Explore a charming route that features nostalgic old alleys, elegant historic gardens, and serene temples surrounded by ancient city walls. This journey blends history, culture, and tranquility, offering a memorable day of exploration and discovery.

Zhuanghang Old Street

Location: Yixin Street, Zhuanghang town

The 1.2-kilometer-long Zhuanghang Old Street is a Jiangnan-style water-town thoroughfare lined with well-preserved buildings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Its historic streets, tranquil river, and beautifully preserved architecture have earned it a place among Shanghai's 44 historic and cultural heritage zones, reflecting the city's rich and diverse past.

Qingxi Old Street

Location: Middle Qingcun Street, Qingcun town

The 1,300-meter-long Qingxi Old Street features picturesque bridges, traditional Jiangnan-style architecture, and scenic views with white walls and gray tiles along the riverbanks. Beyond its historical treasures, Qingxi Old Street offers a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. Visitors can unwind at cozy book cafes or explore celebrity studios, enjoying a unique fusion of rustic allure and contemporary artistry.

Shen Family Garden

Location: No 502 Middle Jiefang Road, Nanqiao town

Contact: 021-5718-5330

Once the private garden of local detective Shen Menglian (1874-1940), also known as Shen Baoyi, this 1920s estate spans 24 mu (1.6 hectares) and stands as a hallmark of Haipai (Shanghai-style) garden residences, blending Chinese traditions with Greco-Roman architectural styles. As Fengxian's only fully preserved garden over a century old, it invites visitors to experience a peaceful retreat steeped in history.

Wanfo Pavilion in Fengcheng town

Location: No 9 Wanfoge Road, Fengcheng town

Contact: 021-5752-2936

The Wanfo Pavilion, also known as the "ten thousand Buddhas pavilion", is a 600-year-old temple dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The complex includes the main pavilion, a bell tower, and a drum tower, offering a tranquil retreat amid ginkgo trees, the sound of echoing bells, and a serene atmosphere. It also houses a preserved section of a city wall built during the Ming Dynasty and stands as one of Shanghai's most significant nunneries.

Donghai Guanyin Temple

Location: No 999 Jinhuitang Road

Contact: 021-5712-3999

Donghai Guanyin Temple in Shanghai was built by the sea, with surrounding architecture resembling a traditional shipyard. This design symbolizes the compassion of Avalokitesvara (better-known as Guanyin in Chinese) in ferrying all beings safely to salvation.

Eryan Temple

Location: No 1749 Shanghai-Hangzhou Highway, Nanqiao town

Contact: 021-6710-1277

Eryan Temple was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).  It once enshrined a majestic, two-meter-high Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara statue, intricately carved from centenarian camphor wood. In 1993, amid urban renovation in Nanqiao town, the temple was relocated and merged with Zhangweng Temple to form today's Eryan Temple.

Source: Fengxian district government