Xinchang Ancient Town: Shanghai’s Last Watertown Family

Hidden deep within the bustling Pudong lies a Jiangnan water town forgotten by time—Xinchang Ancient Town. Here, there are no neon lights like the Bund, but it holds the most authentic local life in Shanghai; here, there aren’t crowds like in Zhujiajiao, yet it preserves the most complete Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Strolling along the cobblestone streets feels like traveling back six hundred years to old Shanghai. The spring rain in March wets the flying eaves, and the stilt houses built along the river reflect in the flowing water. The lingering aroma of tea drifts from the old teahouse, while the sanxian strings played by Pingtan artists pass through carved wooden windows, blending with the popping sound of popcorn on the street corner to create the most enchanting urban symphony. At the head of Hongfu Bridge, the century-old mutton restaurant’s stove has simmered old braised recipes for four generations; on the brick-carved gate of the Zhang family residence, the inscription “Virtue carries all things” remains clearly visible. As dusk reddens the horse-head walls, lanterns light up one by one. Sitting on the terrace of a century-old house converted into a guesthouse, tasting Dingfeng fermented tofu with yellow wine, watching the black-awning boats glide through the moonlit river. At this moment, you realize that the gentleness of the Magic City is all hidden in this living ancient town. Xinchang is not a tourist spot, but the old Jiangnan dream that Shanghainese never want to wake from.