Yuyao

Yuyao (余姚) is a city in Zhejiang Province, China. Though off the beaten path for most tourists, the city is a prosperous economic center with a history that stretches back thousands of years.

Yuyao Railway Station (余姚火车站) offers regular service to and from Ningbo, Hangzhou, and other Chinese cities via conventional and CRH train. Tickets must be purchased in person from the train station ticket counter.

• 30.0568121.1571 Yuyao Railway Station (余姚火车站) (Yuyao Station), 车站路1号 (在余姚市中心，在车站路上). 06:00-23:00. Yuyao Railway Station is a railway station in Fengshan Subdistrict, Yuyao, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. It is located on the Xiao–Ningbo railway and serves conventional passenger trains and intercity services.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 30.1008121.1642 Yuyao North Railway Station (余姚北站), Wuxing village,Fengshan Subdistrict (on the Hangzhou-Ningbo highway). Yuyao North Railway Station is the main high-speed railway station serving Yuyao. It is on the Hangzhou–Ningbo high-speed railway, with services to Ningbo, Hangzhou, Shanghai and other cities in the region.  (updated Sep 2026)

The nearest major airport is “Ningbo Lishe International Airport”(NGB),approximately 36 km east of Yuyao. The airport is connected to Yuyao by highway. “Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport” (HGH) is another option for travellers arriving by air. From the airport, travellers can continue to Yuyao by train or road.

Taxis and pedicabs (rickshaws) can be found in downtown areas. Pedicab fares are negotiable, while taxis generally run on meters, though fares may be agreed in advance in some situations. Local buses and taxis are good choices for urban sightseeing, and self-driving is recommended for visiting the scattered scenic spots across Siming Mountain.

Like most Chinese cities, Yuyao has its own dialect, a language similar to Shanghainese called Yuyaohua. Being able to speak a few words of Yuyao's dialect (something not even expected of Chinese from outside the city) will go a long way towards impressing the locals.

Below are a few useful Yuyaohua terms:

• nongho - hello
• zeiwei - goodbye
• yaya nong - thank you
• zao zong ho - good morning
• wo teng vi deng - I don't understand (what was said)

Yuyao enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate featuring high relative humidity and distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, so plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening. July is the hottest month and January the coldest. The annual precipitation averages 1,300–1,400 mm.

Like much of urban China, beggars are present in Yuyao. Most if not all are professionals who work a particular territory and pay a cut of their earnings to a boss. Some will sit on the sidewalk and beg while others will chase after their targets and attempt to pester them into handing over money. Ignoring the latter type and walking swiftly away is usually the best course of action.

Yuyao boasts a time-honoured history as one of the cradles of ancient Chinese civilisation. It is home to the dating back about 7,000 years, where early settlers developed rice farming and built stilt houses, proving the Yangtze River basin had brilliant prehistoric civilisation. Yuyao County was established in the Qin Dynasty, with a recorded administrative history of over 2,200 years. The city nurtured numerous great thinkers including and , earning it the reputation of a land of scholars. In 1985, Yuyao was upgraded from a county to a county-level city under the administration of Ningbo.

• 30.05178121.160381 Longquan Temple (龙泉寺), No. 114 North Binjiang Road, Yangming Subdistrict (south side of Longquan Mountain, N Binjiang Rd). 06:00-17:00. Longquan Temple is a historic Buddhist temple on the southern slope of Longquan Mountain in central Yuyao. Founded in 336, the temple has a history of more than 1,600 years. The surviving complex includes the Mahavira Hall, western side hall and Guanyin Pavilion. The temple is also associated with Yuyao's historical and cultural heritage. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 30.0478121.15072 Yuyao Museum (余姚博物馆), Laoximen Road (west of Longquan Mountain). 08:30–17:00 (May 1 – September 30, last admission 16:30); 09:00–16:30 (October 1 – April 30, last admission 16:00). Closed on Mondays except public holidays.. Yuyao Museum presents the history and cultural heritage of Yuyao and the surrounding Ningbo region. It is located in the historic central area of the city. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.9621121.34943 Hemudu Site Museum (河姆渡遗址博物馆), Lushan Temple Village, Hemudu Town, ☏ +86 574 62963731. 08:30-17:00 (April-October); 08:30-16:30 (November-March). The Hemudu Site Museum presents archaeological discoveries from the Hemudu Neolithic culture, including pottery, rice remains, wooden structures and other artifacts. The site is associated with a Neolithic culture dating back about 7,000 years. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.9349121.07484 Siming Lake (四明湖), Siming Lake, Liangnong Town (near Shizi Mountain). Open 24 hours. Siming Lake is a large lake surrounded by hills in Liangnong Town. It is known for its mountain scenery, lakeside landscapes and natural environment. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.7472121.10115 Lizhou Village (梨洲村), Lizhou Village, Simingshan Town. Open 24 hours. Lizhou Village is a mountain village in Simingshan Town. Visitors can walk through the village and enjoy the surrounding mountain and rural scenery. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.7487121.09576 Siming Mountain National Forest Park (四明山国家森林公园), Simingshan Town (southern Yuyao). 08:30-17:00. Siming Mountain National Forest Park is a large forested mountain area in southern Yuyao. The park features forests, streams, valleys, waterfalls and mountain scenery. ¥50 for adults; ¥25 discounted ticket. Free entry for children under 1.2 m, seniors aged 70 and above, military personnel and people with disabilities with valid ID.CNY.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.8138121.11067 Danshan Chishui Scenic Area (丹山赤水), Shilin Village, Dalan Town, ☏ +86 574 6233 2222. 08:00–17:00 (April 1 – November 30, last admission 17:00);08:30–16:30 (December 1 – March 31, last admission 16:30). Danshan Chishui is a mountain scenic area in Dalan Town. The area features red rock formations, streams, waterfalls, mountain paths and traditional rural scenery. ¥65 for adults. Discounted tickets for students, seniors. Free entry for children under 1.2 m and seniors aged 70 and above with valid ID.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 30.0071121.17648 Tianxia Yuyuan (天下玉苑), No.85 Shanwang North Road, Dayin Town (south side of Longquan Mountain, near the Yao River). 08:00-17:00. Tianxia Yuyuan is a landscaped scenic area in Dayin Town. It combines gardens, water features, traditional architecture and exhibits related to jade culture. ¥60 for adults; ¥30 discounted ticket for children 1.2–1.5 m, students and eligible seniors. Free entry for children under 1.2 m and seniors aged 70 and above with valid ID.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.7627121.11769 Sichuangyan (四窗岩), Dayu Village, Dalan Town (Siming Mountain area). Sichuangyan is a natural rock formation in the Siming Mountain area. The site is known for its distinctive rocks and mountain scenery. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.8718121.091510 Baishuichong Waterfall (白水冲瀑布), About 4 km south of Liangnong Town. 08:30–17:30. Baishuichong Waterfall is a natural waterfall on Baishui Mountain. Water falls from a height of about 53 meters into a pool below, surrounded by rocky mountain scenery and streams. ¥20 for adults; discounts for students and seniors. Free entry for children under 1.2 m and seniors aged 70 and above with valid ID.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 29.8002121.14311 Zhedong Jiuzhaigou (浙东九寨沟), Zhilin Village, Dayin Town, ☏ +86 574 62912555. 08:00-16:30. Zhedong Jiuzhaigou is a natural scenic area with forests, streams, pools, waterfalls and unusual rock formations. Visitors can walk along the trails beside Baiyan Creek and explore the mountain landscape. ¥50 for adults. Discounted tickets for students and seniors. Free entry for children under 1.2 m and seniors aged 70 and above with valid ID.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.7686121.11142 Arhat Valley (罗汉谷), Xida Line, Dalan Town. 08:00-17:00. Arhat Valley is a mountain valley with streams, pools, small waterfalls and forest scenery. A trail follows the valley and provides access to the surrounding natural landscape. ¥50 for adults; discounted ¥45. Free entry for children under 1.2 m and seniors aged 70 and above with valid ID.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.7574121.0873 Siming Mountain Geological Park (四明山地质公园), Dashan Village, Simingshan Town (Siming Mountain area). 08:00–16:30 (May 1 – October 31, last admission 16:00);08:30–16:00 (November 1 – April 30, last admission 15:30). Siming Mountain Geological Park is a mountain park in the Siming Mountain area. Visitors can explore its geological landscape and mountain environment on foot. ¥40 for adults. Discounted tickets for students and seniors. Free entry for children under 1.2 m and seniors aged 70 and above with valid ID.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 29.7426121.0574 Yangtian Lake Scenic Area (仰天湖), Simingshan Town (Siming Mountain area), ☏ +86 574 62340889. 08:00-17:00. Yangtian Lake is a small highland lake surrounded by mountain scenery. Visitors can walk around the lake and explore the surrounding grassland and mountain landscape. Included in the Simingshan National Forest Park ticket: ¥50 for adults, ¥25 discounted ticket. Free entry for eligible visitors with valid ID.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 30.0464121.15385 Longshan Park (龙山公园), 115 North Binjiang Road. 08:00-17:00. Longshan Park is an urban mountain park in central Yuyao. Visitors can walk along the mountain paths, enjoy views of the Yao River and Yuyao city, and explore the park's historic pavilions and cultural sites. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)

• Yuyao yangmei Festival. An anuual festival held during the yangmei harvest season. Events have included yangmei tasting, orchard visits, fruit picking activities, cultural events, and tourism promotions. The festival and related activities are held at different locations in Yuyao’s main yangmei-producing areas. (updated Oct 2026)

Yuyao is best known for its yangmei (Chinese bayberries), a local speciality harvested mainly from June to early July. Fresh Barrie’s are available during the harvest season, while processed products such as dried bayberries, bayberry pastries can make convenient souvenirs. Other local products include Liangnong dagao, a traditional rice cake, and agricultural specialties from the Siming Mountains.

Yuyao has several specialized markets serving the city’s agricultural and commercial sectors. These markets usually offer fresher local produce than supermarkets, and the prices are generally lower. It is ideal for visitors who want to explore the lives and local products of the residents.

For general shopping, Yuyao has modern shopping centres, including Wanda Plaza and China Resources Wucai City. These are options for visitors looking for everyday goods, clothing, dining and other conventional retail services.

• Yangmei, also known as Chinese bayberries, are the region's signature fruit and are ubiquitous during their growing season of June and July. As the berries spoil quickly once picked, some of the freshest selections can be had in Yuyao. Yangmei picking tours can also be arranged locally.

Yuyao’s bar scene is part of the city’s evening entertainment and social life. The local scene is generally more low-key than the nightlife of larger cities, with drinking venues forming part of a broader mix of restaurants and leisure businesses. The Tongji Bridge Area (通济桥区) serves as Yuyao's central bar district. Look for the row of traditional-looking wooden buildings along the south side of the Yaojiang River which contain numerous bars and tea houses.

Yuyao offers accommodation ranging from economical hotels to upscale properties. Staying in the central urban area is convenient for visitors who want access to the city’s main shopping areas, restaurants and transport connections. Travelers planning to explore the countryside and Siming Mountain area may prefer accommodation closer to their planned destinations.

• Grand Pacific Hotel (太平洋大酒店). A five-star hotel in downtown Yuyao 

Like most Chinese cities, violent crime in Yuyao is almost nonexistent but theft and pickpocketing is fairly prevalent. Staying vigilant in crowded areas and keeping valuables out of exterior pockets will go a long ways towards protecting your belongings.