The Birthplace of Shanghai's History and Culture: The Ultimate Songjiang District Travel Guide
About this trip
I've recently become particularly drawn to Shanghai's history and culture, writing pieces about its heritage buildings. As a native Shanghainese, now in my thirties, I find myself getting a little nostalgic β I've realized I love the memories of old Shanghai more than I thought, and appreciate how these timeworn traditions still shape this modern metropolis. For tourists coming to Shanghai, I hope you won't see it just as a trendy city break; take a moment to uncover the stories behind the Haipai culture. This trip is a journey through time, and also a detailed travel guide to Songjiang District. Songjiang isn't the city center, but it holds a special place: as the cradle of Shanghai's history and culture, its roots run far deeper than the historic buildings downtown.
1. Guangfulin Cultural Relics
2. Yunjian Granary
3. Sheshan National Forest Park
4. Shanghai Happy Valley
5. Smurfs Park
6. Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
7. Songjiang New Century Grand Hotel
8. Forest Hotel
Guangfulin Cultural Relics
Guangfulin is arguably the earliest memory etched into Shanghai's history. The cultural site opened only two years ago but has already gained fame; almost every Shanghainese knows it, though I hadn't found the time to visit until now. After applying for permission, I was allowed to fly a drone here β a place of special meaning for Shanghai locals. (Drone flights must be approved by the scenic area.) The highlight is the underwater museum, built 4β5 meters below the surface. It was closed due to the pandemic but reopened at the end of May. Stepping inside feels like traveling back to ancient times, descending into the ground β a must-see. The entrance is designed as a dense tangle of tree roots, symbolizing "the root of Shanghai." The exhibits trace archaeological memories, Shanghai's geological evolution, early settlers, the prosperity of Songjiang Prefecture, and the Republican era, making history readable and immersive. In early Songjiang, people were clever: houses were built on trees, raised above the damp ground, and the space beneath was said to be for pigs β ancient wild boars were small and lived under the homes. There's even a mock stable, now the queuing area. During the Republican period, Songjiang's textile industry thrived, with famous figures like Gu Embroidery and Huang Daopo; the then Songjiang Railway Station, still in use, ran from Songjiang to Qingpu, the scene reminiscent of a film set at the Chedun Studio. Some displays, like the old-style tiger stoves and storybooks, might be unfamiliar even to my parents' generation β very interesting. On the wall is a painted stone pagoda called the Dharani Sutra Pillar, the oldest surviving structure above ground in Shanghai (dated 859), a Tang dynasty Buddhist monument now inside Songjiang Zhongshan Primary School.
Duoyun Books, located inside Guangfulin Cultural Relics, is a beloved spot for literary types. Housed in a well-preserved Huizhou-style mansion, it features two landscaped courtyards: one with a pool adorned with cloud-shaped decorations, the other a pine-tree courtyard, each with a distinct atmosphere. The ground floor is open to visitors, while the upper floor remains closed. The ground floor has a coffee shop and a cultural-creative bookstore. Its prized possessions are the ancient books displayed in glass cases, while the book collection leans toward history, literature, painting and calligraphy, and works related to Songjiang's culture. Order a coffee, grab a book, and you could easily spend an afternoon there. Just before the underwater museum exit, there's a convenient resting spot called "Fulin Tea Pavilion" β I recommend their grapefruit lactic acid drink.
Address: Lane 3260, Guangfulin Road
Admission: 40 RMB
Hours: 09:00β17:00
Songjiang has had many names through history β Rongcheng and Huating are the ones you'll hear often β and "Yunjian" is another alias. The granary complex, with 59 warehouses built between the 1950s and 1990s, bears witness to Songjiang's grain industry evolution since the founding of modern China. Some warehouses are still under renovation; those open include the Yunjian Art Museum and a beer culture museum β worth a visit if you're interested. A few other warehouses seem to have just hosted a previous exhibition. The warehouses are spaced widely apart, arranged in neat rows, quite large in scale. In the middle of the road sit a piece of large machinery and a cone-shaped bucket, likely relics from the past. I've noticed that ancient granaries are always near waterways β perhaps for easy transport. Upon entering, eight massive silos (the former Songjiang Flour Mill) come into view. Their weathered facades have a touch of decay, and along with the unrenovated brick walls and green wooden beams, this place is a photographer's dream for portrait shots β the more flamboyant and edgy the outfit, the greater the contrast, the better the photos. Speaking of Rongcheng: Songjiang has a deep connection to deer culture, and on one wall there's a graffiti piece titled "Ten Deer, Nine Turn Back" β a folk tale from the Guangxu era of the Qing dynasty, meaning that nine out of ten return to their homeland.
Address: 327 Songhui East Road
Hours: Yunjian Art Museum 9:30β16:30, closed Mondays
A sudden downpour disrupted our morning plan to visit Drunken Bai Pond, so we could only wander with an umbrella, exploring the pavilions and covered corridors. Drunken Bai Pond is one of Shanghai's five great classical gardens. I'd always wondered about the name β it turns out it was inspired by a Qing dynasty Songjiang painter who admired the Tang poet Bai Juyi and recreated a "Drunken Bai Hall" here. The garden is larger than I expected; the flagstone paths and wooded trails felt refreshingly cool, making it a perfect summer stroll. Before long, I came upon a Jiangnan-style residence β the moment I stepped in, I saw intricate carvings: this was the Carved Hall, with unique designs on window lattices, door lintels, and more. The reliefs inside depict scenes from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. By the outer garden pond near the long corridor, lotus buds were just beginning to show; come midsummer, when the pond is blanketed in blooms, the view will be even more stunning β be sure to enjoy it from the Xiangzhen Pavilion. Even on this rainy day, well-dressed elderly Shanghainese ladies were gathered in the pavilion, discussing their performances. Following the corridor into the inner garden, across a small bridge, you'll soon spot the large stone inscribed with the Drunken Bai Pond Calligraphy Park characters β this is the inner garden, the heart of the scenic area. Stepping inside feels like entering a wealthy family's estate, with halls centered around the pond. In the middle of one hall stands a stone statue of Dong Qichang, while adjacent rooms showcase works by local primary and secondary school students. The garden is rich in stone inscriptions β 30 pieces in total, all heritage items. The stone tablet of "Ten Deer, Nine Turn Back" is here (I forgot to photograph it), along with portraits of Yunjian luminaries. Unfortunately, some were damaged during the Cultural Revolution.
Address: 64 South Renmin Road, Songjiang (Metro Line 9, Zuibaichi Station)
Admission: 12 RMB
Hours: Outer garden opens 6:00, inner garden 7:00, entrance hall 8:00, closes 17:00
Sheshan National Forest Park
Sheshan is an important historical and cultural area of Shanghai, a cradle of civilization rich in heritage and talent. When I was little, people would joke, "Does Shanghai have any mountains?" Songjiang's Jiufeng area is the city's only hilly region, encompassing Sheshan, Tianma Mountain, Xiaokun Mountain, and more, but Sheshan boasts the finest scenery. Almost every Shanghai primary school student visits Sheshan on spring or autumn outings; I recall seeing the Sheshan Observatory as a child, when I knew nothing about the stars. Now revisiting as an adult, sadly the observatory, museum, and church were all closed. I recommend this walking route: enter via the west gate and take the vehicle road up to the observation deck to avoid a strenuous climb, then descend on foot, passing the Sheshan Bell Tower and Xiudaozhe Pagoda, exiting through the east gate β the downhill path is easier. Shanghai is on the cusp of plum rain season, so the trails were a little damp. The Sheshan Observatory has long been a vital observation point for Shanghai and China; its updates often appear in the news. Do note: due to the recent pandemic, the observatory and church remain closed, so check the latest updates before heading there.
Address: Sheshan Summit
Admission: The planetarium and church are currently closed; entry to Sheshan National Forest Park is free.
Shanghai Happy Valley
Shanghai Happy Valley, operated by OCT Group, is a standout among domestic amusement park brands. Open for nearly 11 years, it still draws crowds β even on weekdays, popular rides have queues. The park comprises seven themed zones: Sunshine Harbour, Happy Times, Shanghai Bund, Shangri-La, Happy Ocean, Gold Mine Town, and Hurricane Bay. The classic attraction here is the roller coasters β a wide variety, from hair-raising thrills to family-friendly options. The most iconic is the well-known wooden roller coaster, the 1,200-metre-long "Wooden Dragon"; there's also the 60-metre-tall "Supreme Winds" floorless coaster, and the high-speed "Blue Moon Avenger" β I heard a celebrity recently came to film and specifically requested that one. Popular rides like Wooden Dragon and Supreme Winds now have a ticketing machine system with facial recognition; you can get a ticket with a designated time slot to avoid wasting time in line. Just make sure you don't exceed your slot, or you'll need to get a new ticket. The park also offers various shows: a bubble show, a parrot show in Shangri-La, and a sea lion show in Happy Ocean. Check the showtimes in advance to plan your day. In late June, the Maya Water Park opens for summer; a dedicated passage links the Happy Ocean zone to the water park, so you can easily combine both. Recently, a cute sightseeing train has been added at the entrance, running a loop around the park. I recommend the all-day ticket to save some walking, especially if you bring kids β all-day adult ticket 30 RMB, child ticket 15 RMB, quite reasonable. Happy Valley always puts effort into events: summer specials, holiday programmes, theme parties, and night sessions β this is, I believe, the right recipe for a park that's been operating in Shanghai for 11 years.
Address: 888 Linhu Road, Sheshan Town, Songjiang District (free shuttle bus from Sheshan Station, Metro Line 9)
Admission: Currently a two-visit ticket 230 RMB
Hours: For the next couple of months, 09:30β18:00; check the official website for changes
Shanghai Shi Mao Smurfs Theme Park
Shanghai Shi Mao Smurfs Theme Park, located next to the famous Sheshan Shimao Pit Hotel, is split into two phases. Smurfs Park is the second phase, an indoor amusement park that just opened at the end of May. Inside, the cartoon scenes are faithfully recreated at life-size, with immersive sets making you feel like you've stepped into the animated world. The park is divided into several themed areas, each with a distinct setting. The Forest Zone: flowers, greenery, and little insects surround you, as if youβre in a forest maze. The Village Zone: mushroom houses of all shapes and sizes, adorable and utterly charming. Gargamel's House: as a Smurf "only three apples tall," entering Gargamel's lair gave me a shiver! The darker surroundings and dim lighting add an air of mystery and suspense. The Damao Zone: this area features characters from the animated series Spirits, Mighty Kings β I haven't seen it, but my niece has, and she even became my little guide, telling me all about Damao, Taotao, Leihao and their adventures. This zone is packed with educational fun for families β don't miss it! Every day, a float parade brings the Smurfs out for close encounters with visitors: Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Gargamel, Azrael the cat, and more all come out to greet guests, young and old.
Address: 5088 Chenhua Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai
Hours: 10:00β18:00
Admission: Free for children under 1.1m; half-price 80 RMB for 1.1β1.4m; adults 160 RMB
Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
Chenshan Botanical Garden is right next to Smurfs Park and is huge β you could easily spend a whole day here. Let's start with the signature conservatories. They're quite a walk from the main gate, so I suggest taking the electric shuttle and then exploring as you head back. The greenhouses consist of three pavilions: the Tropical Flowers & Fruits House, the Desert Plants House, and the Rare Plants House β the largest exhibition greenhouses in Asia. The setting rivals the conservatories at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, even featuring a miniature waterfall. Our Desert Plants House is actually the largest indoor succulent exhibition in the world. During my visit, I saw a commercial photoshoot β clearly, this place is a photogenic paradise. Another must-see is the Quarry Garden; at first glance, it resembles the famous Pit Hotel, complete with a waterfall and walkways inside the pit. It's a bit smaller, but captures the same vibe. The Rose Garden was larger than I imagined, with the air filled with fragrance and countless varieties of roses blooming profusely. Even the rain couldn't dim their vibrant colours. The botanical garden does an excellent job of science education, often hosting excursions for primary and secondary students from Shanghai and beyond, making it a great weekend family destination.
Address: 3888 Chenhua Highway, Songjiang District
Admission: 60 RMB; Hours: 08:00β17:00
Songjiang New Century Grand Hotel
With so many sights to explore in Songjiang, I decided to stay overnight. Some attractions are in Sheshan, others near the university town, and some in the old district, so the most convenient base is right in the centre β Songjiang New Town. Songjiang New Century Grand Hotel is a well-known, well-located hotel in the Kaiyuan Mediterranean Commercial Centre, a thriving mall that's been operating for years. Step outside and you'll find all kinds of shopping and dining, with a lively atmosphere; as a milk tea fan, I had plenty of choices. Transportation is also convenient, though I'd still recommend driving if you're touring Sheshan. My room was on the 19th floor, midway up, with great views β right across from me lay Songjiang Central Park. The room was spacious, the bedding very soft, and the bathroom had both a bathtub and a shower, in a four-piece layout. If you don't feel like eating out, I suggest the hotel's Chinese restaurant, Jin Yuan, on the second floor. It's an established restaurant offering solid local Shanghainese dishes with fresh ingredients β the lobster meat was very springy, and overall you can't go wrong.
Address: 1799 North Renmin Road, Songjiang District
Price: Rooms around 600β700 RMB per night; dining per person around 300+ RMB.
Authentic Songjiang Home-style Restaurant
This place specialises in rustic, farmhouse-style cooking and is an undeniably popular local spot. If you want to try genuine local food, this is the place, but come early to beat the crowds. There are two branches in Songjiang; we went to the original. As you enter, an array of pastries is displayed along the corridor, and the decor oozes traditional charm. I feel like introducing every dish. The Intangible Heritage Soft Cake is a specialty from Yexie Town, filled with pine nuts, raisins, and red bean paste β 23 RMB for 7 pieces in a steamer. The shell-shaped pastry with crab roe is fragrant, crispy, and freshly baked (takes about 15 minutes), 4 RMB each. They even sell pickled watermelon rind, a summer homemade treat from my childhood. The soy-braised duck is sure to please older diners; it's deeply flavoured yet tender, easy to chew. But the superstar here is the Braised Enchanting Organic Fish, 148 RMB, served in a steamer at the table. This dish alone could feed two people to bursting: the fish is tender and infused with flavour, the sauce slightly spicy in a way that suits Shanghainese tastes yet also won over our Sichuan-born tablemate. It seems to hit the spot for all. Crab season hasn't arrived yet, so we ordered green crab stir-fried with rice cakes β the handmade rice cakes are another recommended dish, and I gobbled four pieces as soon as it arrived. Recently, the restaurant obtained a licence to prepare pufferfish, so we tried the pufferfish soup. By then we were too full, so we packed it up to take home.
Address: 768 Songwei North Road, Sanming Plaza; the restaurant offers parking coupons
Average spend: 70β80 RMB per person
Forest Hotel
Walking down from Sheshan and exiting the east gate, the Forest Hotel sits right across the road. This high-end resort hotel nestles against the mountain and bamboo groves. There are standalone luxury villas and also more affordable guest rooms for ordinary travellers. I was lucky enough to visit the mansion in Building 9, which I'm told cannot be booked online because there are strict rules β no house parties. The three-storey villa offers a balcony on the top floor with lovely views of Sheshan. Along the roadside perimeter is Forest Family Restaurant, a great spot for local cuisine. Don't assume dining at a resort hotel will be pricey β it's actually very reasonable, perfect for a lunch after exploring Sheshan. The Taoyuan White-Cut Chicken uses free-range Sheshan chickens, the meat fresh and flavourful, half a chicken for 58 RMB β my absolute favourite. Another standout: the red-braised pork with vegetable rice β the soy and pork fat seep into the savoury rice below, making both incredibly delicious. The soup dish locals love is somewhat like a thickened shepherd's purse and tofu soup, but the vegetable freshness comes through; I heard the broth is made from chicken stock, which lifts all the flavours. The fish soup is also recommended, featuring strips of basa fish in a creamy white broth, to which you can add spring onion and white pepper according to taste β no fishiness at all. Other recommended dishes: pork cartilage, curry brisket (Thai style), eel strips in pastry wrap, and deep-fried salted pork knuckle β all very tasty.
Address: Inside Sheshan Forest Hotel, 9259 Waiqingsong Highway
Average spend: 70β80 RMB per person
Songjiang's beauty may not match the glitz of downtown Shanghai, but with its own stories, it quietly influences every Shanghainese and adds more choices and joy to our leisure time. If you enjoy my content, I hope we can interact and discuss more. If there's anything I've missed, please feel free to correct me. To see more posts like this, feel free to follow me.
