'''Yuyao''' (_]_L) 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 (_]_L__?__) has regular service to and from Ningbo, Hangzhou, and other Chinese cities. 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''' (?___R) - a wooded hill in the center of Yuyao with parks, walking paths, and a view of the city from atop
  • '''Museum of Yuyao''' (_]_L____?) - 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''' [http://www.hemudusite.com] - over 6,000 cultural relics from the region's Neolithic Hemudu culture. Closed for renovation until Spring 2009
  • Do

    Buy

    Eat

    Drink

    The '''Tongji Bridge Area''' (__??__) 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

    Budget

    Splurge

  • '''Grand Pacific Hotel''' - a five-star hotel in downtown Yuyao [http://www.nbpacific.com/english/index2.htm]
  • '''Plaza Hotel Yuyao''' - another five-star hotel, also located in downtown Yuyao [http://www.chinahotels.net/yuyao/plaza-hotel-yuyao.html]
  • 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.

    Contact

    Get out