Explore Songjiang district in Shanghai with this tailored guide for visitors! Discover ancient relics, serene settings, and the local lifestyle in two sections.

Learn - Cultural and educational tour

Unwind - Eco-tour

Learn

Are you eager for new experiences? Then Songjiang is the place for you! Immerse yourself in a fascinating blend of ancient and modern cultures, bridging East and West for an enriching travel experience.

Destination 1: Sheshan Basilica

Sheshan Basilica, a Roman Catholic church and once the largest cathedral in the Far East, is situated atop West Sheshan Mountain, the highest peak in Shanghai, and offers breathtaking views.

What sets this church apart for cultural enthusiasts is its architecture. Constructed by French missionaries in 1871 and finalized in 1935, it harmoniously blends various architectural styles. Featuring Roman arches, Greek-style colonnades, Gothic spires, and an Israelite-style olive-shaped bell tower, it is a prime example of asymmetric architecture.

Location: Sheshan National Forest Park, No 9142 Waisongqing Highway, Songjiang district

Destination 2: Guangfulin Cultural Relic Park

If you want to find the roots of Songjiang's culture, Guangfulin is the place to start.

It's the birthplace of Songjiang culture and the largest archaeological site in Shanghai, with the most unearthed artifacts, and embodies Shanghai's thousand-year history.

Here, you'll experience Shanghai's development, witnessing its transformation from a primitive village to an international metropolis.

Click here to learn how to buy tickets.

Contact: 021-5780-0000

Location: Lane 3260 Guangfulin Road, Songjiang district

Destination 3: Fangta Garden

As an iconic representation of traditional Chinese aesthetics, Fangta Garden is the perfect place to experience China's traditional beauty up close. Centered around the Fangta Pagoda dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), a national cultural heritage site, it is often likened to an open-air museum.

Two notable historical artifacts within the garden are the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) inscription screen and the uniquely shaped He Lou Xuan teahouse, both of which hold great cultural significance. He Lou Xuan is especially renowned for its distinctive appearance, having received a UNESCO award for its architectural value.

Location: No 235 East Zhongshan Road, Songjiang district

Destination 4: Shanghai Astronomy Museum

If you have already visited the places mentioned above, why not expand your cultural exploration to the cosmos? The Shanghai Astronomy Museum, formerly the Sheshan Observatory, was built in 1900 and is one of China's oldest modern astronomical research stations. Here, you can observe Asia's largest 40 cm refractor telescope. Explore a vast collection of astronomical exhibits and delve into the history and future of space exploration.

Location: Sheshan town, Songjiang district

Ticket price: 12 yuan ($1.65)

Unwind

Guangfulin's cultural site reflects Shanghai's evolution from a collection of villages to a global city. Amid the city's rapid development, why not take a breather and reconnect with nature at these three serene locales in Songjiang?

Destination 1: Sheshan National Forest Park

Sheshan, the highest mountain in Shanghai, offers a panoramic view of the city.

Picture yourself entering Sheshan National Forest Park, breathing in the fresh, clean air, away from your computer screen, surrounded by lush trees. Let nature rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

As you ascend, you'll eventually reach the summit, where the splendid Sheshan Basilica stands — an architectural wonder that will surely astound you.

If you're fortunate enough to witness the sunset, you'll see Songjiang bathed in a warm afterglow.

Destination 2: Zuibaichi Park

One of Shanghai's five major classical gardens, Zuibaichi Park is a must-see attraction.

Here, you'll experience the beauty of classical Chinese gardens, where nature and architecture dance in perfect harmony.

It is like a poem in motion — featuring stone bridges, lawns, ponds, calligraphy, and archways.

Source: WeChat account of Songjiang district administration of culture and tourism