Xishi Yan: beauty's cliff and crystal-clear river
Xishi Yan Village (西施岩村) is a picturesque spot in Shengzhou County (Shaoxing), named after the legendary beauty Xi Shi. According to legend, after the fall of the Wu kingdom, she hid from pursuers in a cave by a huge cliff, where you can still see impressions resembling her hairpin, comb, and bowl.
What awaits you: You will stroll through the village with its stone houses, see the legendary cliff and cave, swim in the crystal-clear Xiaowu Creek (小乌溪), which locals call the "glass river" for its transparency, and you can trek to the swaying rock Yaolingyan (摇铃岩) — a unique natural feature that makes a melodic ringing sound when rocked.
Attractions
What to expect
- Meeting and transfer — we will pick you up from Xinzhuang metro station in Shanghai and head to Shengzhou County (嵊州), Shaoxing prefecture-level city.
- Xishi Yan legendary cliff — you will see the huge cliff where, according to legend, the beauty Xi Shi hid. Inside the cave, "imprints" of her hairpin, comb, and bowl have been preserved.
- Xiaowu Creek ("glass" river) — a walk along the crystal-clear mountain stream. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom at a depth of 3–4 meters. In summer, you can swim and cool off.
- "Shaoxing Mini Gorge" — a scenic section of the creek surrounded by mountains, which locals call the "Shaoxing Mini Gorge" for its beauty and resemblance to the famous gorge.
- Swaying rock Yaolingyan (摇铃岩) — a unique natural phenomenon: a huge rock that can be rocked and makes a bell-like ringing sound. Part of a 5-kilometer circular trekking route.
- Stone houses of the village — a walk through the village with traditional stone buildings, an old bridge, and a small coffee shop "You Tu Coffee" at the entrance.
- Picnic or lunch by the river — we will arrange a light lunch on the riverbank with local products. Fresh air, the sound of water, and mountain landscapes create the perfect atmosphere.
- Flexible itinerary — the guide will adapt the program to your interests: you can choose a relaxed walk with swimming or a full trek (5 km) to the swaying rock.
- Return to Shanghai — after a full day, we will take you back to the metro station.
- Photos and tips to remember — the guide will help with the best angles and give recommendations for further travels in China.
Sample itinerary
*Times and order may be adjusted depending on traffic and the group's pace.
| Time | Program stage | Details and what to know |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | Departure from Shanghai by car with guide. | Meeting at Xinzhuang metro station. Drive to Shengzhou County (嵊州) takes ~3.5–4 hours with one stop. |
| ~10:30 | Arrival at Xishi Yan Village. | Short stop at "You Tu Coffee", introduction to the village and its legends. |
| 10:30 - 11:30 | Visit Xishi Yan cliff and cave, walk around the village. | See the legendary cliff, the cave with Xi Shi's "imprints", old stone houses and bridge. |
| 11:30 - 13:00 | Walk along Xiaowu Creek. | Walk along the picturesque bank of the "glass" river, see the "Shaoxing Mini Gorge". Swimming possible in summer. |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Lunch on the riverbank or at a local cafe. | Try local cuisine: fresh vegetables, meat dishes, and tea from mountain plantations. |
| 14:00 - 16:00 | Trekking to the swaying rock Yaolingyan (optional). | 5-kilometer circular route to the unique rock that rings when rocked. For those who want an active experience. You can stay by the river and continue relaxing. |
| 16:00 - 16:30 | Free time, photo session, rest by the river. | Last shots with mountains and river, tea or coffee at the village cafe. |
| 16:30 | Gather and start the return trip to Shanghai. | Depart to return with a comfortable time margin. |
| ~20:30 - 21:00 | Arrival in Shanghai. | You will be taken to the metro station. |
💡 Important notes for the route:
- Alternative option – train + taxi: Depart Shanghai at 07:00, arrive at Shengzhou station (嵊州站) or Xinchang station (新昌站) around 09:00. Then taxi to Xishi Yan Village (30–40 min). This option requires prior arrangement with the taxi driver and takes more time for transfers.
- Comfortable shoes are essential: The terrain is uneven, there are wet areas near the river, and trails with stones. Non-slip footwear is recommended.
- Temperature by the river: In summer it's cool here but sunny. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and swimwear (if you plan to swim).
- Photography: Allowed everywhere. The best shots are at the cliff, on the riverbank, and during the trek to the swaying rock.
- Additional expenses: Entrance is free, only taxi (if on train option) and meals are charged.
Price & conditions
Tour price
Train + taxi
EconomyMeet at the station, help with taxi, accompaniment. Guide services for the full day.
By car
ComfortCar (sedan) with driver from Shanghai and back, all transfers according to program.
Additional expenses (paid on site)
- Entrance to village and routesfree
- Lunch (cafe or picnic)60–100¥ (~$8–14)
- Taxi from station to village (one way)~80–100¥ (~$12–15)
- Train tickets Shanghai–Shengzhou (round trip)~300¥ (~$42)
- SUP board or boat rental (optional)50¥ (~$7)
Duration
Extra services
Interesting facts about the place
Frequently Asked Questions
Important information
The stated prices are valid at the time of the offer for private individuals. The cost and availability of vehicles, interpreter and guide services may change.
Booking is made exclusively after receiving a prepayment. The conversion rate is calculated at the current Central Bank rate on the date of payment.
If a booking is cancelled less than 48 hours before the start of the event, the payment is non-refundable.
In the event of force majeure circumstances that make the execution of the tour program fully or partially impossible (national holidays, official events, etc.), the organizer reserves the right to make changes to the program and its duration.
The basic cost of services does not include and is paid additionally: entrance tickets to additional venues, meals, personal expenses and other services listed in the "Additional expenses" section.
