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.

Get in

By Train

Yuyao Train 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.

Get around

Taxis and pedicabs (rickshaws) are available in the well-trafficked parts of town. Pedicab rates are negotiable whereas taxis typically are metered (though rates may be negotiated upfront in some cases).

Understand

Language

Like most Chinese cities, Yuyao has it's 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)

Beggars

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.

See

• Dragon Spring Hill (龙泉山) - a wooded hill in the center of Yuyao with parks, walking paths, and a view of the city from atop
• Museum of Yuyao (余姚博物馆) - a museum at the foot of Dragon Spring Hill detailing the history of Yuyao and showcasing cultural relics recovered from the city and surrounding area
• Hemudu Site Museum [1] - over 6,000 cultural relics from the region's Neolithic Hemudu culture. Closed for renovation until Spring 2009

Eat

• 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.

Drink

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.

Sleep

Splurge

• Grand Pacific Hotel - a five-star hotel in downtown Yuyao [2]

• Plaza Hotel Yuyao - another five-star hotel, also located in downtown Yuyao [3]

Stay safe

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.

Get out

Outline