Just east of central Shanghai’s soaring skyscrapers and traffic-lined streets, a snapshot of traditional China stands frozen in time at Nanshi. The oldest area in all of Shanghai, this former urban and commercial core is now a charming enclave where hundreds of years of history meet the modern day.
Looking for an authentic cultural experience? Get a glimpse of traditional China with our essential guide to Shanghai’s Old Town.
City God Temple
Opening Hours: Daily 8:00am – 4:30pm
A relic of the Ming Dynasty, this 15th century Temple of the Town Gods was originally built to protect the city’s people by offering prayers to three main dieties: Huo Guang, Qin Yubo and Chen Huacheng. While Taoist temples of this variety were once a common fixture around China, hundreds of years of political, cultural and religious changes have resulted in only a handful of these spiritual sites still standing, making the City God Temple a must-see for anyone visiting Shanghai.
Yu Yuan Garden and Bazaar
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am –5:30pm
A stone’s throw away from the City God Temple, this beautiful garden-cum-bazaar is one of Shanghai’s most prominent attractions. Founded in 1559, the lush greenery, koi-filled ponds and bright-white pavilions of this inner-city park are flanked by a bustling marketplace, teeming with everything from local street food to one-of-a-kind handicrafts.
Huxinting Teahouse
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am –9:30pm
After you’ve braved the crowded corridors of the Yu Yuan Bazaar, follow the beautiful Jiu Qu Qiao Bridge to reach the Huxinting Teahouse. One of China’s most famous tearooms, this traditional, pagoda-style building sources the finest tea leaves from around the country and brews all of its beverages with pure mineral water to deliver a premium tea drinking experience to all of its patrons.
Dajing Pavilion
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am –9:30pm
Once completely encircled by a stone embankment, the last remaining section of the Old Town’s ancient barricade can be viewed at the Dajing Pavillion. While the majority of the five kilometre wall was destroyed during periodic turmoil, the small stretch that has survived can be scaled by tourists, offering views across the rooftops of the historic area of Nanshi.
Wen Miao Temple
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm
Otherwise known as the Confucius Temple, this tranquil sanctuary pays homage to ancient Chinese scholar, philosopher and politician, Confucius. Surrounded by towering trees and blooming wildflowers, this peaceful place of worship is also home to Shanghai’s second largest book market – an apt tribute to the educational pursuits this universally-loved teacher dedicated his life to.
Whether you want to barter for a bargain at the Yu Yuan Bazaar or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at the Huxinting Teahouse, Radisson Blu Shanghai New World’s 5-star accommodation provides the perfect base to explore Shanghai’s Old Town. Plan your stay today.