October 21, 2025 | Follow us
Jinshan District

Fengjing Ancient Town

Fengjing Ancient Town is located in the southwest gateway of Shanghai, at the junction of five districts and counties in Shanghai and Zhejiang. With a history of over 1500 years, it is a hidden gem of the Jiangnan water town amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern city, preserving the typical architectural style of the water town. As a small town crisscrossed by rivers, Fengjing perfectly blends the poetic life of Jiangnan, local customs, and rich cultural heritage.

As early as the first year of the Liang Dynasty's Tianjian period (502 AD), there were written records reflecting the settlement of the ancestors in the Fengjing area. It has long been a commercial center due to its convenient waterway transportation. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it experienced economic prosperity, leaving behind numerous exquisite ancient buildings and old streets. In the late Qing Dynasty, there were 52 ancient bridges in the town, and the most famous ones today are the three bridges closely connected to each other, symbolizing peace, wealth, and longevity.

Fengjing not only has charming water town scenery but is also one of the birthplaces of Shanghai's local culture. It is the hometown of peasant paintings, with Jinshan peasant paintings expressing a strong sense of life and local characteristics through vibrant colors and simple lines, simple yet vivid. In addition, Fengjing is also one of the birthplaces of traditional folk opera such as "Nongtangxi" (Lane Opera). Local operas such as Shanghai Opera, Yue Opera, and Pingtan are occasionally performed in small theaters in the town. These performances not only preserve the traditional singing style and form but also incorporate modern elements, revitalizing ancient art in the contemporary era. During festivals, the town also holds temple fairs, lantern festivals, and other folk activities, with bustling crowds on the streets and a lively festive atmosphere.

The traditional pastry of the ancient town, "Zhuangyuan Gao" (a local cake), is widely popular for its crispy and sweet fragrance. Visitors can also taste handmade dried tofu, delicious river seafood, and local specialty yellow wine, with each bite carrying the taste and warmth of the ancient town. There are also many traditional handicraft shops in the town, where purchasing a few handmade crafts as souvenirs is the best way to bring back memories of Fengjing.

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