Jinshan

Jinshan is a real hidden-gem weekend getaway destination in Shanghai, with coastal scenery, Jiangnan water towns, and family-friendly parks all in one place. Here’s a detailed Jinshan travel guide covering attractions, food, and itinerary ideas, ready to use as-is!

Must-Visit Attractions

• Jinshan City Beach: A rare “blue beach” in Shanghai, with a 1,600-meter-long coastal promenade. In summer, you can swim in the sea and try activities such as jet skiing, go-karting, and sailing. Sunset by the water is especially photogenic.

• Jinshanzui Fishing Village: Shanghai’s last “living” active fishing village. The old street is full of everyday local atmosphere, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and yellow croaker noodles, and visit the Marine Fishing Culture Museum and Mazu Culture Museum.

• Fengjing Ancient Town: A Jiangnan water town that feels quieter and more authentic than Zhujiajiao, with small bridges, flowing water, and riverside homes. Must-try foods include Fengjing braised pork trotter, shaomai, and meat zongzi. You can also join hands-on workshops such as tie-dyeing and rice-cake making.

• Flower Sea Ecological Park: A seasonal hidden-gem photo spot. In autumn, there are fields of kochia and cosmos flowers; in spring, plum blossoms and cherry blossoms are in bloom. The park is large, so renting a bicycle is recommended.

• Donglin Temple: A striking temple with three Guinness World Records. The Thousand-Buddha Gate, the 33-meter indoor Thousand-Armed Guanyin, and the cloisonne statue of Sudhana are all spectacular and worth a dedicated visit.

• Shanghai LEGOLAND: Officially opening in 2026, this will be Asia’s largest LEGO theme park. Its eight themed zones are suitable for children aged 2-12 and are full of imagination and creativity.

Recommended Itineraries

• One-Day Trip (Coastal Leisure Route): In the morning, head to Jinshan City Beach to play in the sand, walk by the waves, and try water activities; at noon, go to Jinshanzui Fishing Village for a seafood feast and a stroll along the old street; in the afternoon, visit the fishing village museum or camp on the coastal green space; at dusk, wait by the sea for an orange-toned sunset.
• Two-Day Trip (In-Depth Experience Route):
  • Day 1: In the morning, explore Fengjing Ancient Town and sample local snacks; in the afternoon, visit Donglin Temple to experience its striking architecture; at dusk, go to Flower Sea Ecological Park to see the flower fields.
  • Day 2: Spend the full day at Shanghai LEGOLAND, or go to Luxiang Fruit Park to pick flat peaches and grapes and enjoy the countryside scenery.

Food Recommendations

• Jinshanzui Yellow Croaker Noodles: The fishing village’s signature dish. The fish broth is milky-white and rich, the fish is tender and boneless, and pickled mustard greens add freshness. One bite tastes like the sea.

• Fengjing Braised Pork Trotter: A time-honored local specialty, sticky and tender with a rich soy-sauce aroma. It also makes a great souvenir.

• Aliu Shaomai: A time-honored shop with over 20 years of history. The wrappers are thin and almost translucent, filled with pork, winter bamboo shoots, and aspic, bursting with juice in every bite.

• Local Farmhouse Dishes: Recommended dishes include sizzling eel strips, white-cut chicken, dried bamboo shoots braised with pork cooked on a farmhouse stove, and salted pork knuckle and taro soup. Full of wok aroma and very good value.

Transportation Guide

• Public Transport: From Shanghai South Railway Station, take the Jinshan Railway to Jinshanwei Station (about 30 minutes; you can use a public transport card; 10 yuan), then take a taxi or ride a shared bike to the attractions.
• Self-Driving: It takes about 1-1.5 hours from the downtown area. Parking lots at the attractions are convenient, and driving is recommended for more flexibility when moving between sights.