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Fengjing Ancient Town offers a variety of activities such as exploring its historic streets, visiting ancient architecture like traditional bridges and temples, and taking boat rides along the waterways. Don’t miss the local museums that showcase the region's cultural heritage.
Fengjing Ancient Town is located in Jinshan District, Shanghai, in the southwest corner of the city, bordering Zhejiang Province. Historically, it straddles the borders of Wu and Yue, earning it the nickname "Famous Town of Wu and Yue." Established as a city in the Song Dynasty and a town in the Yuan Dynasty, Fengjing boasts a history of over 1,500 years and is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient water towns in Shanghai.
Fengjing Ancient Town is a typical Jiangnan water town, boasting numerous bridges, temples, celebrities, and alleyways. The town is crisscrossed by a network of canals, including a T-shaped, vertical river. Looking toward the river on each of the three sides, you'll see three bridges, and nine bridges on each. It's known as "two bridges every three steps, ten harbors in one glance," and there are over fifty bridges.
The town, with its many small towns resembling lotus leaves, has 29 neighborhoods and 84 lanes. Well-preserved historical buildings still stand on Heping Street, Shengchan Street, Beida Street, and Youhao Street. The town is shaded by trees, with houses standing side by side. Clear streams flow rapidly, and lotus flowers abound. Its elegant beauty is why it is also known as "Qingfengjing," "Fengxi," and "Furong Town."
Suitable for all seasons, the temperature is most comfortable in spring and autumn, and there are lantern riddles and traditional water village wedding performances in winter.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Combined ticket: 50 yuan/person (including tickets for 10 attractions)
Fengjing Painting Hunting: 80 yuan/person, China Farmers Painting Village: 30 yuan/person
May-October: 8:00-17:00
November-April: 8:00-16:30
Fengjing Ancient Town is a well-preserved traditional water town in Shanghai, with a history that dates back over 1,500 years. It has been an important cultural and economic center, known for its waterways, historic architecture, and local customs.
Fengjing is located in the southwestern part of Shanghai. You can reach it by taking a taxi or bus from the city center (approximately 40 kilometers away). The nearest metro station is in the nearby Qingpu District, from where a bus or taxi will take you to Fengjing.
Fengjing Ancient Town is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild. Avoid weekends and holidays if you prefer to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee to Fengjing Ancient Town is typically around ¥30-¥50. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local online platforms for a discounted price.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, unless visiting during major holidays or weekends when it can get crowded. Booking 1-2 days in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons.
It typically takes around 2-4 hours to fully explore Fengjing Ancient Town, depending on your pace and interest in the cultural sites.
Highlights include:
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer services in English. Audio guides in multiple languages are also available at the entrance.
The best photography spots include:
Start by exploring the town center, then take a boat ride through the canals. Visit key historical landmarks such as the old temples and traditional residences. Finish with a stop at the museum for more insight into the town’s history.
Fengjing Ancient Town does not have regular night visits or light shows. However, some cultural events and special tours may be organized during festivals or special occasions. It’s best to check local schedules ahead of your visit.
Fengjing Ancient Town can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon.
Facilities include public toilets, small food stalls offering local snacks, and rest areas. There are also souvenir shops selling traditional crafts and goods from the area.
Fengjing Ancient Town is mostly accessible to elderly and children, though some parts may be difficult to navigate due to cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. Disabled visitors may face some challenges due to the town’s historical layout.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used, especially in shops and food stalls.
There are several local restaurants serving Zhejiang cuisine inside and around Fengjing, offering dishes like freshwater fish, tofu, and local snacks. A few cafes are also available for a relaxing break.
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially dishes made with tofu and vegetables. Halal options may be limited, but some restaurants may accommodate special dietary requests if informed in advance.
There are several small hotels and guesthouses in the Fengjing area. For more luxurious options, you can stay in the nearby Qingpu District, which offers a range of accommodations from budget to high-end.
Nearby attractions include:
There are souvenir shops selling traditional handicrafts, local tea, and small trinkets such as hand-carved wooden items and traditional silk products.
After visiting Fengjing, taxis or buses are the best options to continue your trip. You can also take a metro from Qingpu District to connect to other parts of Shanghai.
