Shanghai Autumn Escape | A Healing Homestay Hidden in Xinchang Ancient Town

Shanghai's autumn always carries a gentle, unhurried charm. For those who wish to avoid the bustling city crowds, diving into Xinchang Ancient Town in Pudong might just be the perfect retreat—and unexpectedly, I stumbled upon the hidden gem that is "Chunli Homestay"!

The moment I pushed open the wooden door, I felt instantly healed: the courtyard was filled with the sweet scent of osmanthus flowers, string lights hung under the wooden eaves, and the autumn sunlight filtered through the latticework, casting patterns on the stone slabs. Even the breeze seemed to slow down.

We chose a room with a small balcony, where the view opened up to golden rice fields. In the afternoon, I nestled in a rattan chair with a cup of tea, watching an elderly lady downstairs leisurely drying vegetables. It felt as if I had stepped into the slow-paced life of old Shanghai. By evening, sitting on the balcony enjoying the autumn breeze, I watched the sunset paint the rooftops in golden-red hues—every snapshot was like a "Jiangnan Autumn Exclusive" masterpiece.

The most delightful surprise was the attention to detail in the homestay! The bedding was as soft as clouds, and at night, wrapped in the quilt, I fell asleep to the sound of chirping insects, sleeping even better than at home. Breakfast was a bowl of freshly made Yangchun noodles by the owner, topped with a handful of scallions and served with a freshly fried egg—warming both the stomach and the heart.

During the day, you can join the hostess for a stroll around the ancient town. The morning market offers freshly baked flatbread, while the afternoon can be spent sipping tea at a century-old teahouse, watching boats glide under stone bridges. You might even discover a hidden roasted chestnut stall in a corner, filling your day with autumnal bliss. By evening, returning to the homestay, you can gather in the living room with other guests, brewing tea by the stove and sharing travel stories.

In autumn, there's no need to fixate on the Bund or Wukang Road. Come to Xinchang Ancient Town and stay at Chunli Homestay. Watching the curling smoke from chimneys and smelling the floating osmanthus fragrance—that's the true relaxation autumn should bring.

Post by 椿鯉民宿 | Oct 28, 2025