Songjiang

Known as the “root of Shanghai,” Songjiang brings together the historic character of a Jiangnan water town, English-style neighborhoods, and natural hills and woodland. It is well suited to a two-day, one-night weekend getaway.

• Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park: Known for its historical and cultural significance as the “root of Shanghai,” the park’s underwater museum and Tang-style pagoda are its main highlights. In the evening, you can enjoy the scenery after the lights come on, and it is also a good place to take photos in Hanfu.

• Sheshan National Forest Park: The park preserves some of Shanghai’s relatively rare native woodland and is suitable for hiking. At the summit, you can visit a century-old Catholic church and an observatory, while taking in views across the Songjiang Plain.

• Thames Town: The town is free to enter and is known for its English-style architecture. A Gothic church, red-brick houses, and lakeside lawns form the main sights, making it a popular setting for wedding or vintage-style photos.

• Zuibaichi Garden: One of Shanghai’s five classical gardens, it is laid out around a pond. Covered walkways, pavilions, old trees, and wood carvings together create the character of a Jiangnan garden. The Dong Qichang Calligraphy and Painting Art Museum is also located inside.

• Sijing Ancient Town: Metro Line 9 takes you directly to this thousand-year-old town. Commercial development here is relatively restrained. Walking along the bluestone lanes, you can see white walls, dark-tiled roofs, and Anfang Pagoda, while observing the everyday life of residents in a water town.

• Chenshan Botanical Garden: The garden is thoughtfully landscaped, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Classical music concerts are often held on the lawns, and the grounds are also suitable for family walks or camping.

Suggested Two-Day, One-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 Cultural sights and a town stroll: Visit Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park in the morning, including the underwater museum, to learn about the area’s history; have a local Shanghainese lunch nearby; in the afternoon, visit the Gothic church and Zhongshuge bookstore in Thames Town, then relax at a lakeside café; in the evening, head to the area around Songjiang University Town for local snacks.
• Day 2 Hiking and garden visits: Hike in Sheshan National Forest Park in the morning, visiting the Catholic church and observatory along the way while enjoying the woodland air; in the afternoon, choose either Zuibaichi Garden or Fangta Garden for a leisurely tour of Jiangnan garden scenery; return home in the evening.

Songjiang Dining Suggestions

Accommodation Suggestions

• Hilton Shanghai Songjiang Guangfulin: Located within Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park, the hotel offers guests free admission to the site. Its interiors use a modern Chinese design, with views from the windows, making it suitable for travelers who value accommodation quality and a quiet setting.

• Songjiang New Century Grand Hotel: Close to Songjiang Xincheng Metro Station and Kaiyuan Mediterranean commercial plaza, the hotel is convenient for transport, shopping, and dining. Rooms are relatively spacious, offering good value for money.
• Le Méridien Shanghai, Sheshan: Set in the Sheshan resort area, the hotel has an elegant setting and a good range of family facilities. It is an option for family trips or a relaxing weekend.

Transport and Sightseeing Tips

• Getting there: Metro Line 9 serves Sijing, Zuibaichi, and Songjiang University Town stations. To reach Guangfulin and Thames Town, you can transfer to a bus or take a taxi. If driving, set the destination as the scenic area’s parking lot. Traffic around Guangfulin and Sheshan can be congested during holidays, so it is best to avoid peak times.
• Preparation: The public areas of Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park are free, but venues such as the underwater museum require a separate combination ticket costing about 70 yuan. You can book in advance through the official reservation channel. Wear comfortable sports shoes when climbing Sheshan and bring mosquito repellent. Thames Town is free to enter, but indoor venues such as Zhongshuge may have queues, so adjust your visiting time accordingly.
• What to wear: Hanfu or modern Chinese-style clothing works well for Guangfulin, Zuibaichi, and Sijing Ancient Town. The architecture and surroundings of Thames Town suit elegant, feminine outfits or vintage dresses. For Sheshan and Chenshan Botanical Garden, wear sports shoes suitable for walking.