A group of expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Brazil, and several other countries and regions recently visited Lianhu village in Jinze town, Qingpu district.

The excursion formed part of the "Uncover The City, Embrace The Countryside" series, which introduces global visitors to rural tourism and the distinctive culture of Shanghai's Qingpu district, allowing them to experience life as "new villagers" for a day.

The group immersed themselves in the area's intangible cultural heritage, learning traditional tie-dye techniques and crafting snow skin mooncakes. They also embraced the tranquility of nature as they kayaked through the serene waters and explored the enchanting landscapes of Qingxi Country Park.

Jinze town, with its breathtaking scenery, boasts a history spanning over 1,300 years. Known as the "first bridge town in the Jiangnan region", this ancient settlement has thrived thanks to its intricate waterways. The town's picturesque river network and scattered lakes shine like jewels in this idyllic setting.

For Beatriz Galeazzi of Brazil, it was her first visit to Qingpu, and she was immediately captivated. The vibrant scene of the rice harvest left a lasting impression on her, while the experience of making snow skin mooncakes was equally refreshing.

Qingpu district is rich in water resources, with nearly one-fifth of its area covered by rivers and lakes. It is home to 1,936 rivers stretching a combined 2,411 kilometers, as well as all 23 of Shanghai's natural lakes. The area around Dianshan Lake is being developed into a world-class lake zone, offering an array of water activities for locals and tourists alike.

Harvey Charles from the UK shared his excitement after kayaking for the first time in Shanghai. He described the experience as extraordinary, with the scenic beauty along the route being particularly striking.

Sources: WeChat account of Jinze town government, Qingpu district government