Discover Shanghai's hidden gems in Qingpu
Are you new to Shanghai and keen on discovering the city's hidden gems? This curated guide to Qingpu district is tailored to international visitors seeking a rich experience filled with ancient relics and tranquil rural escapes.
Known as the Cradle of Shanghai, Qingpu boasts a deep-rooted history and a wealth of culture. The ancient cultural sites, stone bridges, and quaint plank roads found in the old towns and villages serve as tangible reminders of the earliest inhabitants of Shanghai.
Part I: Timeless Charm
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Known as the Venice of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao retains its millennium-old charm. You can meander through Kezhi Garden, the largest manor-style garden in the ancient town, holding an oil-paper umbrella as you explore the unique Chinese-Western-style garden architecture.
Alternatively, wander through the historical buildings and uncover the Zhujiajiao Daqing Post Office, delving into its history. The town features nine streets lining the river, thousands of Ming and Qing-style old houses by the water, and 36 ancient bridges in their original state — Fangsheng Bridge, Tai'an Bridge, Ping'an Bridge, and more. Accompanied by soft melodies in Jiangnan teahouses, the old town exudes an elegant and ancient charm.
Address: No 555 Kezhi Garden Road, Zhujiajiao
Tel: 021-5924-0077
Grand View Garden
The Grand View Garden is famous as a filming location for the 1987 TV series Dream of the Red Chamber.
Its classical artistic architecture has garnered several awards, including the National Luban Award and local accolades for Best Architecture. The garden represents the artistic pinnacle of literary creation, embodying the universal human desire to reconnect with nature.
With black bricks, green tiles, crimson pavilions, carved beams, colorful stonework, and grandiose magnificence, the garden is like a dreamland in every season.
Address: No 701 Jinshang Road
Tel: 021-5926-2089
Liantang Ancient Town
Liantang Ancient Town runs along the banks of the Shihe Creek, forming two streets — Shangtang and Xiatang — with one on either side. It features a typical Jiangnan water town layout with old houses and narrow lanes. Natural waterways crisscross the town, and various traditional Jiangnan water town buildings such as temples, monasteries, churches, and guild halls are all well-preserved. The town's residents have also largely maintained their traditional way of life.
Jinze Ancient Town
Jinze, with roots dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and reaching its peak during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), boasts a collection of ancient bridges spanning the Song, Yuan, Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1911) eras, such as Puji Bridge, Ruyi Bridge, and Yingxiang Bridge. Jinze Ancient Town is known as the "Museum of Ancient Bridges" and the "Bridge Township of the Jiangnan". Be sure to visit the 700-year-old ginkgo tree in the Yihao Temple.
Part II: Nature's Haven
Oriental Land
Nestled along the picturesque Dianshan Lake, the Shanghai Teenagers Extra-Curricular Activities Campsite – Oriental Land, sprawls 373.33 hectares, featuring 16 curriculum practice areas. With over 30 activity options, including the high-altitude adventure at the Honeycomb Tower, the Fun Bridge experience, camping, barbecue, water sports, teambuilding training, and scientific exploration, the park offers a diverse range of experiences. Additionally, three resort hotels have been established on-site.
Address: No 6888 Huqingping Highway
Tel: 021-5923-3000
Lianyi Loquat Eco-Park
Lianyi Loquat Eco-Park is named for its loquat orchard, which covers an area of about 27 hectares. Its innovative rural foods are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Delight in traditional spring dishes like spring rolls with three-shredded fillings and pickled vegetable pancakes, alongside signature rural delicacies such as loquat-flavored chicken. The skilled chefs masterfully blend ingredients, infusing the unique wok flavor from firewood stoves and allowing you to savor the idyllic scenery with every bite.
Address: No 7166 Waiqingsong Highway
Catering reservations: 021-3927-0218/021-3927-0228
Accommodation reservations: 021-3927-2277/021-5971-3888
Qingxi Country Park
With crisscrossing lake shores and islands, this park is known for its unique wetland scenery and home to a variety of aquatic species, serving as a genetic repository for Shanghai's aquatic life. Admiring the dawn redwood forest in the waterpark has become a cherished tradition for Shanghai residents in late autumn and early winter. Viewed from above, the forest and water combine to form a breathtaking scene. As the season changes, the dawn redwood trees trade their green leaves for deep gold and amber shades, creating a stunning contrast under the sunlight.
Address: No 500 Zilian Road, Jinze town, Qingpu district
Tel: 021-6983-5188
Part III: Urban Oasis
Panlong Tiandi
Panlong Tiandi integrates commerce, housing, and green spaces. It has a planning area of over 500,000 square meters, including a commercial zone of 53,000 square meters and another 230,000 square meters for public green space. Panlong Tiandi revives the renowned 10 scenes of Panlong and features winding waterways, bridges over streams, and mist-covered corridor bridges.
Address: No 8 Lane 123, Panding Road
Tel: 021-6486-6486
Hemu Water Street
Hemu Water Street, a cultural gem of Hemu village, Zhaoxiang town, is enveloped by meandering waters. The riverside scenery is enchanting, complemented by simple and elegant houses. Many brand stores in the Jiangnan water-town style have found their home here.
Noteworthy establishments include the refined teahouse Yinguang Shanfang and exclusive restaurants like Hetian Mushe and Lumingyan. Relax in a small courtyard, relishing the tranquil river views by day and witnessing the river transforming into a luminous golden ribbon by night.
Address: No 195 Hemu Road, Zhaoxiang town
Part IV: Dining & Lodging
After a day of exploration, unwind at the restaurants and hotels in Qingpu. Secure your reservations through the Ctrip platform or by phone.
Dream of Taoyuan Restaurant
Dream of Taoyuan, a highly sought-after restaurant brand in Suzhou, unveiled its first Shanghai branch in Lianhu village, Jinze town, in 2024. Embracing the tagline "Coming to Taoyuan to seek old dreams", the restaurant weaves narratives of art, culture, and cuisine for its guests.
The menu features creative local-style cuisine blending diverse flavors, Suzhou-style noodles, and an array of pastries and snacks. Each delectable dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Address: No 1, Xiezhuang, Lianhu village, Jinze town
Tel: 021-5924-1188
Ahn Luh ZhuJiajiao
Located around the Ming-Dynasty Wufeng Tower and the late Qing Dynasty ancient opera stage, Ahn Luh ZhuJiajiao offers 35 townhouse villas, each boasting a panoramic courtyard view and an independent private garden. Four villas even feature private outdoor heated swimming pools.
The hotel offers an all-day restaurant offering local flavors, private dining rooms, a Chinese-style snack bar, a study, a spa, conference facilities, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Address: No 505 Zhuhu Road, Zhujiajiao town
Tel: 021-5927-1088
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake
Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake faces the picturesque Xiayang Lake. The surroundings boast a charming rural ambiance.
The hotel boasts dining options such as Feng Man Tang, renowned for its Cantonese and Huaiyang cuisines, where you can savor delicacies like liquor-soaked crabs.
Additionally, guests can visit the esteemed establishment Song He Lou to relish a bowl of delectable noodles with an array of toppings, offering a delightful culinary experience.
Moreover, the hotel offers an outdoor zoo housing adorable animals such as bunnies and black swans, making it perfect for families.
Guests can also enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea, work out at the gym, play tennis on the outdoor court, or unwind with a swim in the heated pool.
Address: No 303 Qingzhou Road
Tel: 021-2213-0000
Jingting Homestay
Jingting Homestay is located along the river in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, boasting an elegant courtyard that offers a close-up experience of water-town living.
A two-day stay at this homestay allows guests to immerse themselves in the authentic Jiangnan water-town scenery visible from their windows.
As night falls, guests can gather around the stove to brew tea with their loved ones, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Address: Lane 56, Xijing Street, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Tel: 021-3988-9696
Sources: Qingpu district government, Official website of Ahn Luh ZhuJiajiao, WeChat account of Qingpu district administration of culture and tourism
