Fengjing Ancient Town - a person walking on a sidewalk
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Fengjing Ancient Town

4.4
·21 reviews·, China

A serene water village near Shanghai, Fengjing Ancient Town offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese life with its historic canals, bridges, and arch...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Fengjing Ancient Town - a person walking on a sidewalk

Fengjing Ancient Town

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene water village near Shanghai, Fengjing Ancient Town offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese life with its historic canals, bridges, and architecture.

4.4
(21 reviews)

"It's a forgotten little gem, more organic and peaceful than other touristy water towns."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander off the beaten path

Explore the smaller alleys for a more authentic experience away from the main tourist routes.

🛶 Take a relaxing boat ride

See the town from a different perspective and enjoy the serene canals.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canal-side Charm

Canal-side Charm

Throughout the town

Wander along ancient canals, admire traditional architecture, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this water village.

Historic Bridges

Historic Bridges

Various locations

Cross over 52 ancient bridges, each with unique designs and stories, offering picturesque views of the town.

Duoyun Books Store

Duoyun Books Store

Books Above The Clouds

Experience a unique blend of literature and history in this stunning bookstore set within the ancient town.

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Planning Your Visit

Escape Shanghai's Bustle

Seeking a tranquil escape from Shanghai's urban energy? Fengjing Ancient Town offers a serene glimpse into traditional Chinese life with its charming canals and historic architecture. It's a perfect day trip for a slower pace.

Embrace the Local Vibe

Unlike some more commercialized ancient towns, Fengjing retains an authentic feel. Wander its alleys, savor local delicacies, and experience a more organic side of China's water village culture.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy local snacks and boat tours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

( #hengjing #fengjing ) #fyp #เหิงจิ่ง #เฟิงจิ่ง
@romesche
2.9K likes • 23.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Wander off the beaten path

Explore the smaller alleys for a more authentic experience away from the main tourist routes. Reddit

🛶 Take a relaxing boat ride

See the town from a different perspective and enjoy the serene canals. Reddit

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, I highly recommend visiting one of the nearby ancient towns for a taste of history and tradition. This is Fengjing Ancient Town, a hidden gem filled with charming canals, old bridges, and classic architecture—right in Shanghai! • • • #Shanghai #AncientTown #Fengjing #travel #explore #adventure #solotravel #china #outdoors #history #explo...
livingwlevi
0 likes • 1.4K views
If you want to see how Shanghai looked 700 years ago welcome to Fengjing. A beautiful, small, romantic water village nearby Shanghai. Life remained unchanged here. How beautiful it is. One of the China’s provincial’s delights. #watervillage #chinawatervillage #fengjing #fengjingwatertown #fengjingancienttown #oldshanghai
polymena
16 likes • 171 views

🍜 Savor local specialties

Don't miss the unique soy sauce pork leg slice and local rice wine! Reddit

📚 Visit Duoyun Books

A unique bookstore offering a tranquil escape with beautiful views. Instagram

I enjoyed my visit to the newest Duoyun Books store in Fengjing ancient water town with my friends. Books Above The Clouds is a wonderful place to explore and relax. It have been a unique experience to browse through books while surrounded by the charm of the ancient water town.😊❤️
yy_artisticnails
0 likes • 271 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander off the beaten path

Explore the smaller alleys for a more authentic experience away from the main tourist routes. Reddit

🛶 Take a relaxing boat ride

See the town from a different perspective and enjoy the serene canals. Reddit

🍜 Savor local specialties

Don't miss the unique soy sauce pork leg slice and local rice wine! Reddit

📚 Visit Duoyun Books

A unique bookstore offering a tranquil escape with beautiful views. Instagram

📸 Capture the timeless beauty

The ancient architecture and canals make for stunning photos. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(21 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Fengjing Ancient Town for its authentic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and unique local delicacies, offering a refreshing escape from Shanghai's hustle. While some find it less developed than other water towns, many appreciate its organic feel and historical integrity.

"The canals here are lined with houses built using a crisscross wood technique that flexes during typhoons. Local grandmothers sell rice wine fermented in clay jars buried during the winter solstice. The covered bridge's wooden planks are worn into waves by centuries of footsteps."

Arman Khachatryan

"A calming and relaxing place with less tourist in the area. Had a great lunch and boat tour, recommended to spend 2-3hr here"

Jonna Goh

"Its a forgotten little gem. People often go to Tongli Which is good but could be packed with tourist. Fengjing has the same culture and views. I had been to both its more organic here. Must and Must try their special soysauce pork leg slice!! You can only find it in Fengjing!"

BonbonL ART

What People Like

Authentic atmosphere
Peaceful canals
Local food specialties

What People Dislike

Can be less developed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Fengjing Ancient Town from Shanghai by taking a bus from the Shanghai Tourist Bus Center or by subway and then a local bus. Many visitors opt for a direct bus for convenience. TikTok

Yes, it is accessible by public transport. Buses are a common and straightforward way to get there from Shanghai. TikTok

The travel time can vary depending on traffic, but it typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by bus from Shanghai. TikTok

Yes, buses like the Jinshan Line 1 or tourist buses from Shanghai's main bus stations frequently go to Fengjing. It's advisable to check current schedules. TikTok

Driving is an option, and there are parking facilities available. However, navigating Shanghai traffic can be challenging. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While wandering the main streets is generally free, some specific attractions within the town might require separate tickets. It's best to check on-site for current admission policies. Reddit

The town itself is generally accessible throughout the day, but individual shops and attractions will have their own operating hours, typically from morning to early evening. Reddit

Information on combo tickets can vary. It's recommended to inquire at the visitor center upon arrival for any package deals that might be available for multiple sites. Reddit

Generally, walking along the canals and crossing the bridges is free. Fees usually apply to specific museums, historical houses, or boat tours within the town. Reddit

Advance online ticketing options might be limited for Fengjing Ancient Town compared to larger attractions. Purchasing on-site is usually the most straightforward method. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The canals, ancient bridges, and traditional houses offer endless photographic opportunities. Look for reflections in the water and the charming details of the architecture. Instagram+1

Visiting on weekdays and early mornings will significantly reduce crowds, making it easier to capture unobstructed shots. Reddit

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the shaded alleys offer good opportunities. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, some indoor attractions or private residences might have restrictions. Instagram

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both wide canal views and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expanse of the town. Instagram

🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining

You must try the special soy sauce pork leg slice, a local delicacy unique to Fengjing. Also, sample the traditional rice wine fermented in clay jars. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are numerous restaurants and eateries offering local Shanghainese cuisine and traditional snacks. InstagramReddit

Food prices are generally reasonable, especially for street food and local eateries. Expect to pay more for sit-down restaurants. InstagramReddit

While traditional Chinese cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. It's best to ask. Reddit

Keep an eye out for grandmothers selling homemade rice wine and various local snacks. The soy sauce pork leg slice is a must-try street food. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fengjing Ancient Town can be a delightful outing for families. The boat rides along the canals are usually a hit with children, offering a fun and scenic way to explore. The open spaces and bridges provide opportunities for kids to run around and discover. Reddit

While the historical aspects might be less engaging for very young children, the visual appeal of the water village and the chance to try unique snacks like local sweets can keep them entertained. Consider visiting during a weekday to avoid larger crowds and make the experience more relaxed for everyone. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Fengjing Ancient Town is a great option for budget-conscious travelers looking for an authentic experience near Shanghai. Wandering the main streets and admiring the architecture is free of charge. Reddit

Opt for local eateries and street food for affordable and delicious meals. The special soy sauce pork leg slice and local snacks are budget-friendly and offer a true taste of the region. Boat rides are also relatively inexpensive and provide good value for the experience. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architecture of Fengjing

Fengjing Ancient Town is renowned for its unique architectural style, particularly its crisscross wood construction. This traditional building technique allows houses to flex and withstand the strong winds common in the region, especially during typhoons. The houses are often built right along the canals, creating a picturesque water village scene that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Many structures date back to the Song Dynasty, offering a tangible connection to China's rich history. InstagramReddit+1

The town is characterized by its intricate network of waterways and over 52 bridges, earning it the moniker "two bridges in three steps and ten ports in one view." These bridges, like the covered bridge, are not just functional but are also architectural marvels, with wooden planks worn smooth by the footsteps of generations. Walking across them provides a sense of stepping back in time. Instagram

Beyond the residential buildings, you'll find traditional shops, teahouses, and even modern establishments like the Duoyun Books store, which cleverly integrates contemporary design with the ancient surroundings. This blend of old and new is a hallmark of Fengjing, offering visitors a multifaceted experience. Instagram

Experiencing Fengjing's Local Culture

Fengjing Ancient Town offers a more authentic and less commercialized experience compared to some other popular water towns. Visitors often remark on its peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of stepping into a living museum. InstagramReddit

A significant part of the local culture is the tradition of local grandmothers selling homemade rice wine. This wine is fermented in clay jars that are traditionally buried during the winter solstice, a practice passed down through generations. Sampling this unique beverage is a must-do for an authentic taste of Fengjing. InstagramReddit

Food is another cornerstone of Fengjing's culture. The town is famous for its special soy sauce pork leg slice, a dish you won't easily find elsewhere. Exploring the local eateries and street food stalls is a culinary adventure that provides insight into the region's gastronomic heritage. InstagramReddit

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