Strolling Through Jinshan Fish Village in 2019: A Taste of the Urban Fishing Culture

**Jinshan Getaway: A Two-Day Escape with Spouses** **Duration:** 2 days **Time:** April **Cost per p[...]

**Jinshan Getaway: A Two-Day Escape with Spouses**

**Duration:** 2 days
**Time:** April
**Cost per person:** 560 yuan
**Companions:** Spouses
**Activities:** Gastronomy, Photography, Free Travel, Urban Lifestyle

**Itinerary:**
– **Day 1 – April 6th:** Shanghai to Jinshan (Old Street of Jinshan, Xiangyu Lake)
– **Day 2 – April 7th:** Lvzhu Alley Private Cuisine, Jinshan City Beach, and return trip

**Places Visited:**
– Old Street of Jinshan
– Jinshan City Beach
– Jinshan Fish Village

**Published on:** 2019-10-16 14:38

—

**A Spring Escape to Jinshan Fish Village**

As we step into April, the long-awaited sunshine finally returns to the earth. Coinciding with the Qingming holiday, the weather is pleasant with bright spring flowers, especially the delicate cherry blossoms that bloom everywhere, looking even more enchanting against the blue sky and white clouds. Such a rare fine day is perfect for an outdoor excursion, but we did not want to go to crowded tourist spots. After much thought, we decided to visit the Jinshan Fish Village in the suburbs of Shanghai. Not for the sea, but to bring our beloved pets and find a riverside B&B with a courtyard, to savor seafood, stroll through the old fishing village streets, and enjoy the bright springtime…

**Day 1 – April 6th: Shanghai to Jinshan**

On April 6th, amidst the misty clouds and the ebb and flow of the tides, many fishing villages in Shanghai have disappeared with history, yet the Jinshan Fish Village remains quietly nestled by the East China Sea and the Hangzhou Bay, gazing at the three islands of Jinshan, making it the last fishing village with the earliest land formation and the most complete preservation along the Shanghai coast. It was a holiday, and when we drove to the fish village, the roads and parking lots were already filled with vehicles. Most of these cars were only there for a short seafood break. Under the guidance of traffic police, we parked our car in a larger parking lot farther away, about a 15-minute walk from the old street.

**Accommodation: Qinxuan Residence**

The old street shaded by the waves winds forward with a bluestone path, leading to various courtyards in the fishing village. The main street was crowded, but fortunately, after crossing the bridge, our chosen B&B—Qinxuan Residence—was just a few steps away on the right. The B&B’s facade is not large, but once inside, it’s a different world. It has a riverside, original ecological open-air private courtyard, a great place to rest and enjoy tea. Our riverside view room has floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides, offering a great view and an elegant environment. At night, you can fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. The B&B also has two well-behaved dogs and a proud myna bird, which can play with our pet!

**Lunch at Haihe Seafood Street**

After estimating that the lunchtime peak had passed, we went to the seafood street to enjoy delicious and authentic seafood. It was recommended that both Haihe and Tianqiao had good cost-performance ratios, so we casually chose Haihe. Stir-fried Razor Clams with Scallions and Ginger, Saltwater Rice Shrimp, Steamed Mei Tong Fish, and Fried Clam Meat with Chives, of course, there was also my husband’s favorite—Braised Hairtail with Soy Sauce, accompanied by refreshing iced beer, it was a feast indeed.

**Afternoon at the Old Street**

Back on the old street, the crowd had not dispersed, so we decided to retreat back to the courtyard for tea. The owner loves to chat with guests and is quite talented. When in the mood, he would pick up his clarinet and play a few tunes. Although his skills are not very sophisticated, who really cares? Sitting leisurely by the water, sipping a pot of warm tea, listening to a few tunes, chatting about daily life, teasing the myna bird, we were so comfortable that we had long forgotten the noise outside the courtyard…

**Evening Stroll**

Finally, as the evening approached, the crowd gradually dispersed, and we strolled along the old bluestone street through the fishing village, admiring the fishing village’s style of small bridges and flowing water. The fishing village, after more than a thousand years of tidal rises and falls, exudes a unique charm. The quiet river, the ancient stone bridges, the small and exquisite bamboo fish lanterns, the winding alleys, the orderly yet scattered wooden boardwalks against the river view, whether it’s the antique oldThe wine jars embedded in the walls are inscribed with various surnames. The main building and courtyard by the river are covered with vines, making it a stylish accommodation option. A casual snapshot here can yield a stunning photo.

The Linglong Village is close to the fishing village parking lot. Although it lacks a river view, its spacious courtyard, swaying wine banners and carp flags in the wind, and the fisherman’s life mural on the white walls have attracted considerable attention.

As night falls, the bustling old street instantly returns to tranquility, as if it were a different world from the daytime. The seafood oil dumplings here do not require queuing. They are distinctly different from the common oil dumplings in Shanghai due to the addition of locally abundant small shrimps, offering a unique flavor. All are made and served fresh, with tender shrimp, refreshing radish, and a crispy, fragrant bite.

Of course, one must not miss the famous homemade boneless yellow croaker noodles at Qinxuan Residence. The boneless yellow croaker is tender and smooth, paired with chewy noodles. The soup base, simmered for hours with fish bones, is incredibly delicious. The owner proudly introduces that their soup base is simmered without any additional seasonings.

After a satisfying meal, taking a stroll around the village, one might unconsciously find oneself back in front of the Vine Motel. The lake surface is dotted with twinkling lights and swaying neon, while a folk singer performs on the central stage, singing self-accompanied melancholic tunes that are intoxicating. We couldn’t help but stop and lean against the pier, quietly listening…

April 7th is still a splendid spring day. We take a walk outside the village, by the river, where neat woods and patches of wildflowers, along with the fresh air, invigorate us. Continuing to walk a few kilometers, one can directly reach Jinshan City Beach. Although it’s not yet summer, the beach is not at its most charming, but it is precisely on such days that one can witness the rare tranquility of the beach…

The old street is not long, and soon we reach the end of the alley. A small courtyard with lush bamboo and trees catches our eye, with green grass and swaying bamboo, as if it were the ‘Green Bamboo Alley’ described by Mr. Jin Yong. The two wooden doors with fish patterns slowly open, revealing a typical Jiangnan garden-style yard, full of lush greenery. A stone mill forms a winding path leading to a secluded spot. In one corner of the yard, there is a stone mill table with wine barrel stools. Sitting in the yard and drinking heartily evokes a sense of chivalry.

The interior is filled with bamboo elements, especially the bamboo tea dining sunroom built with bamboo. The bamboo serves as a railing, separating a few elegant seats. Various bamboo crafts are seemingly randomly placed. The glass roof is intertwined with bamboo curtains, with low-hanging bamboo umbrellas and lamps, and the corners are adorned with bamboo vines. There is also an old well in the corner. Looking around, the lush green bamboo sways in the wind, creating an elegant and natural atmosphere. Paired with a pot of fine tea, it is truly refined.

Of course, the most unique feature is the bamboo stools in the sunroom, which are made by inserting thin bamboo sticks unevenly into a bamboo basket. Surprisingly, these stools are not prickly but very comfortable, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

Such a stylish, quiet courtyard hidden in the depths of the alley, we naturally would not miss. We booked a private meal with the owner a day in advance, confidently leaving the menu to the chef. The owner invited us to come early to enjoy tea, indulging in the slow pace of life. Sitting quietly in the sunroom, basking in the sun, we awaited a full table of delicious dishes. Although the price is slightly high, the seafood is very fresh, and the unique environment makes it well worth the experience.

The ancient streets of Jinshan’s mouth, gently embraced by the sea for thousands of years, boast a unique charm with the Village Heart Lake. Delectable seafood feasts are available here, along with a profound maritime culture that has been infused with the fishing colors of a thousand years. Today, the region continues to blend the simplicity of ancient customs with avant-garde fashion elements and the tranquility of a leisurely, bourgeois sentiment. It carries on the lingering melodies of Shanghai’s last fishing village, extending the inextricable bond with the ocean. Away from the bustling city, one can fully enjoy the fishing emotions, search for fishing memories, play with fishing fun, taste the fishing flavor, and savor the freshness of the sea. This experience offers a leisurely period, allowing one to feel the soft time filled with fishy flavors, and slowly appreciate the peaceful life memories of the fishing village…