Songjiang

As the “Root of Shanghai,” Songjiang has both the gentle charm of Jiangnan gardens and the romance of an English-style town, making it perfect for a slow weekend trip. Here is a travel guide covering both classic and lesser-known spots. Feel free to follow it directly!

Classic Two-Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Old-Town Culture and English-Style Romance: In the morning, head to Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park to see the underwater museum. In the afternoon, stroll around Thames Town for English-style photos, then in the evening go to Shanghai Film Park for a journey back to old Shanghai.

• Day 2 Nature, Fresh Air, and Garden Citywalk: In the morning, hike in Sheshan National Forest Park for some fresh air. In the afternoon, visit Zuibaichi Park and Fangta Park, then go to the university town in the evening for affordable eats.

Must-Visit Attractions

Songjiang’s attractions are fairly spread out, so it is best to choose your route based on your interests. Here are some of the most representative hidden gems:

• Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park: Known as the “Root of Shanghai,” its underwater museum building is truly striking. The red walls and black-tiled roofs are especially photogenic for Hanfu shoots. The outdoor park area is free, while a combined ticket for the paid exhibition halls costs 60 yuan.
• Thames Town: Full of English charm, with a Gothic Catholic church, Zhongshuge Bookstore, and lakeside lawns that are great for photos. It is open all day for free and is ideal for a weekend stroll and coffee.

• Sheshan National Forest Park: Shanghai’s “green lung.” East Sheshan and West Sheshan are free to enter. At the top of the hill are a century-old Catholic church and an astronomy museum. The climb is easy, making it suitable for a refreshing hike.

• Zuibaichi Park: One of Shanghai’s five major classical gardens. Admission is 12 yuan. Centered around its pond, the garden is filled with pavilions, terraces, and towers that evoke classic Jiangnan charm. A visit takes about 1 hour.

• Chenshan Botanical Garden: Shanghai’s largest botanical garden. The Quarry Garden and glass greenhouse are very photogenic, and different seas of flowers appear throughout the four seasons. It is also a good place to bring a picnic mat and relax.

Local Food and Restaurant Guide

Songjiang has not only Shanghai-style local cuisine, but also great-value food around the university town. These well-reviewed spots are worth making a special trip for:

• Nongjia Cai Laoda: A frequent entry on must-eat lists. The fish hot pot and preserved-vegetable barrel pancake are recommended. The fish is tender and flavorful. Average cost: 106 yuan per person.

• Xiao Ye Shu · Shanghai Traditional Handmade Cuisine: Old-school Shanghai flavors. The braised pork is soft, sticky, fragrant, and sweet, with a rich sauce. Average cost: 102 yuan per person.
• Kuanmaji Food Stall: A fresh-cut beef hot pot spot. Beef sliced to order is cooked in a clear beef-bone broth and dipped in shacha sauce, making it very flavorful. Good for late-night meals and group gatherings. Average cost: 100+ yuan per person.
• Haiwangcha Restaurant: The rose soy sauce chicken is tender, smooth, and refreshing, and the stir-fried beef ho fun comes in generous portions. It is close to Guangfulin. Average cost: 84 yuan per person.
• Thai Mom Thai Bistro: A paradise for students. The basil minced pork rice and tom yum soup taste authentic, and the value for money is high. Average cost: 60+ yuan per person.

Beyond restaurants, Songjiang’s specialty snacks are also not to be missed. Songjiang Scallion Oil Noodles are richly fragrant with scallion and are a top breakfast choice for locals; Yexie Soft Rice Cake, an intangible cultural heritage rice cake, is soft, glutinous, and lightly sweet, making it a good souvenir to take home; in Sijing Ancient Town, you can also try Guangli Zongzi, known for its large, juicy chunks of meat, and Sijing Xiaolongbao.

Transport and Practical Tips

• Transport Advice: Metro Line 9 reaches most areas of Songjiang, but the attractions are far apart, so driving or taking taxis will be more convenient. If driving to Guangfulin, navigate to the “south-side underground parking lot,” which has plenty of spaces.
• Pitfall Reminders: Guangfulin’s paid exhibition halls are closed on Mondays, while the outdoor park area remains open, so do not make a wasted trip; Thames Town is less crowded and better for photos on weekdays, while on weekends it is best to go early; for hiking in Sheshan, wear comfortable flat shoes. UV rays are strong at the hilltop, so remember sun protection.