Looking for an authentic Chinese New Year experience? Set out on a festive journey along one of two Shanghai routes that have been featured in a national tourism route selection. The Songjiang and Jinshan itineraries are among 53 carefully curated winter routes nationwide that highlight the unique charm and traditions of spending Spring Festival in rural China.

Songjiang district

Route: Downtown Shanghai → Auspicious Rice farm → Jialyu Rainbow Farm → Guangyin Huayu B&B → Jinglingqiao village

Duration: Two days

Auspicious Rice farm

Spanning about 2,500 square meters, this farm promotes local intangible cultural heritage and farming culture through interactive experiences, and is renowned for its specialties such as Yexie soft rice cakes and Songjiang rice.

The Yexie soft rice cakes are made predominantly from Songjiang rice, the only rice product in Shanghai recognized as a national geographical indication protected product. The rice undergoes soaking, fermentation, and 16 processing steps before being shaped through sifting, filling, pressing, topping, and molding. The result is a soft, sweet cake with a distinctive texture.

Highlights: Heritage craft workshops, rice-themed accommodation, rural cuisine

Where: No 1121 Hongyang Highway, Xingda village, Yexie town

Jialyu Rainbow Farm

More than just a source of fresh produce, the farm provides immersive countryside experiences, including educational farming programs, family fruit-picking, corporate team building, camping, and picnics.

With dedicated activity zones and trained guides, visitors are encouraged to experience farming firsthand and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life.

Highlights: Fruit and vegetable picking, family activities, food tasting

Where: No 8 Sicun, North Songwei Road, Yexie town

Guangyin Huayu B&B

This popular retreat has an unusual backstory: it was transformed from a village elementary school that had been abandoned for two decades. Today, white cubic structures stand in the fields of Jinglingqiao village, resembling scattered sugar cubes from above — simple, clean, and strikingly modern.

Large terraces offer sweeping views. In the morning, soft light fills the rooms; at dusk, the sky glows with warm sunset hues. The air carries the scent of grass and earth, and the tranquil rural setting helps melt away fatigue.

Highlights: Scenic rural lodging, countryside getaway, slow-living experience

Where: No 2699 Yexin Highway, Yexie town

Jinglingqiao village

A 133-hectare flower cultivation base has transformed Jinglingqiao, a small village in Yexie town, into a distinctive floral destination.

As Spring Festival approaches, visitors can join workshops to create festive wreaths or potted arrangements using pine, holly, and other seasonal plants. They can also try traditional customs such as writing Spring Festival couplets or making window paper-cuts, soaking in a uniquely rustic Chinese New Year atmosphere.

Highlights: Flower industry, photo opportunities

Where: Jinglingqiao village, Yexie town

Jinshan district

Route: Downtown Shanghai → Fengjing Ancient Town → Jiufeng Farm → Shanghai Blooming Garden → Langxia Country Park

Duration: Two days

Fengjing Ancient Town

With a history of more than 1,000 years, this water town was once a crucial gateway to Shanghai's southwestern neighboring provinces.

Today, a stroll along its well-preserved Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasty-style streets still evokes its former prosperity.

Highlights: Ancient town history, traditional water-town weddings

Address: No 28 Alley 8588, Tingfeng Highway, Fengjing town

Jiufeng Farm

This modern smart agriculture project covers a planned area of more than 133 hectares. The farm grows hundreds of vegetable and fruit varieties, including common types as well as rare and exotic produce from around the world.

Highlights: Smart farming, agricultural education, food tasting

Where: Group 5, Shengxin village, Huandong Road Number Two, Fengjing town

Shanghai Blooming Garden

Home to over 30,000 plum trees across more than 60 varieties, the garden's plum blossoms are expected to reach their peak in mid-February, with a viewing season that lasts until early spring in March.

Highlights: Flower viewing, public science outreach, picnics, and camping

Where: No 6060 Xiujing, Daijing village, Zhujing town

Langxia Country Park

As the core area of Langxia Country Park, Langxia Ecological Garden is ideal for strolls, family outings, and is also pet-friendly.

As visitors walk along Shantang Old Street, stone-paved paths connect the white-walled, black-tiled shops adorned with red lanterns, immersing them in the festive spirit of the Year of the Horse.

Highlights: Countryside leisure, farming experiences, rural homestays, seasonal events

Where: No 9133 Caolang Highway

 

Sources: WeChat account of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism", venues mentioned above