Explore Songjiang: A Different Side of Shanghai’s Countryside (Complete 2-Day Itinerary)

What impression does Shanghai leave on you? Glamorous? Modern? Bustling? Cosmopolitan? We all have plenty of adjectives to capture the city’s old-world concession charm, but this time, I’m venturing into Shanghai’s suburbs, to Songjiang, to uncover a different face of the Magic City.

Shanghai Film Park

Today, China’s tourist attractions are more diverse than ever, from natural wonders to man-made scenic spots, offering travelers endless choices. When it comes to man-made attractions, film studios are by far the most popular—not only can you see the very sets shown on screen, you might even spot a celebrity. This has given rise to a travel trend called ‘location pilgrimage’. When people think of Chinese film studios, the first that comes to mind is Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang, the country’s largest film and TV production base, often called China’s Hollywood. But in the magic city of Shanghai, there’s also a film base that rivals Hengdian—many blockbuster Chinese movies have been shot here. It’s called Shanghai Film Park.

Shanghai Film Park is located in Chedun Town, Songjiang, a town that has grown into a ‘film town’ thanks to the studio. Founded in 1992, it’s not only one of China’s top ten film and TV bases but also a national 4A tourist attraction. Originally focused on filming services, it has evolved into a comprehensive tourist area offering sightseeing, cultural entertainment, and leisure.

Many people’s first impression of Shanghai comes from TV dramas like The Bund, Lust, Caution, or Romance in the Rain, with their scenes of the city’s concession-era glamour. Most of those iconic backdrops were filmed right here. The park recreates the streetscape of old Shanghai, faithfully restoring the architecture of the 1920s and 1930s. While it can’t match the real city’s scale, it has all the essentials—trams, Nanjing Road, the Paramount ballroom, shikumen lane houses, the Garden Bridge… a mini old Shanghai.

Aside from classic Shanghai buildings, you’ll also find a Catholic church, a medieval-style winery, German and English villas, and Spanish-style architecture. One famous spot is the Café Kaiser, where Wang Jiazhi waited for Mr. Yee in Lust, Caution. Visitors love to snap a photo sitting in her seat.

The park isn’t huge, but walking takes a while, so I recommend the electric cart for a full tour. Movie buffs, photo lovers, and anyone who adores old Shanghai will find plenty to enjoy—vintage billboards from the 1920s and 1930s, dripping with nostalgia, are hard to find in today’s urban Shanghai. As the city has rapidly modernized, many old houses and lanes have been demolished and replaced by department stores, but the film park has captured the true romance of old Shanghai. Wandering its Nanjing Road, exploring shikumen lanes, admiring the European-style buildings, or riding a vintage tram truly feels like stepping back to 1930s Shanghai.

There’s also a good chance of spotting celebrities—crews are often filming here, especially along Nanjing Road and the Garden Bridge. Check the filming schedule beforehand, and you might just see your favorite actor.

When you think of traveling to Shanghai, what springs to mind? The Bund, Yu Garden… or streets like Wukang Road and Sinan Road, filled with exotic charm? The city has a dizzying array of attractions, and amusement parks stand out. Among the classics, Shanghai Happy Valley has been loved by guests of all ages.

Shanghai Happy Valley lies within the Sheshan National Tourism Resort in Songjiang. It has seven themed zones: Sunshine Harbor, Happy Hour, Shanghai Bund, Shangri-La, Happy Ocean, Gold Mine Town, and Hurricane Bay. It’s one of the biggest amusement parks in Shanghai, so big you might not finish it in a day. When your feet get tired, hop on one of the little trains.

There are three signature roller coasters: the longest wooden coaster, Wooden Coaster-Dragon in the Valley; the tallest, Diving Coaster, the park’s highest point; and the fastest, Blue Moon Coaster. The wooden coaster and the diving coaster are the most popular. Apart from over 50 advanced rides, the park stages more than 20 dazzling shows every day.

The wooden coaster is China’s first wooden roller coaster, with a track mostly made of timber, twisting and winding like a dragon through the valley. It’s the park’s top draw, so queues are long—head straight here as soon as you enter. The diving coaster is the second tallest in China and the second tallest vertical-drop coaster in the world, climbing a 45-degree angle to 65 meters, then plunging nearly 90 degrees straight down, leaving you weightless for most of the ride—absolutely thrilling. For coasters, grab a timed entry ticket to skip the worst of the lines.

The Blue Moon Coaster, the fastest in the park, sits in the Shangri-La zone, its design full of Naxi style.

Besides rides, there are all kinds of shows, like the Bubble Carnival that was on recently. Bubble blowing is a childhood memory, but here they use props to create bubbles of all sizes, making you feel you’ve walked into a fairy tale.

Happy Valley is a playground for both the young and the young at heart. You’ll find whimsical bumper cars and carousels, but also heart-pounding rides like the Pirate Ship and Giant Frisbee—a favorite for thrill-seekers like me. Just walking past the Pirate Ship, you hear screams; those adrenaline spikes are a great stress release! Look how high the Giant Frisbee swings—daredevils, don’t miss it. All these extreme rides are in the Shanghai Bund zone, which also recreates early-20th-century Shanghai, with old shikumen buildings and neon-lit concession-era streets.

There’s also a go-kart track (extra charge) where you can feel the speed and passion. Past the track you reach Hurricane Bay, themed around a harbor ravaged by hurricane and earthquake. The star attraction is the log flume—don’t forget your raincoat or you’ll get soaked. Other rides like Perfect Storm and Cyclone are water-themed, perfect for summer cool-down.

The Shangri-La zone transports you to Yunnan’s Naxi culture, an ideal kingdom embraced by snow-capped peaks. It has four sub-themes: Himalayan Snowy Mountains, Yeti Area, Adventure Zone, and Shangri-La Botanical & Zoological Garden. What I loved most was its authentic Shangri-La atmosphere, making me feel I’d really gone to Yunnan.

Gold Mine Town is themed after a North American gold rush town from over 200 years ago, with old trains, ramshackle houses, antique mining equipment, tunnels, and derricks. It truly feels like a gold-prospecting journey. There’s a lookout tower with a panoramic view of all Happy Valley. The entire park is an ocean of fun, with rides for all ages. Each themed zone offers its own joy. Its comprehensive offerings draw throngs of visitors and make it a must-stop in Shanghai.

In the eastern coastal cities of China, terrain keeps altitudes low. Shanghai, a top-tier international metropolis, has skyscrapers taller than its hills. Do you know the highest peak in Shanghai? It’s West Sheshan, just 100.8 meters above sea level—yet it’s Shanghai’s summit. Mountains in Shanghai aren’t high; many buildings tower over them. But Sheshan holds a special place in locals’ hearts. Whether hiking for exercise or enjoying natural scenery, Sheshan is the top choice.

The Sheshan area is large, divided into East and West Sheshan. It’s Shanghai’s only natural forest resort and the city’s backyard. You can climb the trail or drive straight to the top to overlook Songjiang—dense, lush greenery. Behind Shanghai’s cosmopolitan facade lies this natural retreat.

At the peak of West Sheshan sits an observatory museum, with telescopes for stargazing and exhibits on astronomy, a wonderfully educational spot. The observatory’s rooftop terrace is also accessible—the variety show Go Fighting once filmed there. Due to pandemic measures, the observatory is currently closed.

Though West Sheshan isn’t tall, there are still steps to climb—great exercise for those who don’t get much movement. The stairway is flanked by lush woods; now in early summer, green leaves reach into the path, a refreshing green shade.

Despite its modest height, Sheshan boasts no shortage of historic sites. Halfway up stands Sheshan Bell Tower, where crowds gather during festivals to ring the bell and pray. This bell tower also appeared on Go Fighting, housing a crucial clue that left a deep impression.

On the western slope is Yueying Pagoda, a Northern Song Dynasty structure, well-preserved and rich with history. Seven stories high with eight sides, it stands about 20 meters tall, made of brick and wood. Its slender silhouette is graceful, hidden among verdant trees, standing in quiet solitude.

Sheshan’s charm lies not in height or danger, but in its spirit—it gives us urban dwellers a chance to connect with nature, to step out from steel-and-concrete fortresses and blend into natural landscapes. Among China’s famous mountains, Sheshan isn’t the most exquisite; it’s like a girl-next-door, always there to welcome you.

Along the trails, you’ll see ancient, thick pines and cypresses that have grown for centuries. These towering trees add to Sheshan’s vitality, and even in deep summer, walking beneath them feels cool and pleasant. Though barely a hundred meters high, Sheshan stands as the natural symbol of Shanghai. People working in the fast-paced city find a weekend escape here—not too far, not too near—to exercise and breathe fresh air. So, what do you think is Sheshan’s most captivating quality?

Up on Sheshan, there’s a Forest Hotel—a scattering of elegant villas that can accommodate over 160 guests. The tastefully decorated rooms offer views of the Sheshan Catholic Church and swaying bamboo. Strolling around Sheshan promises a unique holiday. Far from the urban hustle, return to tranquil nature: that’s the Sheshan Forest Hotel. Above it, ten thousand bamboo stalks; below, ancient towering trees, with murmuring waterfalls and birdsong—ideal for living and gatherings.

The villas are quite grand, usually reserved for dignitaries and leaders. Three stories high, lavishly decorated like a castle from a dream. But what truly wows are the dishes. The hotel hosts seasonal food events: bamboo shoot banquets in March–April, a cool summer month in July–August, and a rustic food festival at year-end, featuring local mountain fare. The curry beef brisket was my absolute favorite—so delicious I couldn’t stop eating. Pineapple with fresh shrimp was exquisitely fresh. The fish soup was rich and creamy. The highlight was braised pork with rice—glossy, mouthwatering chunks of red-braised pork. The value is incredible; a table for over a dozen people averages just over 60 yuan per person, rivaling Michelin-star cuisine. White-cut chicken was delicate, perfect with soy sauce or on its own. Braised eggplant was deeply flavorful. And the shredded eel in rich soy sauce was pure Shanghainese comfort food, highly recommended.

Many see Shanghai as a fast-paced city—whether at work or on the streets, there’s a sense of urgency. Yet beyond the skyscrapers, Shanghai holds a cluster of classical gardens. While Yu Garden is famous, the most poetic and historic is Zuibaichi (Drunken Bai Pond). Less well-known than Yu Garden, it has retained its purity, unlike Yu Garden’s commercialized surroundings. Zuibaichi is one of the most celebrated classical gardens south of the Yangtze, with a history of over 900 years, making it the oldest garden in Shanghai.

Located in Songjiang, not the city center, Zuibaichi covers about 5 hectares (70 mu)—more than twice the size of Yu Garden—yet admission costs just 12 yuan. The layout is intriguing: centered on a square pond, breaking with the traditional irregular pond design, somewhat reminiscent of Lingnan garden style. The eastern side features pavilions, halls, and winding corridors, creating a relatively enclosed space. The western side opens into broad woodlands, like a park, with irregular ponds and pavilions half-hidden among flowers and trees, layer upon layer.

Zuibaichi’s design blends two styles, letting you experience different southern garden moods in different areas. Despite centuries, it is well-preserved, with age-weathering marks lending historical charm. Through the classical buildings, you’ll see lotus ponds and the main Zuibaichi pond itself; the original owner dedicated a large portion to its meticulous care.

The elegant layout and beauty of Zuibaichi are attributed to two painter-owners: Dong Qichang of the Ming Dynasty and Gu Dashen of the Qing Dynasty. Their refined artistic sensibility made the garden transcendently exquisite, as if a shui-mo landscape painting were brought to life. To honor them, a Dong Qichang Calligraphy and Painting Art Museum was built within the garden, displaying his masterful works.

Most classical gardens are named after the garden itself, but Zuibaichi is named after the pond, sparking curiosity. There are two origin stories. One says that in his later years, Gu Dashen was so proud of his garden that he often imagined: if Li Bai had visited, he would have been enchanted (zui, meaning ‘drunk’ on beauty). The other is that Gu admired Bai Juyi and named it ‘Drunk Bai Pond’, aspiring to Bai’s tranquil state of mind. Today, after centuries of weathering and several restorations, Zuibaichi still retains its original form. Among the many outstanding classical gardens of Jiangnan, Zuibaichi’s style is unique. Beyond exquisite landscaping, the literary aura of generations of scholars gives it profound cultural depth, making it a distinctive cultural gem in Shanghai. Stepping inside, the city’s agitation melts away.

An old grain warehouse has been transformed into Songjiang’s trendy new cultural landmark—Cloud Granary. Originally a long-disused grain depot and factory of Shanghai Liangda Storage Management Co., it holds decades of memories for local residents. Entering through the east gate, ancient trees on both sides can’t hide the traces of time. Further inside, you’ll spot four large chimneys. Now it’s a Shanghai cultural creative zone. The redesign incorporates Songjiang’s historical and cultural features, following the principle of restoring old as old: grey bricks, red tiles, mottled walls, old doors and windows… The park strives to preserve the historical traces of the old buildings while upgrading their internal environment for new urban functions.

The park is divided into zones: World Beer Culture Zone, Art Exhibition Interaction Zone, Tech Creative Office Zone, Waterfront Living & Leisure Zone, and a trendy photo-spot zone. It’s easy to snap industrial-chic, Instagram-worthy shots here.

In the childhood of many born in the 80s and early 90s, a group of lively Smurfs appeared, and the tune “In the forest, by the sea, there are a bunch of Smurfs…” still echoes. Now there’s a Smurfs-themed park—Shanghai Shimao Smurfs Theme Park—in the Sheshan National Tourism Resort. It’s the first Smurfs theme park in the Asia-Pacific region, with several areas: Forest Zone, Village Zone, Gargamel’s House, etc. The Smurfs are the stars throughout. There’s a 17-stamp challenge; grab a park map at the entrance, collect all 17 stamps, and redeem a small gift.

Walking into the Smurfs zone, I happened to catch a parade—Papa Smurf, Smurfette, and Gargamel appeared, interacting playfully with visitors. So cute! After the parade, it’s time to explore. Here are my top picks for must-try rides.

First, the Forest Zone, where a dense forest shuts out the modern world. The first ride is the Forest Maze, just like the one in the cartoon; kids can play hide-and-seek. The Berry Swing is a 360-degree mini swing, perfect for children who normally face height restrictions. Then the Village Zone, hiding the park’s best thrill: the Berry Roller Coaster. Seated inside a berry-shaped train, you feel speed and excitement. It’s gentle enough for kids but has a unique twist—it spins! You get the roller coaster fun plus spinning, an experience you won’t find outside Smurfs Park. The Bakeberry Jam Cup lets you sit in jam cups and help Baker stir his jam, experiencing a fairy-tale dizziness. The Magic Drawing Brush sparks children’s and parents’ artistic inspiration; when you see your painted Smurf come to life on the screen, it’s incredibly satisfying! Technologically enhanced, kids could spend an afternoon here. Smurfette’s Garden is as lovely as its name—the ride’s flower-shaped seats bob gently up and down, perfect for little girls.

In the Smurfs world, there’s one villain: Gargamel, whose repeated failures always amuse children. His house is in the park. First, the Dark Laboratory, a ‘scary’ haunted house—spiders and crickets pop out to spook you, so timid folks should stick with friends. In Gargamel’s zone, there’s a mini drop tower, Azrael’s Drop, gentle enough for toddlers, safely moving up and down. After various challenges, help rescue Smurfette captured by Gargamel—exciting stuff!

The final zone, Damo District, offers eight rides that blend fun and learning. The highlight is Wonder Flight, a 180-degree spherical screen with sound and light, delivering a stunning cinematic experience. The park is brimming with diverse amusements, like the floral sea of lights or the Smurfs theater for a close encounter. Of course, take home souvenirs: the gift shop brims with cute Smurfs merchandise—bring a Smurf home with you.

Every corner brims with fairy-tale charm. Stepping inside feels like entering another world, fully immersed in the Smurfs’ universe. Colorful designs and enchanting aesthetics let children play to their hearts’ content.

Speaking of Chenshan Botanical Garden, everyone recalls the stunning aerial photos of its cherry blossoms this spring—so gorgeous that many have made it their top outing choice. It’s always been a must-visit for Shanghai’s school field trips. It had been over a decade since my last visit. Due to rain, I mainly explored the Tropical Conservatory, a complex of three connected greenhouses: Tropical Flowers & Fruits House, Desert Plant House, and Rare & Exotic Plants House. The Tropical Flowers & Fruits House is the largest, soaring up to 21 meters, with themed gardens, a palm plaza, and an economic plant zone, teeming with diverse flowers and even a waterfall. Chenshan is the largest botanical garden in East China and Shanghai’s second botanical garden, divided into four functional areas: central exhibition, plant conservation, five-continent flora, and a peripheral buffer zone. If possible, spend a full day here.

When it comes to the most popular restaurant in Songjiang, it’s undeniably Xiaoyeshu. It grew out of a well-known farmhouse compound in Songjiang; after renovation, it remains dedicated to the folk flavors of old Shanghai’s periphery, including some intangible cultural heritage dishes. Smoked toad, yellow croaker noodle soup, Zhangze lamb, oil-braised prawns, straw-tied pork belly, crab with fermented rice, Shanghainese eel paste, fresh pork mooncakes… and Jiaxing vintage rice wine, all create the feel of a traditional Shanghai folk street.

Start with the signature dish: braised soulful organic fish, served with a lid-lifting ceremony—a huge fish, its head and tofu in an intensely savory soup; five stars! The chicken soup uses free-range chicken, authentic and nourishing. Rice paddy crab with hand-pulled rice cakes is highly recommended; the crab flavor infuses the cakes, irresistible. Oil-braised prawns are also good. Crab shell yellow pastries are excellent, and you can buy them separately. Songjiang soft cake, a local specialty, can’t be found elsewhere. The braised duck is rich and full of that classic Shanghainese dark soy sauce style. There’s a variety of other delicious dishes, each full of local character, waiting to be savored.

Songjiang New Century Grand Hotel

This time I stayed at the Songjiang New Century Grand Hotel, located east of Kaiyuan Plaza in Songjiang New City, adjacent to Central Park and just a stone’s throw from Sheshan National Tourism Resort, with very convenient transport. The hotel exterior is majestic and elegant, blending Eastern culture with international standards.

The standard room is very spacious, carpeted so you can walk barefoot. The window views overlook Songjiang, and both the sightline and location are truly excellent. The bathroom is the largest I’ve ever seen in my many hotel stays, with numerous mirrors—a thoughtful touch for women. I enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel, featuring seasonal Songjiang specialties, full of local flair. The beef cubes were my favorite—tender, juicy, and chewy, never tiring. And an array of Songjiang snacks made me feel the warmth of coming home.

【Shanghai Happy Valley】230 RMB

【Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden】60 RMB

【Shanghai Shimao Smurfs Theme Park】160 RMB

【Shanghai Film Park】80 RMB