The Luodian Historical and Cultural Block lies at the heart of Luodian Ancient Town, between Baoshan district and Jiading district. With a history of over 600 years, its name comes from the merchant Luo Sheng, who founded a shop in the area during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

As early as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the area had already emerged as a bustling commercial town. By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), trade of cotton and cotton cloth was flourishing, earning it the nickname "Golden Luodian".

The architecture here blends the elegance of a Jiangnan water town with the grandeur of a commercial port. Strolling through the lanes of the ancient town, one can see graceful pavilions, stately towers, and well-preserved Ming-Qing era residences, transporting visitors back to a bustling era of commerce.

On Tingqian Street, one can admire ancient bridges and historical sites, providing a serene escape from the modern world.

At Baoshan Temple, visitors can marvel at the beauty of Tang Dynasty (618-907) architecture, exemplified by the imposing exterior and a tranquil garden graced by pagodas, pavilions, and a seven-story wooden pagoda.

The traditional folk arts in Luodian Ancient Town are diverse and distinct. The Luodian Dragon Boat in particular is a true cultural treasure, integrating the crafts of shipbuilding, architecture, carving, lantern making, brocade weaving, calligraphy, painting, and embroidery.

Thanks to its long history and prosperous trade, Luodian boasts many delicacies such as fish balls, which have a smooth exterior and a tender, resilient texture.

Other delicacies include tianhua yulushuang cake, handcrafted tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), caotou tabing (fried burclove pancake), and steamed cakes.

How to get there:

Take Metro Line 7 to Meilan Lake Station.

Sources: WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Center, Office of Shanghai Chronicles