How a secret act of rebellion became a cherished annual tradition in Shaoxing

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Beneath the surface of Shaoxing's modern, thriving economy lies a centuries-old ritual born from fear. What began as a clandestine way to mourn fallen martyrs under the oppressive rule of the Yuan dynasty has evolved into a celebrated cultural heritage, immortalized by the famous writer Lu Xun.

Shaoxing, a prefecture-level city in Zhejiang province, boasts a history stretching back 2,500 years. While today it is a manufacturing powerhouse known for textiles and electronics, its cultural identity is deeply rooted in the Yue region. Ancient legends link the area to Yu the Great, the founder of the Xia dynasty, whose mausoleum remains a significant site. By the 5th century BC, King Goujian of Yue established a capital here, commissioning his advisor Fan Li to build a major fortification. The city was officially named Shaoxing in 1131 AD, during the Southern Song dynasty, taking its name from Emperor Gaozong’s reign period, which signifies a resurgence to prosperity.

The city is perhaps most famous for its unique folk custom, Zhufu, or the 'worshipping of the God of Blessing.' Originating during the Yuan dynasty, this ceremony was a clever deception used by Han citizens to mourn the lost Southern Song dynasty and its martyrs, such as Emperor Huaizong and the scholar-general Wen Tianxiang. Because the Mongolian ruling class treated the Han harshly, locals disguised their political grief as a prayer for a good harvest. The ritual, which involves incense, wine, and specific taboos, was eventually stripped of its political urgency, becoming a conventional way to offer thanks and pray for future blessings.

Shaoxing’s influence has historically extended far beyond its borders. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was notorious for a network of native sons who dominated the government bureaucracy. These 'Shaoxing masters' served as indispensable legal advisers to officials, helping them navigate the complex Qing legal code. Today, the city maintains this legacy of intellectual and cultural prominence, preserved through sites like the Lu Xun Native Place and the Orchid Pavilion, where Wang Xizhi’s famous calligraphy was written in 353 AD. Whether through its world-renowned rice wine or its modern role as a hub for international sports like the U-23 Baseball World Cup, Shaoxing remains a vital intersection of ancient tradition and contemporary growth.

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