From Guyi Garden, we walked along Heping Street (和平街) by the riverside and within minutes, we arrived at Nanxiang Ancient Town (南翔古镇).
Nanxiang Old Town, nestled in the Jiading District of Shanghai, is a captivating escape from the city's bustling energy. With a history stretching back over 1,500 years, the town offers a unique blend of charming canals, traditional architecture, and of course, the world-famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings).
We couldn't resist all the interesting street food and got to buy some before walking down the ancient lane.
The heart of Nanxiang is a network of narrow alleyways, locally known as "longtang," (弄堂) lined with traditional shops and eateries.
Standing guard at the entrance are the iconic Twin Pagodas (双塔). Built in the 18th century, these pagodas are a symbol of the town and a striking landmark welcoming visitor.
There are two ancient wells that were drilled in the period of Tianjian (505-519) of Liang Dynasty, with over 1,500 years of history.
Nanxiang boasts a rich past. Originally named after the Baihe Nanxiang Temple built in the 5th century AD, the town flourished during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as a center for silk production.
Despite its historical significance, Nanxiang remains relatively uncrowded compared to other water towns around Shanghai. This allows for a more relaxed and authentic experience.
At about 6pm, we had our dinner at a local restaurant (below).
The undisputed highlight for many visitors, including us, is the opportunity to savor the legendary Xiao Long Bao (小笼包). These delicate soup dumplings, originating in Nanxiang in the 18th century, are a delightful explosion of flavor in every bite.
The night view of Nanxiang Old Town transforms the charming water town into a scene of ethereal beauty. The Twin Pagodas, visible from afar, are illuminated from within, their silhouettes standing out against the night sky. The intricate details of the temples and historical buildings become more apparent with strategic lighting, highlighting the town's architectural heritage.
As dusk settles, the canals come alive with a gentle glow. The water reflects the warm light emanating from lanterns strung along the bridges and lining the walkways.
Traditional shopfronts with their wooden facades are adorned with soft, inviting lights. Restaurants cast a warm glow onto the streets, beckoning visitors with the promise of delicious food. Streetlamps with old-fashioned designs add a touch of nostalgia to the atmosphere.
Nanxiang at night offers a unique and unforgettable experience. The combination of soft lights, shimmering water, delicious aromas, and a serene atmosphere paints a picture of a town steeped in history and charm.
As it's a long walk back to the metro station and a long metro ride to our hotel, we left Nanxiang ancient town at about 7pm.
By the time we reached our hotel, it was already 8:45pm. Both of us were so tired and our legs were aching after all the walking today. We did not expect to cover so many places in our first day in Shanghai. We will try not to be so ambitious in the coming days. :-)
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