Discovering the Lesser-Known Charms of Shanghai: Songjiang’s Cultural Legacy

**Trip Summary**

**Introduction:**
Shanghai, an international metropolis, is known for its iconic Bund and towering skyscrapers. At night, the city comes alive with dazzling neon lights, particularly around the Oriental Pearl Tower. The Bund Square is a hub of activity, with laughter and the interplay of lights from cars and buildings creating a vibrant scene. The foreign-style buildings, illuminated, seem to narrate the history of Shanghai. Yet, beyond the well-known landmarks, lies Songjiang, the root of Shanghai, with its rich history and captivating scenery.

**Duration:** 3 days
**Time:** June
**Average Cost:** 3000 yuan per person
**With Whom:** Friends
**Activities:** Culinary exploration, photography, and free travel
**Places Visited:**
– Songjiang Guangfulin Site
– Shanghai Happy Valley
– Sheshan National Forest Park
– Zui Bai Pond
– Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
– Tianma Mountain
– Sheshan Astronomical Observatory
– Zhi Ye Zen Temple
**Published on:** 2020-06-10 at 04:23

**Experiences:**

**Shanghai Happy Valley:**
A visit to Shanghai Happy Valley is a journey to rediscover joy and forget worries. The park is popular among young people for its thrilling rides, with many queuing up early in the morning. The wooden roller coaster, while not the tallest, offers a surprising adrenaline rush with its rapid descents and turns, making it a must-try for thrill-seekers.

**Sheshan National Forest Park:**
Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the lush forests of Sheshan National Forest Park. From the summit, you can take in the panoramic view of Sheshan, a breathtaking experience.

**Zui Bai Pond:**
As the most classical garden in Shanghai, Zui Bai Pond offers a glimpse into the beauty of classical Jiangnan gardens.

**Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden:**
The largest botanical garden in the East China region and the second in Shanghai, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.

**Old Shanghai Block:**
Shanghai’s modern charm and traditional Chinese characteristics are on full display, with the Bund’s old Western-style buildings and Pudong’s modern skyscrapers complementing each other. The early chants from Xujiahui University and the lingering incense from the Jade Buddha Temple add to the city’s allure.

**Reflections:**
This trip was not just about visiting well-known sites but also about exploring the lesser-known gems of Shanghai. From the ancient charm of Songjiang to the modern thrills of Happy Valley, each place offered unique experiences that enriched our understanding of Shanghai’s diverse culture and history.The Guangfulin site, Shanghai’s largest archaeological project, is particularly enchanting for its underwater museum. Stepping into this unique space is like traveling through thousands of years, immersing oneself in the historical allure of the city.

Shanghai Happy Valley is a haven for those seeking long-lost happiness. It’s a place to leave worries behind and indulge in the joy of the moment. As the first stop in Songjiang, it stands out for its size and the early morning queues of eager visitors. The park is particularly popular among young people due to its thrilling attractions, though there are also温和的 rides for children. Upon entering, one is immediately drawn to the Happy Time area, where numerous rides and attractions await, including the distinctive wooden roller coaster that, despite its fun appearance, offers a surprising adrenaline rush.

Further into the park, the Old Shanghai block transports visitors to a bygone era. Here, the city’s modern vibe is juxtaposed with its traditional roots, showcasing the unique charm of Shanghai. The Bund’s historic Western architecture and Pudong’s modern skyline complement each other, while the bells of Xujiahui Cathedral and the incense of Jade Buddha Temple add to the sensory experience. Happy Valley captures the essence of old Shanghai, providing a glimpse into the dreams of the 1920s and 1930s, all while being grounded in the modern, civilized life of the 21st century.

The park is a hub of happiness, with numerous entertaining activities. Bubble masters perform, creating a mesmerizing display of colorful bubbles under the light, engaging children and adults alike. The pendulum ride, a favorite among the young, sends screams echoing across the park, its thrilling drops and swings a testament to its popularity.

For a more child-friendly experience, Happy Ocean offers a variety of water-themed attractions. Parents and children alike enjoy the water speedboats, Ocean No.1, and Ocean Star, making it an ideal spot to escape the summer heat.

In Gold Mine Town, distinctive motorcycle models and cowboy statues set the scene for adventure. The Gold Mine Waterfall and Mine Adventure provide fun for all, while nearby restaurants offer a welcome respite for those in need of refreshment.

Sheshan National Forest Park, with its lush forests and beautiful mountains, is another must-visit. It’s a place to breathe in the fresh air and take in the panoramic views from the summit.

Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, the largest in the East China region and the second in the city, is another destination to regain that childlike smile and find happiness. With so much to see and do, a single day in Happy Valley might not be enough to experience all it has to offer.Sheshan National Forest Park is situated in the southwestern suburbs of Shanghai, within the Songjiang District. The park is renowned for its lush pine and bamboo forests, and its scenic beauty. Especially the bamboo shoots produced in the mountains are famous for their orchid-like fragrance. It is rich in animal and plant resources. In addition to the frequently visited Eastern and Western Sheshan Mountains, there are also twelve peaks, including Tianma Mountain, Phoenix Mountain, and Xiaokun Mountain. Excluding the artificially constructed mountains, the Sheshan mountain range is the only ‘true’ mountain range in Shanghai. With an elevation of 98.2 meters, Tianma Mountain naturally stands as the highest peak in Shanghai. As you ascend along the mountain paths, you will encounter the Sheshan Peak Bell Tower. The journey is lined with lush trees and a high coverage of greenery, although there are some mosquitoes on the mountain, so it is recommended to bring mosquito repellent when hiking. Upon reaching the summit of Sheshan, the entire park’s scenery unfolds before you, revealing numerous villas that must hold significant value in Shanghai. These villas are surrounded by trees at the foot of the mountain, and the residents living nearby are fortunate to be able to climb Sheshan Forest Park daily, breathe in the fresh air of the forest, and take evening strolls. At the peak, there is an ancient Sheshan Observatory, which unfortunately was not open to the public during our visit, leaving us with a sense of regret for not being able to see inside. We look forward to visiting again in the future. In front of the observatory entrance, there are many stone railings carved with various constellation patterns, including the Andromeda constellation, indicating the connection to astronomy. Halfway up the mountain, there is an ancient tower with stone sculptures and stone horses in front. One particularly charming stone sculpture resembles a cat sitting in front of the tower, observing it. This place is suitable for visits on weekends or weekdays, and it is also an excellent spot for escaping the heat during the summer. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sheshan, but you can also breathe the fresh air in the forest. After descending from Sheshan National Forest Park, we were famished and found a hotel called the Forest Hotel opposite the park entrance. To our surprise, the hotel’s restaurant was open to the public, offering a hidden culinary gem. We had lunch there and were delighted to find that the prices were very reasonable, something we were not aware of before. We ordered several dishes, all of which were delicious, and some even brought back childhood memories for the locals. The white-cut chicken may look ordinary, but its taste is extraordinary. The flavor surpasses that of regular chicken, primarily because the restaurant selects a different breed of chicken, making it tenderer and more delicious. A new method of preparing fish soup is both tender and delicious, with a milky white color that is incredibly fresh and was quickly consumed by us all. I had my first experience with braised pork rice, which was simply divine. The rich fat of the braised pork was perfectly integrated into the rice, with a hint of green vegetables added, reminiscent yet distinct from the savory rice from the Southern Fujian region. A gentle mix before eating ensures that it’s not greasy. The deep-fried pig’s trotters were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the skin turning into a crispy texture while the meat retained its original flavor. The taste of the sauce duck was also delightful. After lunch, I casually toured the rooms here. The Forest Hotel offered room rates at half the usual price during this period, which was truly cost-effective. The rooms were spacious, bright, and with a balcony offering a view of the Sheshan Mountain opposite, facing Sheshan Park across the street. The location was convenient, and parking was also easy if you were driving. Nestled at the foot of Sheshan, the environment was beautiful and peaceful. Overall, I felt it offered great value for money.
The Guangfulin Site, the magical underwater museum. To see Shanghai in ten years, look at Pudong; to see Shanghai in a hundred years, look at Puxi; to see Shanghai in a thousand years, look at Songjiang. Songjiang is the birthplace of Shanghai’s history and culture. As the ‘root of Shanghai,’ Songjiang’s history and culture are uniquely charming due to its profound heritage. As early as 6000 years ago, during the Neolithic Age, the indigenous people of Songjiang thrived in the area around today’s Guangfulin, fishing, hunting, and farming. By 4000 years ago, the ancestors from the Yellow River basin, the Wangyoufang people, migrated to Guangfulin and together with the local indigenous people, created the ‘Guangfulin Culture,’ a blend of northern and southern civilizations, from which Shanghai’s roots flourished. Most people come to Guangfulin to see the magical underwater museum.Entering the Guangfulin Underwater Museum allows you to travel through thousands of years and feel the charm of this city. Half of the museum is submerged underwater. On a vast expanse of water, houses seem to grow out of the water, floating on the surface. The buildings have sharp, chiseled architectural lines and angles, appearing as if they are experiencing a flood, with houses seemingly submerged under the water, only revealing triangular ridges. This is the Guangfulin underwater cultural exhibition hall.

At the entrance, you first see the site where this area was excavated, with lifelike archaeologists re-presented before your eyes. Going down another level, you first encounter the Neolithic Age, then gradually move into modern times, fully reflecting the process of the root of Shanghai.

The Fulin Tower is the landmark building within the archaeological park, with its towering spire visible from afar. The Tang-style three-story ancient square tower is different from the hexagonal and octagonal towers of other periods. The Fulin Tower is a religious art museum.

Adjacent to the Fulin Tower is the Zhiye Zen Temple, which is a Buddhist cultural exhibition hall. The Zhiye Zen Temple was rebuilt in memory of the good deeds of Master Zhiye, who provided medical assistance to those in need. Zhi Ye Zen Temple offers vegetarian noodles for 20 yuan per serving, making it a perfect lunch spot. Amidst white walls, black tiles, and horse-head walls, one could almost feel as if they’ve been transported to the picturesque sceneries of Hongcun.

In front of the parking lot stands a massive screen wall, at the center of which is a large brick carving that vividly captures the life of the ancient Fulin people, their ancient kilns, and trade activities; there are also statues of Xu Xiake and Chen Zilong, bringing the figures and scenery to life. Additionally, there are historical sculptures depicting Emperor Kangxi’s dragon boat during his southern tour and his landing at this spot. These intricate reliefs help visitors understand the rich historical and cultural heritage of Guangfulin.

Shanghai Zui Bai Chi, one of the most famous classical gardens in Jiangnan, is also a renowned tourist attraction in Shanghai. With a history spanning over nine hundred years, the park covers an area of seventy-six acres. It is filled with lush ancient trees, densely packed pavilions, and numerous historical sites. After more than three hundred years, Zui Bai Chi still preserves ancient buildings such as halls, verandas, pavilions, and pleasure boats, maintaining the style of Jiangnan gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with its winding corridors and ancient charm. On the day of the visit, a heavy rain began, offering a unique experience of touring the famous classical garden in Shanghai. The rain dressed the entire park in a distinctive scenery, and walking through Zui Bai Chi Park, one can find beauty everywhere. If you have been to the Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou, you would understand the charm of Jiangnan classical gardens. Here, you can experience the classical garden art without even going to Suzhou. When the owner built the garden, he thought that if the great poet Li Bai were to be reborn and visit this place, he would be intoxicated by the scenery and the garden beside the pond. Thus, he named the garden ‘Zui Bai Chi’. He also thought of the Song Dynasty poet Han Qi, who held a high official position and was very intoxicated by the poems of the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi, and had built a classical hall in his hometown of Anyang, Henan, named ‘Zui Bai Hall’. Gu Daxin also admired Bai Juyi and often immersed himself in the beautiful artistic conception of Bai Juyi’s poems, so he followed Han Qi’s example and named his garden ‘Zui Bai Chi’. The name ‘Zui Bai Chi’ is novel, profound, and has a beautiful artistic conception, making people yearn for it. After several ups and downs, Zui Bai Chi finally ushered in a vibrant spring.

Yunjian Granary, Transformed into an Artistic Check-in Spot, is located at 327 Songhui East Road, originally an abandoned grain warehouse and factory for many years. The base covers a total area of 98 acres, with many single-layer slope-roofed granaries built from the 1950s to the 1990s. The old granary has been transformed into a new cultural check-in landmark, with every brick and tile still bearing the marks of time, and the transparent glass outer wall exudes the artistic atmosphere of the new era. The once-old granaries have now transformed into a new cultural landmark in Songjiang. Some exhibition halls are already open to the public, while others are in preparation. Upon entering the Yunjian Granary, a massive trumpet-shaped iron artifact greets the visitors. Although many rooms remain closed and someAt Xiaoyeshu, a local specialty restaurant, one can indulge in the traditional flavors of Shanghai cuisine, deeply rooted in the city’s culture. The restaurant is quite spacious, and upon entering, you’re drawn to the variety of dishes listed for the day. The signature dish is a pancake filled with crab meat, resembling a crab shell in appearance. It’s incredibly flaky and tender, with a burst of fresh aroma. Another highlight is the local specialty fish, a large serving that is both tender and delicious, accompanied by a sweet and clear fish broth. This dish is highly recommended for its generous portion and local flavor.

The sauced duck is also one of the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s a classic Shanghai dish found in various restaurants, each with its unique flavor profile. A refreshing salad made from watermelon rind is also a distinctive feature of the menu, offering a crisp and delightful taste.

The Smurf Theme Park in Shanghai is a nostalgic journey for generations. The classic creation of Belgian cartoonist Peyo, “The Smurfs” became a shared childhood memory for many in the 1980s when it was introduced to China. As the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, the park brings the animated scenes to life, with iconic characters such as Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, and the mischievous Gargamel taking on roles within the park. Upon entering, one is captivated by the architectural environment. The entrance leads to a grand blue arched hall designed for children’s play. Following the arrows on the floor, visitors are guided towards the Smurf area, where charming Smurf statues appear in every corner. The Gargamel’s Forest area, located at the entrance of the Smurf zone, is dense with trees, blocking out the modern world and immersing visitors in the fairy-tale atmosphere created by the park. In the village area, visitors find themselves in the Smurf village, with mushroom-shaped houses of various sizes being the homes of the Smurfs. Visitors can experience the life scenes from the animations alongside the Smurfs. Entering Gargamel’s house, visitors take on the role of Smurf rescue team members, engaging in various challenges to save the Smurfs captured by Gargamel.

The outdoor area, consisting of the Adventure King Zone and the Smurf Zone, is connected by two dynamic cinemas. The Adventure King Zone includes eight children’s entertainment projects, such as a flight cinema, a 6D cinema, a children’s experience hall, an earthquake museum, and more. In addition, the park has planned Smurf-themed parades, performances, food, and souvenirs. It’s an excellent place to take children for fun.

One of Shanghai’s most beautiful parks, the Chenshan Botanical Garden, is currently the largest comprehensive botanical garden in Shanghai, covering an area of 207 hectares, located at the foot of Chenshan in the Sheshan mountain range in Songjiang District. Although Shanghai’s terrain is flat and lacks mountains, Chenshan, with an elevation of only 71.4 meters, is quite rare. According to records from the Ming Dynasty by Dong Qichang, Chenshan is ‘situated in the southeast of all mountains, following the position of Chen’, hence its name. The scenic area has designed a complete tour route, with the central exhibition area including 26 specialized botanical gardens such as the East China Flora Garden, the quarry garden, the rare plant garden, and the aquatic plant garden. If you were to visit each one, a day would not be enough. In different seasons, there are always flowers in bloom – cherry and peach blossoms in spring, lotus and hibiscus in summer, chrysanthemum and cornelian cherry in autumn, and wintersweet and orchids in winter. There are also many rare flowers that are hard to name, accompanying you with fresh flowers all year round, and every visit to the Chenshan Botanical Garden brings a good mood. Climbing up the mountain along the steps, Chenshan has dense vegetation, with a viewing platform built on the mountain, overlooking the entire botanical garden area, and the Chenshan Tower on the mountain top is tall and eye-catching. If you visit the Chenshan Botanical Garden in summer, the hot outdoor environment may make you feel desperate, but the greenhouse area is the place you most want to go and should go. The greenhouse area of the botanical garden is large, including several gardens such as the succulent garden and the rare plant garden, with a suitable temperature all year round. Summer is a colorful season.

Accommodation recommendation: Shanghai Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel. During this trip to Shanghai Songjiang, I stayed at the Shanghai Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel, which is relatively close to nearby attractions and more convenient for transportation. The room has a larger space, with a large transparent French window, offering a panoramic view of the distant scenery. For me, who often needs to work, having a desk is really convenient.Photos taken on the same day can be uploaded and shared online. The room’s lighting is warm-colored and cozy. The bathroom area is also relatively large, with a bathtub and a separate shower area. The hotel’s food is also not to be missed. That night, we had dinner at the hotel’s Chinese restaurant. The osmanthus pork ribs, beef, and lobster dishes were all delicious. The lobster preparation was different from what I usually eat, with tender and smooth lobster meat. Beef is also one of my favorite foods.

In conclusion, Shanghai is an international metropolis. For over a hundred years, Shanghai has always been the center of China’s commerce, the gathering place of wealth, and a business card that China presents to the world. The brilliance of this city lies in its perfect fusion of the past and modernity, adept at creating popular elements. What was once a vast sea field in Pudong has now been replaced by maglev trains and one of the most international airports. Songjiang, the root of Shanghai, holds a plethora of culture worth delving into. The exquisite and delectable Shanghai dim sum, the graceful Shanghai women, and the charming local dialect contribute to the unique flavor of Shanghai, which intoxicates once tasted.

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