Finding My Own ‘Peach’ Paradise in Shanghai

The concrete jungle, the bustling traffic, the demanding work in a metropolis—it all weighs you down… I always longed for that hidden paradise in my heart, where I could escape from these annoyances every weekend or holiday and savor a peaceful, leisurely slice of life. In this season when spring warmth has already awakened blossoms, I found that 'peach paradise' in Fengxian, Shanghai: Wufang.

The adorable pastel pink tones fill my long colorless vision; strolling along the field paths, nature's gentle whispers float into my ears; the sun warmly caresses my body—reading a book, sipping tea, relishing quiet village moments… Wufang embodies the idyllic life I yearn for; it has long shed its old rustic image and become a new way of living, a minimalist yet artistic new countryside. Here, everyone can find the lifestyle they aspire to.

After two months cooped up at home due to the pandemic, I could no longer resist spring’s temptation and drove here to seek its signs. Just in time for the peach blossoms in full bloom, I caught the most wonderful spring of the year.

Wufang might be unfamiliar even to many old Shanghai residents. It’s a village in Fengxian District. As one of the first villages to be renovated, it has now truly become a genuine Peach Blossom Spring. My first impression upon arriving at Wufang was vast stretches of peach orchards, the blossoms ablaze in brilliant pink. Behind the groves lies a village of white walls and black-tiled roofs. The hamlet retains the original look of its old houses but has been refurbished. Walking along its lanes, you feel the tranquility of rural life.

Beside the peach grove, the century-old Sanzhi Hall has been restored and now tells every visitor the history of Wufang, also serving as the village’s most important meeting hall.

The village isn’t large. A road circles the perimeter, taking about half an hour to stroll around. Wandering inside the village, you experience an almost otherworldly serenity. The most lively element in Wufang is its water. A dense network of waterways winds through, sometimes staying close, sometimes receding, quietly threading between fields and houses, nourishing every bit of life.

The still water mirrors the world above—years pass peacefully. A gentle breeze occasionally ripples the surface.

I chanced upon a waterway where a black-canopied boat was moored. I imagined sitting at the bow, as if hidden beside a peach grove, privately enjoying a little countryside delight.

Those stone slab paths extending into the stream—the lanes leading home—boats were once a vital means of transport in village life. Though no one rows boats here anymore, they leave space for daydreams.

Where there are rivers, there are bridges. Wufang has many bridges, each with its own character. The most famous is the footbridge, shaped like a huge Chinese character '人' (person), connecting three riverbanks. Though built later, it has become a distinctive feature of Wufang Village.

Of course, there are also bridges adorned with vintage lanterns, set against a backdrop of peach groves.

A bridge shaped uniquely like panpipes, its rippling gaps offering a glimpse into this arcadian beauty.

The village today adds a lively touch to its heritage houses. Simple watercolor paintings make every visitor sense the charm of a water town, giving each wall its own flavor. Even in future seasons when peach blossoms aren’t blooming, one can still feel their constant company.

Wooden-framed doors and windows, half-open, cannot hold back the spring, with peach blossoms peeking out.

Among the grass and flowers, thatched huts with a slightly primitive and wooden feel suddenly evoke a sense of seclusion. Unbelievably, one of them is a restroom—even the lavatory here comes with a 'peach paradise' attribute. I later learned it’s one of Shanghai’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Restrooms.

Wandering casually between countryside and fields, every spot reveals new discoveries—about life, about pastoral scenes, about flowers and plants…

The rustic farmhouses also incorporate modern architectural styles. A fully transparent sunroom, a design much loved by contemporary people, appears here even in Wufang.

During a walk, I suddenly saw an open wooden window where an elderly woman was sewing intently, instantly transporting me back to childhood scenes in Shanghai's alleyway neighborhoods, brimming with life.

As if overnight, peach blossoms blanketed the village—the most beautiful spring had arrived. Why does Wufang have so many peach trees? It’s linked to Wufang’s revitalization. The strategy here focuses on researching and cultivating yellow peaches; all these orchards are yellow peach trees. The village is also known as the 'Hometown of Chinese Yellow Peaches.' Right at the entrance, you see peach groves stretching for miles.

The pink blossoms against the plain village houses create a perfect match.

A young man in the village explained that you can even discern the planting techniques from the groves. Indeed, some orchards are neat, others a bit chaotic, which relates to cultivation methods.

Compared to cherry blossoms blooming in the same season, peach blossoms boast the loveliest color, a comfortable height, and high ornamental value. Even after rain, they don’t drop much; the viewing period lasts until around April 10th.

The village planning is excellent—not only peach blossoms but also various flowers of different colors and heights, creating rich layers of hues.

The tips of the blossoms are relatively pink, fading to almost white near the petals, with many tiny, delicate stamens, cute and dainty.

The pink isn’t heavy but just right. I originally thought the peach blossoms we admire are mostly from honey peach trees; only later did I find out that Wufang’s are all yellow peach blossoms. However, yellow peaches have a short shelf life, so once ripe, they are quickly made into cans. Speaking of canned yellow peaches, we indeed encounter them often—in cakes, desserts, everywhere. I never knew their blossoms were so lovely!

It’s best not to enter private peach orchards to admire the flowers; after all, growing peach trees isn’t easy. Also, the soil can be muddy, and there are several trees outside the orchards that should suffice for photos.

I deeply soaked in the breath of spring here, my first real intimacy with nature after the pandemic, breathing huge gulps of fresh air and admiring such beautiful peach blossoms.

I’m sure every girl dreams of taking beautiful photos here. Let me recommend a few unique Instagram-worthy spots (I discovered them myself). 1. The black-canopied boat before the peach grove. The boat is docked by the bank; adjusting the angle you can capture an elegant image as if rowing toward the blossoms. 2. The stone path on the stream. Originally a playful design in the creek, you can splash in the water, which flows at two levels here; framed by the village houses, it yields a cheerful countryside feel. 3. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the popular guesthouse. This panoramic room is the most beautiful in the guesthouse, with endless photo ops. But to take photos, you’ll need to book the room. 4. The stone slab path by the river. Those old boat docks and stone paths are perfect spots near the water now. On windless days, the lake is like a mirror, producing beautiful reflections. 5. The archway in the secret garden. With white walls and black tiles, it forms a Jiangnan-style garden painting, and I wanted to step into the picture too, becoming part of the scenery. 6. Peach blossom luck. They say taking photos here can bring you luck in love. Whether it’s true or not, I believe it anyway!

Inside simple village buildings, a 180-degree floor-to-ceiling window room lets you soak in peach blossoms from every angle. If you ask me now what it feels like to live inside a landscape, I could definitely answer.

I’ve always loved floor-to-ceiling windows for unobstructed views; now I own the entire Wufang peach grove. On the tatami seating, brew a pot of hot tea, savor the tea and the blossoms—that must be the Zen spirit.

This is Wufang’s guesthouse—Banshan Art Guesthouse. As its name suggests, it’s artistic and offers the most scenic views. Its plain exterior doesn’t limit the interior’s style; it’s the kind of seclusion modern people crave for enjoyment.

The bathroom in the scenic room also commands views; soaking while enjoying the scenery adds another layer of pleasure.

The private outdoor space has a small open-air seating area. In spring’s slightly cool breeze, during the sunniest hours around noon, it’s actually a great choice.

The overall style of the guesthouse is also appealing. On the ground floor, a wooden path runs alongside water, and the rooms on one side are fully transparent, with floor-to-ceiling glass lending a modern design aesthetic.

Don’t miss the backyard; it’s a hidden wonder. A lake, a winding bridge, small rockeries—a Jiangnan garden scene suddenly appears within the village, a delightful surprise.

I’ve always loved spring, not only for nature’s revival and myriad blossoms, but because spring brings the taste of the season. Jiangnan’s spring offers many delicacies worth trying. Though Wufang Village is small, it’s complete in all aspects. When here, you must savor Shanghai’s spring flavors.

Spring is the season for bamboo shoots; their freshness works in cold dishes, stir-fries, and soups. Above all, the crisp texture is the best gift bamboo shoots give us.

Yanduxian, a soup essential to every Shanghai household in spring, as the local saying goes, 'so fresh your eyebrows could drop!' Spring bamboo shoots slow-cooked with fresh pork and salt-cured pork in a small fire until the broth turns white and rich; the umami is irresistible. So, bamboo shoots play a starring role! Each family adds slightly different ingredients to yanduxian; besides bamboo shoots and the two types of pork, they might include tofu knots or other vegetables.

Farmhouse stir-fried greens need no introduction—pure, pollution-free leafy greens are the star here.

Diced beef with yam: beef cubes, a common dish in Jiangsu-Zhejiang cuisine, are cooked in a dark, savory-sweet sauce until caramelized on the outside and tender inside, layered in texture, paired with refreshing yam, with no greasy aftertaste.

Shanghai-style fish-fragrant eggplant, not spicy, suits Jiangnan palates.

Braised eggplant in oil, a homely dish, the eggplant’s flavor well preserved.

Mixed sea and river fish stew: a platter of fish in a dark, savory sauce, each piece a delicacy, perfect with rice.

Beyond main meals, don’t miss Wufang’s snacks. There’s a pastry called 'tabing,' found only in villages here.

Coffee is essential for modern life, and sunny seats are a must. So Wufang also has its own café. Enjoying a fragrant cup of coffee outdoors alongside blooming peach blossoms—what could be more wonderful?

Yellow peach desserts will certainly delight the ladies, and the dessert shop is the perfect spot for afternoon tea.

Wufang Village also offers many small pastries made with yellow peaches, local specialties. The rich peach flavor is my absolute favorite.

Apart from leisurely relaxation, you can also chase some excitement. On one side of the village lies an outdoor activity base, where you can play popular live-action CS and attack-and-defend archery. Curious about what attack-defend archery is? I had the same question until I tried it and instantly fell in love with this fun activity.

Like CS, it’s a team game. Wear your mask, pick up a bow, and in the arena, locate targets to shoot. It combines archery with live-action combat, highly entertaining, giving a wuxia-style combat feel. The arrows are safe, with soft tips that don’t hurt.

This game tests strength, skill, and reaction. Playing a round with friends brings endless joy.

Expansive ponds mirror the village; this is a paradise for fishing. Early in the morning, seasoned anglers are already preparing their gear by the water, ready to cast.

The pond is surrounded by picture-perfect scenery, with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Sitting in such a landscape to fish, even a long wait becomes a pleasure.

Professional anglers are impressive; with complete equipment, they catch a fish every few minutes on average. I admire that. But for average folks, patience is needed, as getting a bite isn’t easy.

Wufang Village is located in Qingcun Town, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 150 meters west of Puxing Highway. By car, navigate to 'Wufang Reception Center'; from the Middle Ring or Nanshi Elevated Road, take Puxing Highway. By metro, get off at 'Fengxian New Town' station on Line 5, then take a taxi.