Looking for the Shanghainese Utopia in the Heart

Duration: 2 days. Time: March. Per capita cost: 500 yuan. With whom: Friends. Ways of playing: Self-[...]

Duration: 2 days. Time: March. Per capita cost: 500 yuan. With whom: Friends. Ways of playing: Self-driving, petty bourgeoisie, weekend tour. The author visited these places: Shanghai Fishing, Qingcun Town. Published on April 2, 2020 at 15:26.

The reinforced concrete, heavy traffic and busy work in big cities always make people feel depressed… Always hope that on every weekend and holiday, there is such a utopia in the heart, away from these troubles and enjoying a leisure time of life.

In this season of blooming spring, in Fengxian District of Shanghai, I found that ‘peach garden’ in my heart – Wufang. The first impression of coming to Wufang is that there are成片的 peach groves everywhere. The peach blossoms have bloomed in brilliant pink. Behind the peach groves is the village with white walls and black tiles. The village has retained the appearance of the previous houses and been renovated. Walking on the paths here, one can feel the ease of rural life.

The century-old Sanzhi Hall by the peach grove. After renovation, it now tells the history of Wufang to every visitor and is also the most important meeting hall for the villagers.

The village is not large. The outermost part is the driveway. It takes about half an hour to walk around the periphery. While shuttling in the village, there is a secluded tranquility.

The most flexible thing in the whole Wufang is the water. The densely distributed river channels are sometimes accompanied and sometimes far away. They quietly shuttle between the fields and houses, moistening every inch of life. The calm water surface reflects the world on the ground. The years are quiet and good. Occasionally, a slight breeze blows and stirs up ripples. Encountering a river channel, there is a black-awning boat parked. Thinking that if one can sit on the bow for a while, it seems to be hidden by the side of a peach grove and enjoy a small rural pleasure privately. Those stone slab roads extending into the small river are the paths home. Boats were once one of the most important means of transportation in rural life. Although people no longer go boating in the village now, it leaves us a space for reverie. Where there is a river, there is a bridge… There are many bridges in Wufang, each with its own style. The most famous one is the pedestrian bridge. The large ‘人’ shape connects the three banks. Although it is a bridge built later, it is a major feature of Wufang Village. Of course, there is also such a bridge accompanied by ancient lanterns, and the background is成片的 peach groves. The bridge with a unique shape like a panpipe allows one to see through the beautiful scenery like a peach blossom source at a glance with its fluctuating gaps.

Today’s village has added a lot of lively atmosphere to the ancient houses. The simple watercolor paintings allow everyone who comes here to feel the charm of the water town everywhere and let each wall have its own flavor.

Even in seasons devoid of blooming peach blossoms, one can feel the constant companionship of the flowers. Wooden-framed doors and windows, semi-open spaces, the spring scenery that cannot be confined, peach blossoms peeking out of the window… Amidst the grass and flowers, the thatched houses with a slightly primitive and purely wooden texture, suddenly evoke a sense of living a secluded life. It is hard to imagine that this is actually a toilet, and it even possesses the attribute of a ‘Peach Blossom Paradise’. Later, I found out that it is one of the top ten most beautiful toilets in Shanghai.

Strolling casually between the countryside and fields, every place offers new discoveries, related to life, to pastoral scenes, and to flowers and plants… The rustic rural houses also incorporate modern architectural styles, such as fully transparent sunrooms, a space design that modern people would really enjoy. Unexpectedly, Wu Fang has it too. While strolling, one might suddenly see an old lady sewing clothes attentively through an open wooden window, as if instantly returning to childhood and those scenes full of the flavor of life at the entrances of Shanghai alleys.

Wufang may be relatively unfamiliar to many old Shanghainese. This is a rural area in Fengxian District. As one of the first batch of villages to be renovated, it has now become a veritable peach blossom source.

After two months of staying at home due to the epidemic, finally, unable to resist the temptation of spring, I drove here to look for spring. Coinciding with the blooming of peach blossoms, I have the most wonderful spring this year. Tasting Wufang, those old flavors.Like a spring breeze that comes overnight, thousands of peach blossoms bloom as if in a single night, covering the village. The most beautiful spring has arrived. Why does Wu Fang have so many peach blossoms? This is also related to the revitalization of Wu Fang. The revitalization strategy of Wu Fang is to research and plant yellow peaches, and all the peach orchards here are of yellow peaches. This place is also known as the ‘Hometown of Yellow Peaches in China’. As soon as you enter the village, you will see peach orchards stretching for miles. The pink peach blossoms match the plain village houses perfectly. According to the young man in the village, one can also discern the skills of planting peach blossoms from the orchards. Indeed, the peach orchards are either neat or messy in patches, which is related to the planting techniques! Compared to cherry blossoms that bloom in the same season, peach blossoms are the most beautiful in color and height, and have high ornamental value. Even in the rain, they do not fall too severely, and the ornamental period can last until around April 10th. Of course, the planning of the village is quite good, not only with peach blossoms but also with various flowers in different colors and heights, creating a sense of color hierarchy. The peach blossoms are more pink at the ends, becoming lighter towards the petals, even white, with small and numerous stamens, and a cute appearance. The pink is not too strong, but just right. I originally thought that the peach blossoms we admired were generally of the water peach variety, but later I learned that all the peach blossoms in Wu Fang are of the yellow peach variety. However, the shelf life of yellow peaches is relatively short, so they are quickly made into canned peaches after ripening. Speaking of canned yellow peaches, we do have a high probability of eating them, as they are present in cakes and desserts. Unexpectedly, the yellow peach blossoms are so lovely. It is best not to enter private peach orchards to admire the flowers. After all, planting peach trees is not easy. On one hand, the soil is also slippery. There are several peach trees outside the garden, which are enough for taking photos.

The breath of spring is deeply experienced here, and this is also the first time after the epidemic that I am so close to nature, breathing fresh air in large gulps, and admiring such beautiful peach blossoms. There are also internet-famous photo spots here! I believe every girl would like to come here to take beautiful photos. Here are a few unique internet-famous photo spots that I recommend (developed by myself):
1. The wooden boat in front of the peach orchard. The boat is moored by the shore. With the right angle, you can take a photo as if you are rowing to admire the peach blossoms, which is very elegant.
2. The stone path over the small river. The stone path was originally an interesting design of the small river, suitable for playing with water. The river water is divided into two layers here, and with the houses in the village, it can take a playful village scene.
3. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the internet-famous homestay. This panoramic room is the most beautiful room in the internet-famous homestay. There are endless photos to be taken here. Of course, if you want to take photos, you have to book this room.
4. The stone slab road by the river. Those docks and stone slab roads that once moored boats are now good places near the water. When there is no wind, the lake is like a mirror, and you can take beautiful reflections.
5. The archway of the secret garden. The white wall and black tiles draw a picture of a Jiangnan garden, and I also want to be in the painting, becoming a part of this beautiful scenery.
6. It is said that taking photos here can bring peach blossom luck. Whether it is true or not, I believe it anyway.

Living in the ‘Peach Blossom Paradise’ scenery, in the simple rural small buildings, with a 180-degree floor-to-ceiling window view room, no matter where you are in the room, you can enjoy the peach blossoms in full view.

Duration: 2 days, Time: March, Cost per person: 500 yuan, Companions: Friends, Activities: Self-driving, Boutique, Weekend getaway. The author visited these places: Shanghai Fishing Qiaotown, published on 2020-04-02 15:26.

The steel and concrete of big cities, the hustle and bustle of traffic, and the busy work always make people feel oppressed… There is always a desire to have a paradise away from these annoyances, to enjoy a leisurely time in life during every weekend or holiday. In this season when spring has already bloomed, in FengxianEveryone who comes here can find the life they yearn for. After two months of staying at home due to the epidemic, I finally could not resist the temptation of spring and drove here to seek spring. Coincidentally, the peach blossoms were in full bloom, possessing the most wonderful spring of this year.

It is a rural area in Fengxian and, as one of the first villages to be rebuilt, it has now become a real-life Peach Paradise. The first impression of Wu Fang is a field of peach forests with peach blossoms in full bloom, displaying a dazzling pink. Behind the peach forest is the village with white walls and black tiles. The village has retained the appearance of the previous houses and has been renovated. Walking on the paths here, you can feel the comfort of rural life.

The century-old house beside the peach forest, Sanzhi Hall, after renovation, now tells the history of Wu Fang to every visitor and is also the most important meeting hall in the village. The village is not very large, and it takes about half an hour to walk around the outer lane, while walking through the village, there is a sense of tranquility and isolation from the world.

The most dynamic part of Wu Fang is the water. The dense network of rivers, sometimes accompanying and sometimes staying away, calmly shuttle through the fields and houses, moistening every inch of life. The calm water surface reflects the world on the ground, the years are quiet, and occasionally a breeze passes, causing ripples. Occasionally, you might encounter a river with a wooden boat parked by it, thinking, if you could sit at the bow, it would be like hiding beside a peach forest, enjoying a rural interest in private. Those stone paths that extend into the small river were once the most important means of transportation in rural life. Although the village no longer uses boats, it leaves us with a space for imagination.

Rivers give rise to bridges… Wu Fang boasts numerous bridges, each with its unique style. The most famous among them is the pedestrian bridge, with its large ‘human’ shape, connecting three shores. Although it was constructed later, it has become a notable feature of Wu Fang Village. There are also bridges accompanied by antique lanterns, with a backdrop of vast peach orchards. Bridges with distinctive shapes, like pan flutes, allow one to gaze through the gaps in their undulating structures and behold the idyllic beauty of this peach garden.

The current village has added a touch of liveliness to its ancient houses. Simple watercolor paintings allow every visitor to experience the charm of the water town, giving each wall its own flavor. Even in seasons without blooming peach blossoms, it feels as if they are always in company. Wooden-framed doors and windows, partially open spaces, cannot confine the spring scenery, with peach blossoms peeking out of the windows… In the depths of grass and flowers, thatched huts with a slightly primitive and wooden texture evoke a sense of seclusion. It is hard to imagine that this is a toilet, yet it possesses the attributes of a ‘peach garden.’ Later, I learned that it is one of the top ten most beautiful toilets in Shanghai.

Strolling casually between the countryside and fields, every spot holds new discoveries related to life, pastoral scenes, and flora… Ancient rural houses also incorporate modern architectural styles, with fully transparent sunrooms, a space design favored by modern people, and surprisingly, Wu Fang has it too. While walking, I suddenly saw an open wooden window, with an old lady diligently sewing clothes, as if I had been transported back to childhood, to those scenes filled with the flavor of life at the entrance of Shanghai’s alleyways.

As if overnight, a spring breeze has come, and thousands of peach trees have blossomed, heralding the arrival of the most beautiful spring. Why does Wu Fang have so many peach blossoms? It is related to the revitalization of Wu Fang. Wu Fang’s revitalization strategy focuses on the research and cultivation of yellow peaches, and all the peach orchards here are of yellow peaches, earning the area the title ‘Hometown of Chinese Yellow Peaches.’ Upon entering the village, one can see a continuous stretch of peach orchards for miles. The pink peach blossoms complement the plain village houses, creating a perfect match. According to a young man from the village, one can discern the skill of planting peach blossoms from the orchards. Indeed, the orchards, some neat and some messy, are related to the planting techniques! Compared to cherry blossoms that bloom in the same season, peach blossoms have the most beautiful color and an appropriate height, making them highly ornamental. Even in the rain, they do not fall too severely, and the viewing period can last until around April 10th. Of course, the village planning is excellent, not only featuring peach blossoms but also various flowers of different colors and heights, creating a sense of color layering.The peach blossoms’ tips are a delicate shade of pink, which lightens towards the petals, sometimes even turning white. These blossoms feature small and numerous stamens, giving them a charming and delicate appearance. The pink hue is perfectly balanced, not too intense. Initially, I believed that the peach blossoms we admired were the watermelon peach variety, but I later learned that all the peach blossoms in Wu Fang are of the yellow peach variety.

Yellow peaches, however, have a relatively short shelf life and are quickly processed into canned food after ripening. Speaking of canned yellow peaches, there’s a high chance we’ve all enjoyed them, especially in cake desserts. It’s surprising to see how lovely the flowers of yellow peaches can be. When admiring peach blossoms, it’s best to avoid entering private peach orchards, as growing peach trees is no easy task. Instead, there are several peach trees outside the garden where taking pictures can be just as satisfying. Here, one can deeply experience the breath of spring, especially after the epidemic has kept us away from nature for so long. Wu Fang offers several internet-famous photo spots, perfect for capturing beautiful memories:

1. The black-awning boat in front of the peach orchard, creating an elegant scene as if rowing to enjoy the blossoms.
2. The stone path on the river, an interesting design where one can play in the water and capture the playful village feel.
3. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the internet-famous homestay, offering endless photo opportunities in a panoramic room that requires a booking.
4. The stone path by the river, with docks and paths where boats once moored, now providing beautiful reflections on the still lake.
5. The arch of the secret garden, with white walls and black tiles, painting a picture of a Jiangnan garden.
6. Peach blossom luck, a spot believed to bring good fortune when photographed.

Staying in the rustic rural building in ‘peach blossom source’ scenery, with a 180-degree floor-to-ceiling window viewing room, one can enjoy the peach blossoms from every angle. I’ve always loved floor-to-ceiling windows for their unobstructed views, and now I have the entire Wufang peach orchard at my disposal. Brewing a pot of hot tea on the tatami seating area, I can savor both the tea and the blossoms, a true Zen experience. The homestay in Wufang, Banshan · Yi, lives up to its name with a literary and artistic atmosphere and the most beautiful scenery. Its simple exterior belies the stylish living within, offering the secluded life enjoyment that modern people crave. The bathroom of the scenic room is also a viewing spot, allowing one to bathe while enjoying the scenery. There’s a small open-air seating area outside, perfect for enjoying the spring breeze during the sun’s peak hours.

The homestay’s overall style is highly appealing, with a wooden walkway on the first floor accompanied by water and fully transparent rooms on one side with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, filling the space with a modern design aesthetic. The backyard is a hidden gem, featuring a lake, a winding bridge, and a small rockery, creating a miniature landscape reminiscent of a Jiangnan garden, a delightful surprise amidst the village.

The taste of spring is always cherished, not just for the revival of all things and the blooming of flowers, but also because spring gives us the flavor of the season. Jiangnan spring offers much to savor, and Wu Fang Village, though small, has everything one could need. Visiting Wu Fang is essential to taste the essence of Shanghai’s spring. Spring is the season of bamboo shoots, and their tenderness allows for a variety of preparations, from cold dishes to stir-fries, and even in soups. Regardless of the method, the crisp texture is the finest gift bamboo shoots offer. Salted pork soup, a staple in every Shanghai household during spring, is described with the phrase, ‘so fresh that your eyebrows might fall off.’The soup, simmered with bamboo shoots, fresh meat, and salted meat over low heat, is creamy and rich, with a deliciousness that is hard to resist. Spring shoots are a key ingredient during this season. The ingredients in salted pork soup may vary slightly from household to household, with bamboo shoots and salted fresh meat, perhaps accompanied by bean curd knots and other vegetables. Stir-fried farm vegetables, a mainstay here due to their pure and pollution-free nature, require no further introduction.

Beef and yam cubes, a frequent dish in Jiang浙 cuisine, are richly flavored with a hint of sweetness. The beef is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a rich texture, complemented by the refreshing yam, leaving no trace of greasiness. The Shanghai-style fish-flavored eggplant, not spicy but perfectly suited to the taste of Jiangnan, and the braised eggplant, a homely dish where the flavor of the eggplant is preserved perfectly.

A mixed fish stew, under a rich and dark sauce, presents a fish platter of exquisite taste, all of the finest quality and highly palatable. In addition to the main meals, the snacks of Wu Fang should not be missed. Known as ‘collapse cakes,’ these delicacies are exclusive to the village. Coffee, a modern essential, is best enjoyed with a sunny spot, and Wu Fang also boasts its own café. Sipping a rich cup of coffee outdoors amidst blooming peach blossoms is a delightful experience. Desserts featuring yellow peaches are bound to be popular among women, making the dessert shop an ideal place for afternoon tea. Wu Fang Village also offers a variety of snacks made from yellow peaches, which are local specialties. The rich flavor of yellow peaches is my favorite.

Together with friends, experience the thrill of archery. Besides peaceful enjoyment, there is also the excitement of pursuit. On one side of the village is an outdoor base where you can play popular games like paintball and archery. You must be curious about what offensive and defensive archery is. At first, I also had doubts. It wasn’t until I played it that I immediately fell in love with this interesting project. This is also a team game like CS. Wear a mask and hold a bow and arrow. In the base, find the target and attack. Combining archery and live-action combat, it is very interesting and gives a bit of the real combat feeling in martial arts dramas. Of course, this arrow is very safe. The arrowhead is soft and will not hurt people. This offensive and defensive archery not only tests arm strength but also tests skills, reaction ability, etc. Having a real combat with friends is extremely enjoyable.

Under the gentle breeze and light clouds, patiently go fishing once. The ponds in patches reflect the village. This is a paradise for fishing. In the early morning, many experienced fishermen have already prepared fishing gear by the pond and are ready to start fishing at any time. The surroundings of the fish pond are as beautiful as a painting. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Sitting in such scenery and fishing, even if the waiting time is long, it will be a kind of enjoyment. Professional fishing is really different. The equipment is complete. On average, one can catch a fish in a few minutes. I really admire it. However, ordinary people may need to be more patient. After all, it is not an easy thing for fish to take the bait.

Location & Transportation: Wufang Village is located in Qingcun Town, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 150 meters west of Puxing Highway. For self-driving, you can navigate to ‘Wufang Reception Center’. Drive from the Central Ring Road or North-South Elevated Road to 150 meters west of Puxing Highway. Get off at ‘Fengxian New City’ station of Metro Line 5 and take a taxi to reach there.