Located in the southeastern part of Jinshan district in Shanghai, Zhangyan Ancient Town, formerly known as Chisongli or Liuxi, is a historic town that offers a glimpse into Shanghai's rich history and beauty.

In ancient times, local officials built 18 weirs along the east-west line of Zhangyan to prevent the area north of Zhangyan from being flooded. Zhangjingyan, one of these weirs, played a significant role in the town's development, leading to the town being known as Zhangjingyan, which was later shortened to Zhangyan.

Renowned for its strategic location, robust transportation network, and thriving commercial activities, Zhangyan was hailed as the "first town South of the Huangpu River" by later generations.

The town's layout, with its intricate network of waterways, brings people close to the natural world. Zhangyan boasts 29 small and narrow lanes, characterized by compact architectural styles that feature numerous quaint courtyards and public spaces. Four well-preserved groups of Ming and Qing dynasty (1368-1911) buildings, such as the Nanshe Memorial Hall complex, offer a glimpse into the town's prosperous past.

Recognized as one of China's famous towns with a unique history and culture, Zhangyan Ancient Town preserves its heritage across a historical and cultural block covering 41.39 hectares, with a core protection area of 11.8 hectares.

Recommended attractions in Zhangyan

• Shanghai Nanshe Memorial Hall (Yao Guang's Former Residence)

Located at No 130 Xinjian Road, Yao Guang's Former Residence is a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) structure next to the Zhangjing River. It serves as the foundation for the Shanghai Nanshe Memorial Hall, commemorating the historical figures associated with Nanshe, a prominent revolutionary literary society. Visitors can explore the enduring spirit of Nanshe through historical artifacts and exhibits.

• Lu Family Ancestral Hall (Shanghai Overseas Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Institute)

Located at No 65 Xinjian Road, the Lu Family Ancestral Hall is a Qing Dynasty building that now houses the Shanghai Overseas Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Institute. This elegant space serves as a platform for promoting and preserving Chinese culture through art exhibitions and cultural exchanges.

• Zoumalou Building of the Chen Family

The Zoumalou Building of the Chen Family, located at No 26 Zheng'an Road, is a historic wooden structure with interconnected upper corridors. Zoumalou, which literally means "horse-walking building", is a style of Hakka residential building that features interconnecting upper corridors. It is so spacious that one can even ride a horse freely inside, hence the name Zoumalou. It is also a historic building that once housed the first branch of the Communist Party of China in then-Jinshan county.

• Dayin Bookstore (Zhangyan Middle School Dormitory)

Originally a dormitory for Zhangyan Middle School, the Dayin Bookstore offers a serene reading environment within a historic setting. Renovated to blend Shanghai's modern historical architecture with social elements, the bookstore provides a tranquil space for book lovers to explore and relax.

Sources: Jinshan district administration of culture and tourism, WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Center, Office of Shanghai Chronicles