Photography Guide to Misty Jiangnan

Introduction to Xinchang Ancient Town Xinchang Ancient Town is a historic Jiangnan water town, formed in the Tang Dynasty and established as a town in the Southern Song Dynasty. It was named for its prosperous salt industry and has a history of nearly 1300 years to date. The ancient town is located in the southern part of Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It retains the traditional style of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, with Xinchang Street and Dongxi Hong Street forming a cross-shaped framework, supported by a network of rivers and waterways. It boasts 150,000 square meters of contiguous ancient buildings, 68 ancient ceremonial gates, 2,000 meters of old streets, and 1,200 meters of Ming and Qing Dynasty stone embankments. Four rivers divide the ancient town into a "well-shaped" pattern, showcasing the typical Jiangnan water town characteristics of "streets and bridges connected, built along the river." As a "true picture of the lives of Pudong's indigenous residents," over 90% of the ancient town's population are indigenous residents. It is not only a tourist destination but also a vibrant living community. In 2008, it was awarded the title of "National Historical and Cultural Town of China." Currently, it is collaborating with other ancient towns in Jiangsu and Zhejiang to apply for "Jiangnan Water Towns" World Cultural Heritage status. Recommended Attractions 1. Xinchang Street Opening Hours: Open all day, all year round Address: No. 128 Haiquan Street, Xinchang Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (Core Area) Reason for Recommendation: The core street of the ancient town, divided into northern, central, and southern sections. The northern section is a commercial area with numerous snack shops and specialty stores, where you can taste traditional delicacies like Zharou (braised pork) and stinky tofu. The central section preserves the best-maintained Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient houses, featuring unique architectural layouts such as "front shop, middle residence, cross-river backyard." The southern section is a residential area, showcasing an authentic local lifestyle. Over 30 films and TV series, including "Lust, Caution" and "Ip Man," have been filmed here. 2. Diyilou Teahouse Address: No. 422 Xinchang Street Reason for Recommendation: Built in the late Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, it was named for being the tallest building in the town at the time. From the 1930s, it became a famous storytelling venue, and the underground Communist Party once set up a liaison station here. The building is a three-story brick-and-wood structure, retaining its Republic of China style. It was a filming location for "Lust, Caution" and is a cultural landmark of the ancient town. It is now open as a teahouse and historical exhibition space, where visitors can experience Jiangnan water town tea culture. 3. Houshihe Garden Address: No. 66 Gangxi Street (near the central and southern sections of Xinchang Street) Reason for Recommendation: A private cross-river garden restored from the Huang family's old residence from the Qing Dynasty. Rockeries and greenery are built along the river, blending Jiangnan garden and Haipai (Shanghai style) architectural features. It is a typical representation of the ancient town's "front shop, middle residence, cross-river backyard" layout. It is open to the public for free and is suitable for leisurely strolls and sightseeing. 4. Xinchang Xinlong Pawnshop Reason for Recommendation: An important cultural relic protection unit of the ancient town, it retains the architectural layout of a Qing Dynasty pawnshop. The interior displays the history and culture of the traditional pawnbroking industry, serving as a window into the ancient town's commercial development history. 5. Siku Shufang · Xinchang Yaji Address: No. 289 Xinhuan South Road, Xinchang Town (near Nanshan Temple) Reason for Recommendation: An antique lotus pond study, combining a traditional study with a modern cultural space. It offers book reading and cultural experience activities, making it a tranquil place to experience the artistic atmosphere of the ancient town. 6. Luogu Shu Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Reason for Recommendation: The ancient town boasts "Luogu Shu," a national intangible cultural heritage project. Performances are often held on old streets or in cultural spaces, telling folk stories in a singing and speaking style, showcasing Pudong's local folk culture.