one thing i don't see mentioned is that if you're landing late and the bus is done, the metro to hangzhou east still works but the last high-speed train to shaoxing north is usually around 10pm ish, so check the 12306 app before you commit to that route. i got stuck at hangzhou east at 10:30 once thinking i could just grab a late train and nothing was running, had to take a didi from there which was like 70 yuan extra and still quicker than a taxi from the airport tbh.

also the bus drop-off at shaoxing coach station is on renmin road, which is fine but if you're heading to the area around the old city wall or the moat, it's a solid 20 min walk with bags. the metro line 1 from shaoxing north drops you at chengdong or chengnan stations which are way closer to most hotels and the lu xun故居 area.

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The guide mentions the metro-train combo but doesn't really talk about how convenient the Shaoxing Metro Line 1 is once you're in the city. It runs right through the main commercial areas like Jiefang Road and the pedestrian street, so if your hotel is anywhere near those stops, you can skip taxis for your whole trip. A single ride is around 2-4 yuan depending on distance, and the stations have English signs and announcements.

One thing I'd add about the bus is that the coach station can get chaotic during Chinese holidays, like National Day week or Spring Festival. I've seen the queue for tickets stretch out the door and wait times hit two hours. If you're traveling during those periods, the Didi is worth the extra money just to skip that mess.

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fwiw the metro-train combo is actually better than it sounds if you're traveling light. the transfer at Hangzhou East is pretty smooth, just follow the signs for the high-speed rail and you'll be on a train in like 10 mins. i did it last month with a backpack and it was under 1.5 hours total, including the wait.

one thing the guide didn't mention is that the airport bus can get really crowded on weekends and holidays, like standing room only sometimes. if you're arriving on a friday evening i'd skip it and just grab a taxi from the official line, the extra cost is worth not fighting for a seat after a long flight.

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the guide's right about yinhe livehouse but heads up, they don't always have shows every night so check their wechat before heading over. if there's nothing on, the blue note bar on jiefang road does a solid acoustic set thursdays through saturdays, starts around 9 pm and they let you bring in street food from the skewer stall next door. also the sky bar at the marriott is nice but drinks are closer to 100 rmb minimum, not 80, and the view's better on a clear night when you can see the pagoda lit up across the river

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Nice guide, covers the basics well. One thing I'd add is that the canal-side bars around Cangqiao Straight Street close earlier than you'd think, a lot of them are winding down by 11 PM on weekdays. If you're out late, skip the Old Town and head to the New District spots like Sky Bar, they stay open closer to 1 AM and the crowd is more laid back.

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Honestly this guide is pretty solid, I've lived here three years and it nails the main spots. One thing it misses is that Cangqiao Straight Street gets absolutely packed on Friday nights, so if you want a seat at Hidden Alley Bar without waiting 40 minutes, show up before 7:30. Also, the Canal View Bar near East Lake is great but their menu is tiny, like maybe 8 drinks total, so don't expect variety. For a quieter alternative that's still central, try the little rooftop spot above the dumpling shop on Xianheng Road, no sign, just stairs, they do a killer local baijiu cocktail for 35 RMB.

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