Head to Qingpu for wood-fired baking at its best
From rustic loaves to crisp-crusted pizzas, these four Qingpu destinations share one thing in common: wood-fired ovens that produce exceptional baked goods. Discover which one becomes your new favorite.
Dongli Xiaoyuan
Upon entering Dongli Xiaoyuan, warm lighting and the inviting glow of the oven create an atmosphere that feels like a serene escape. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto expansive views, making it an ideal spot to linger over coffee, enjoy a date, or spend a laid-back afternoon with children.
At the heart of the space is a traditional brick oven extending 6.5 meters in depth. Fired with fruitwood, it reaches over 400 degrees, sealing in moisture the moment bread is placed inside. The result is a distinct smoky aroma and a subtle hint of wood-fired flavor.
The menu focuses on additive-free hearth breads, handmade pizzas, imported beers, European-style roasts, salads, and sandwiches. Minimal seasoning allows the ingredients to speak for themselves, offering a taste of rustic simplicity that is evident in every bite.
If you go: Room 1039, Building 2, No 41 Alley 6186, Zhufeng Highway, Liantang town
Hepan Yanshe
Hepan Yanshe has introduced a new spring menu featuring traditional Chinese desserts, wood-fired breads, and creative house-made drinks.
The real draw is the aroma drifting out of the brick oven in the courtyard. Naturally leavened dough rises slowly under heat, emerging with a thin, crisp crust and a soft, honeyed interior.
The shop also offers three signature sweet soups with nine toppings to choose from, allowing guests to create their own perfect bowl. Paired with a fresh loaf straight from the oven, the interplay of wheat and gentle sweetness is hard to resist.
If you go: No 266 and 268, Hemu village, Zhaoxiang town
Cangye Space
Hidden in a rural setting, Cangye Space captures the laid-back spirit of Linjia village. Housed in a converted old warehouse, the venue carries a rustic charm of its own. Walls built from stacked timber and a rough-textured, slow-smoking stove exude a distinctly vintage vibe.
Inside, a massive wood-fired oven at 300 degrees fills the room with the inviting scent of baguettes, ciabatta, and scones.
The pizzas here are a standout. The crust, crafted with a carefully developed technique, emerges thin and crisp with a subtle smokiness. Topped with freshly made tomato sauce and quality cheese, each slice delivers a pure blend of simple, high-quality ingredients. Paired with a well-made latte, it offers a satisfying experience for both the palate and the eye.
If you go: No 72-3 Nima, Linjia village, Zhujiajiao town
Mo Farm
Mo Farm blends agritourism, hands-on activities, local crafts, and leisure, offering more than enough to fill an entire day.
One of the most popular experiences here is the DIY pizza session using a traditional earthen oven. The clay oven heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, and within minutes, the aroma of wheat and melted cheese fills the air.
From kneading and topping to shaping and baking, the entire process is hands-on and family-friendly. The finished pizza emerges with a crisp crust and a hint of smoky char, topped with mushrooms freshly picked from the farm. It is a simple pleasure, made all the more satisfying by having prepared it yourself.
If you go: No 56 Fangxi, Fangxia village, Zhaoxiang town
Sources: WeChat account of Qingpu district administration of culture and tourism at "qptour", shops mentioned above
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