera culture, celebrity culture, and folk culture. It is a long-standing traditional tourist destination in Shaoxing.

The entire scenic area includes four major scenic areas: Keyan, Jianhu, Luzhen and Xianglin. Generally speaking, people will choose to visit the first three scenic areas. The first three scenic areas can only be reached by taking a ferry.

The mysterious "cloud bones" in the Keyan Scenic Area are top-heavy, less than a meter thick at their thinnest point, and have stood for a thousand years. Alternatively, go boating on Jianhu Lake and see Shaoxing's stone bridges and ancient towpaths left behind by immortals. Luzhen Town recreates scenes from Lu Xun's novels, showcasing Jiangnan water towns with gray walls and black tiles—you might even run into Ah Q or Xianglin's Wife. The Xianglin Scenic Area is a vast expanse of cassava, and the osmanthus cakes there are worth trying.

Climate and best time to travel

Shaoxing has distinct four seasons, with mild and humid weather, making it suitable for tourism year-round. However, the summers are hotter and the winters are colder, so try to avoid these two seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Lu Town

Based on the typical environment of "Lu Town" that appears many times in Lu Xun's works, the Lu Town Scenic Area combines Lu Xun's works such as "The True Story of Ah Q", "Blessings", and "Diary of a Madman" with the traditional culture of Shaoxing, and uses Yue culture as its background to fully display Shaoxing Water Street Ancient Town.

Jianhu Lake

Four scenic spots are located here, including the Eastern Han Dynasty Flute Pavilion, the Nanyang Autumn Boat Ride, the Five Bridges Moonlight Walk, and the Huluzui Island. Together with the Keyan Scenic Area, the landscape blends harmoniously, with the rocks and lake complementing each other. Jianhu Lake is Shaoxing's "Mother Lake," and its unique beauty is so captivating that the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai wrote: "The waters of Jinghu Lake are like the moon, and the women of Yexi River are like snow."

Keyan

Keyan is renowned for its rock formations, but this beauty wasn't created by nature. Keshan's rock is of high quality, and strips and slabs of stone flow endlessly from here. Beginning during the Three Kingdoms period, when Wei, Shu, and Wu ruled, Keshan became a renowned quarry for over 400 years. Despite its vast size, Keshan was largely quarried away. "Sheer cliffs tower a thousand feet, shrouded in mist," with its diverse rock formations, caves, and cliffs, Keshan has gradually transformed from a turbulent quarry into a truly spectacular destination.

Recommended play time: half a day

Tickets

Keyan Scenic Area + Jianhu Lake + Luzhen Scenic Area + Painted Boat Ticket Package: 1,115 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

Winter: 8:00-16:30

Summer: 7:30-17:00

Most Popular FAQs for Keyan Scenic Area

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Keyan Scenic Area is a historically and culturally significant site, known for its picturesque natural beauty, ancient rock formations, and religious temples. It has been a key location for local spirituality and a popular tourist destination for its natural and cultural heritage.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China.
By taxi: Easily accessible by taxi from Shaoxing city center.
By bus: Local buses from Shaoxing to the scenic area.
Walking: If staying nearby, walking is a pleasant option to enjoy the surrounding environment.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Best times: Spring and autumn for mild weather and clear views.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is typically around 50–80 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local tourism websites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is generally recommended during peak tourist seasons or public holidays, typically 1–2 days ahead.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–3 hours to explore the main trails and viewpoints.
4–5 hours if visiting the temples and taking a boat ride.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The rock formations and cliffs that make the landscape unique.
Ancient temples such as the Keyan Temple within the scenic area.
The tranquil waterways for a relaxing boat ride.
Viewpoints that offer excellent photo opportunities.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides in Chinese are available at the entrance, and English guides can be arranged upon request.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

From the top of Keyan Mountain, offering panoramic views of the area.
Near the boat docks, capturing the serene water and rock formations.
The temple courtyards and surrounding nature for cultural shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start from the entrance and explore the main trail leading to the top of the mountain.
Visit the temples and take time to relax by the waterways.
Finish with a boat ride or a short hike through the more peaceful trails.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special cultural events may occur during certain festivals.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It can get crowded during weekends and public holidays.
The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly outside of school holidays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Rest areas along the trails and near the entrance.
Toilets are available at the entrance and key stops within the scenic area.
Small food stalls and shops near the entrance selling snacks and souvenirs.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

While some areas of the scenic area may be challenging due to uneven terrain, the main paths are accessible for elderly and children. Disabled visitors may find some parts of the area less accessible, but there are easier walking paths near the entrance.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Cash is still useful for smaller food stalls or local shops.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Local restaurants near the entrance offering regional Shaoxing cuisine.
Cafes and small eateries in Shaoxing city for a wider variety of meals.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants. Halal food may be harder to find but can be available at specific locations in Shaoxing city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Guesthouses and boutique hotels near the scenic area.
Mid-range hotels in Shaoxing city for more amenities and city access.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

The ancient city of Shaoxing, known for its canals and historic architecture.
East Lake for a peaceful nature experience.
Other scenic areas in Zhejiang, such as Xianxia Mountain or Thousand Islands Lake.