Step back in time at Shanghai's Fengjing Ancient Town, a national 4A scenic spot in the Jinshan District with roots dating back over 1,500 years. Often called the Southwest Gateway of Shanghai, this water town straddles the historic Wu-Yue border and offers a living tapestry of canals, cobbled lanes and centuries-old architecture.
Here, more than 52 stone bridges arch over winding waterways, including the 700-year-old Zhihe Bridge from the Yuan dynasty. Along the banks, well-preserved Ming-Qing homes showcase intricate wood carvings, while local workshops teach the art of Jinshan peasant painting – a folk tradition that earned Fengjing its title as the Home of Chinese Folk Painting.
As Shanghai prepares to welcome the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) from November 5 to 10, Fengjing provides a serene counterpoint to the city's global trade spotlight. Visitors can swap conference halls for lantern-lit sampan rides, and swap business cards for brush strokes at a studio where newcomers learn the peasant painting style in just hours.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and digital nomads, Fengjing is more than a photo backdrop. It's a reminder that innovation often grows from roots as deep as these canals. Whether you're roaming the town on foot, sampling local tofu treats or sketching a bridge silhouette, this ancient enclave invites you to discover Shanghai's past and spark ideas for its future in the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
