Xinchang Ancient Town (新场古镇) is a picturesque water town located in the southern outskirts of Shanghai, China. With a history of over 1,300 years, it is one of the oldest and most well-preserved ancient towns in the region. The town is surrounded by water on three sides and is known for its charming canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. Visitors can stroll along the narrow alleys and admire the old buildings and temples, or take a boat ride along the waterways to experience the town’s unique charm.
Xinchang Ancient Town is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Xinchang Confucius Temple, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Xinchang Ancient Opera Stage, where traditional Chinese opera performances are held. The town is also known for its delicious local cuisine, particularly its freshwater fish dishes.
Despite its proximity to Shanghai, Xinchang Ancient Town offers a peaceful and nostalgic escape from the bustling city, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- History of Xinchang Ancient Town
- Highlights of Xinchang Ancient Town
- Vlog about Xinchang Ancient TOwn
- Popular Snacks in Xinchang Ancient Town
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Ancient Towns in Shanghai
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | Free; Combined ticket for the attractions: 28 RMB |
| Opening Hours | The town is accessible 24 hours, but most attractions operate from 9.30 to 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-021-58170650 |
Location and Transportation
Xinchang Ancient Town is located in the southern part of Shanghai, China, specifically in the Pudong District. It is about 35 kilometers away from the city center and can be easily accessed by car, bus or metro.
Bus: Take bus 628 or 1068, get off at Xinchang Stop, and the town will be to your east.
Metro: The nearest metro station to Xinchang Ancient Town is Xinchang on line 16. After getting out of the station, the town is about 2 kilometers away to the south. You can take a taxi, bus, or walk there.
History of Xinchang Ancient Town
Xinchang Ancient Town has a rich history that dates back over 1,300 years. It was originally established in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) as a small fishing village located at the confluence of two rivers, the Huangpu and the Dazhi. The town gradually grew in importance as a commercial and transportation hub, serving as a key stop on the Grand Canal trade route that connected northern China with the south.
During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, Xinchang Ancient Town prospered as a center of trade and commerce, with many merchants and wealthy families settling in the area. The town’s strategic location on the waterways also made it an important military stronghold, and it played a significant role in defending Shanghai from foreign invaders during the Opium Wars of the 19th century.
Today, Xinchang Ancient Town remains a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its rich history, cultural heritage, and traditional way of life.
Highlights of Xinchang Ancient Town
Shen’s Residence
Shen’s Residence is a well-preserved private residence located in Xinchang Ancient Town, Shanghai. Built in the late Qing Dynasty, the residence belonged to a wealthy merchant family and features traditional Chinese architecture with intricate wooden carvings and beautiful courtyards. Visitors can explore the various rooms of the residence, including the reception hall, tea room, and bedrooms, and admire the intricate details of the decorations and furnishings. The residence also houses a collection of historic artifacts and photographs that offer insight into the daily life of a wealthy family in ancient China.
Stone Bridges and Canals
Xinchang Ancient Town in Shanghai is famous for its beautiful stone bridges and canals. The town is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Huangpu and the dazhi, and has a long history as a transportation hub and commercial center. The stone bridges and canals were built to facilitate transportation and trade and have become iconic features of the town’s landscape. Visitors can stroll along the banks of the canals and admire the traditional architecture of the buildings that line them. The waterways can also be explored by boat, offering a unique and peaceful way to experience the town’s charm and character.
Local Cuisine
Xinchang Ancient Town in Shanghai is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, particularly its freshwater fish dishes. The town’s location at the confluence of two rivers provides an abundance of fresh fish, which is a staple ingredient in many local dishes. Visitors can try a variety of traditional dishes at the town’s many restaurants and food stalls, including braised fish, shrimp dumplings, and tofu soup. Other popular dishes include stewed pork with preserved vegetables, rice cakes, and crab meat soup.
Xinchang Ancient Opera Stage
Xinchang Ancient Opera Stage has been in operation for over 300 years and is one of the oldest and most well-preserved traditional Chinese opera stages in the region. The theater features traditional Chinese architecture with red pillars, a curved roof, and ornate decorations. Visitors can watch live performances of Chinese opera and learn about the history and culture of this traditional art form. The performances often include colorful costumes, music, and acrobatic movements, providing an immersive experience for audiences.
Jiangnan First Tea House
Jiangnan First Tea House is a traditional Chinese establishment that serves a variety of teas and snacks, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors. The building itself is a historic structure that dates back to the Qing Dynasty and features traditional Chinese architecture with beautiful wooden carvings and ornate decorations. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cozy private rooms or take part in a tea ceremony to learn about the art of tea-making.
Xinchang Confucius Temple
Xinchang Confucius Temple is dedicated to Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher, and educator, and is one of the oldest and most well-preserved Confucian temples in the region. It features traditional Chinese architecture with red walls and a curved roof, and houses a collection of historic artifacts, including ancient books, calligraphy, and paintings. Visitors can learn about the life and teachings of Confucius and explore the various halls and courtyards of the temple.
Vlog about Xinchang Ancient TOwn
Popular Snacks in Xinchang Ancient Town
Here’s an introduction to the popular snacks in Xinchang Ancient Town:
| Snack | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wang’s Begonia Cake (王记海棠糕) | Freshly made begonia cakes filled with rich red bean paste, featuring a crisp, sweet caramelized exterior. A must-try treat with a great texture. | 395 Xinchang Street |
| Kung Fu Drunken Goose (功夫醉鹅) | This dish of drunken goose is highly recommended for its irresistible aroma and delicious taste. The goose is flavorful and well-prepared. | 418 Xinchang Street |
| Jiang San Stinky Tofu (蒋三臭豆腐) | A popular spot for stinky tofu with a distinctive aroma and flavor. Thickly cut and served with soul sauce. Be cautious of its hot temperature. | 371 Xinchang Street |
| Bamboo Shoot Dumplings (笋丁烧麦) | These dumplings are filled with meat and bamboo shoots, offering a juicy and flavorful experience. They come in both raw and cooked options. | Various locations |
| Chicken Juice Tofu and Rice Rolls (鸡汁豆花➕肠粉) | Served next to the stinky tofu shop, this dish features a flavorful chicken broth and fresh tofu without any off-putting odor. The rice rolls are also worth trying. | Near the stinky tofu shop |
| Meat Zongzi (大肉粽) | Enjoyable meat-filled zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) available from various vendors in Xinchang Ancient Town. They are generally priced around 8-9 yuan each. | Various locations |
Tip: Xinchang Street is divided into northern and southern areas. The northern part is more popular and frequently visited, while the southern area is more residential with slightly lower prices and fewer people.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Avoid Visiting in Winter Evenings: It’s advisable not to visit Xinchang Ancient Town during winter evenings as many shops may be closed, and the lights along the riverbanks might not be illuminated.
Variety of Snacks: Xinchang Ancient Town offers a wider variety of snacks compared to Qibao Ancient Town. A must-try specialty here is the chicken broth tofu pudding.
Limited Public Facilities: Be prepared for limited public facilities, especially restroom facilities, which can be quite small and may involve long queues.
Recommended Route: Start your exploration from Hongfu Bridge and enter the ancient town. Walk along Xinchang Street, visit places like Xijiating (a historic house) and teahouses, and then head to ancient bridges and wells. The entire route takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
It’s recommended to park near Nanshan Ancient Temple and then take a small path into the ancient town. There are signposts along the way. Some shops may be closed on weekdays. You can walk from a quiet area to a lively one and then back to the tranquility. The braised duck and chicken soup with tofu pudding are absolutely delicious. Highly recommended!
Xinchang Ancient Town is truly perfect for eating and drinking. It’s hard to believe this is in Shanghai. It has a charming vibe reminiscent of Suzhou and Hangzhou. I love the chicken soup and tofu pudding (鸡汤豆花) here!
Xinchang Ancient Town boasts an abundance of historical architecture. The commercialization here is not as severe, and it features a unique character of its own. In the northern section, there are plenty of snacks available: Chicken Soup Douhua (鸡汤豆花), Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐), Begonia Cake (海棠饼), and Grass Cake (草头饼) among others. In the middle section, you’ll find a large area filled with various clothing shops and second-hand book stalls. The southern section has newer buildings, which host many artistic cafés,… Read more »
You can choose to watch the sunrise or sunset by the riverside or on the bridge in the ancient town. In the early morning, the sunlight spills over the water, creating a sparkling effect, and the ancient town gradually awakens, filled with vitality; in the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun reflects off the white walls and black tiles, casting a warm golden hue over the entire ancient town, making it exceptionally beautiful.
After returning from Xitang Ancient Town, I soon visited Xinchang Ancient Town and found that I still prefer the authentic atmosphere of such traditional towns. Since Xinchang is not particularly famous, there are fewer commercialized attractions, allowing the town to maintain its original flavor. I was fortunate to encounter some elderly residents performing music, which added a vibrant touch to the tranquil setting. It was delightful to witness the seniors enjoying their lives with such enthusiasm and creativity, which made… Read more »
The weather was nice on Saturday, so I decided to visit the XinChang Ancient Town. It was drizzling a bit when I set out, but it cleared up later and became sunny. The journey went smoothly, although it was a bit humid. This time I tried Zhangji Chicken Soup Tofu Pudding that I didn’t get to try last time. It was incredibly delicious!
I arrived in the evening and took the subway before taking a taxi to a Home Inn near the ancient town. I took a walk in the ancient town first. The night view of the ancient town was sparse, indeed not commercialized. I visited a coffee shop called “一期一会Yiqi Yihui” which closes at 10 p.m. on Sundays. There weren’t many people on a Sunday night, making it very comfortable and cozy. I plan to come back during the day to… Read more »
Xinchang Ancient Town is not big; you can probably explore it in about three hours. However, it can get quite crowded, feeling like a festival or holiday, so be cautious when visiting during those times! Overall, although it may not be as charming as the ancient towns in Suzhou, it’s still quite nice. There’s a strong sense of tradition, and it’s not too far from downtown Shanghai. It’s suitable for locals in Shanghai to come for a weekend getaway. Half… Read more »