Old Shanghai: Where to See the Shanghai Old Districts, Streets, Towns & Architecture
Old Districts in Shanghai
Shanghai Old City
Shanghai’s history can be dated back over 700 years, and the Shanghai old city, a significant part of Nanshi Old Town in Shanghai, is considered the birthplace of urban Shanghai. Located alongside the Huangpu River, the old city was circled by Shanghai old city walls before the late Qing dynasty and is now enclosed by the winding Renmin Road and Zhonghua Road, forming an oval-shaped ancient neighborhood. Although it covers an area of only 200 hectares, it bears profound historical significance and is truly worthy of its reputation as the “Root of Shanghai”.Former French Concession
The former French Concession area in Shanghai is famous for its serene streets, towering plane trees, and elegant old villas. Visiting there during your Shanghai travel, you’ll find the most European-style buildings in Shanghai and be immersed in the old Shanghai glamour. Moreover, Wukang Road, Hengshan Road, and Fuxing Road are all worth strolling along. Here, you can explore independent boutiques, art galleries, and specialty cafés hidden among the garden villas.
City God Temple of Shanghai
Also known as Chenghuang Miao Market or Yuyuan Bazaar, City God Temple of Shanghai is a famous commercial district situated on Yuyuan Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai. It revolves around Yu Garden, and is surrounded by many attractions, including the prestigious Taoist City God Temple and an old street that exudes the charm of old Shanghai, among others. In the shopping area of Shanghai City God Temple, there are numerous souvenir shops, traditional Chinese clothing boutiques, and other retail outlets where you can purchase various kinds of goods.
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Tianzifang
Tianzifang is an art district that attracts countless tourists with its unique alley charm. This Shanghai old district has diverse architectural styles, including not only Shikumen but also rural houses in the south of the Yangtze River and Western-style villas. They intertwine with each other, forming a unique neighborhood landscape. If you are an art lover, then Tianzifang is a paradise for you, as there are numerous artist studios, design studios, and pottery studios. Don't miss the old Shanghai teahouse at the end of the lane, which is one of the three treasures of Tianzifang.
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Old Streets in Shanghai
Yuyuan Old Street in Shanghai
Located at the northern end of Yuyuan Bazaar, this old street in Shanghai connects in the south to the famous Yu Garden and in the north to the bustling Fuyou Road Small Commodity Market, stretching over a hundred meters in length. Being a busy street since the Ming dynasty, the street boasts many traditional snack bars and teahouses that serve authentic old Shanghai food, including xiaolongbao, crab roe soup dumplings, and scallion pancakes, which are indispensable Shanghai delicacies that you simply must try.
Shanghai Old Street
Known as one of the most beautiful historical streets in China, Shanghai Old Street was constructed in 1913 following the filling of Fangbang Creek. Originating from Renmin Road (Xiaodongmen) in the east, it extends westward to Henan South Road, with a core length of 825 meters. This road segment is celebrated for its traditional architectural style, with elements such as latticed windows, flying eaves, and upturned corners collectively presenting the historical characteristics of the old city in Shanghai.Sinan Road
Sinan Road is a century-old street in the heart of Shanghai and also one of the most poetic streets in the city. On both sides of the road are many Western-style houses, the most famous of which is Sinan Mansion, which was once the residence of celebrities such as Ba Jin and Mei Lanfang. As night falls, the street becomes more vibrant, with neon lights flickering and casting a nostalgic glow, making you feel as if you have been transported back to the enchanting night of old Shanghai.
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Old Towns in Shanghai
Zhujiajiao Old Town
Known as the "Venice of Shanghai", Zhujiajiao Old Town is one of the top ancient towns in China. It developed into a market during the Song and Yuan dynasties and became a major commercial town during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. This Shanghai old town is characterized by its quaint arched bridges, buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and delicate shops. Strolling along the cobblestone paths, the ancient buildings on both sides make you feel like you have traveled back to old Shanghai.
Nanxiang Old Town
Nanxiang Old Town is one of the four famous old towns in Shanghai, China, with a history of over 1,500 years. Its layout, characterized by "cross-shaped water streets", has been well-preserved. You can visit the beautiful Guyi Garden, one of the five classical gardens in Shanghai and also the birthplace of Nanxiang steamed buns. Wandering through Nanxiang Old Street, a representative Shanghai old town bazaar, you'll get the opportunity to explore the old Shanghai residential buildings and ancient alleys as well as taste mouthwatering night market delicacies.Qibao Old Town
Qibao Old Town is a water town in the region south of the Yangtze River with a history of over a thousand years. This old town in Shanghai is famous for its well-preserved ancient building complexes, unique folk customs, and abundant culinary culture. Specifically, there is a wide range of mouthwatering snacks, from traditional Qibao tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and boiled mutton to crab-shell-like pastries, each one offers a memorable taste. In addition, it’s a wonderful experience to find an old Shanghai teahouse by the river, sip tea, and enjoy the scenery.Fengjing Old Town
Fengjing Old Town boasts a history of 1,500 years. It stands as one of the larger and most meticulously preserved water towns in the Shanghai area. Crisscrossed by a dense network of waterways and dotted with numerous bridges, this Shanghai old town gains a reputation of "two bridges every three steps, and ten alleys in every glance." Standing on the Qingfeng Bridge and casting your gaze around, you can appreciate the charming scenery and feel the glamour of old Shanghai.
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Old Architectures in Shanghai
The Historical Architectures on the Bund
Many of the buildings along the Bund were constructed from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. They exhibit a diverse range of styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classical, and more, earning them the title of "Exhibition of International Architectural Styles". The designs and decorations of these buildings are exquisitely beautiful, reflecting the superb level of architectural art. For instance, the dome and murals of the HSBC Building, as well as the clock tower of the Customs House, are all masterpieces of old Shanghai architecture.
Yu Garden
First built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden has an exquisite layout, with pavilions, towers, rockeries, and ponds arranged in a picturesque manner. Most of its halls and courtyards feature gable-and-hip roofs or hard-ridge roofs, forming a unique view of old Shanghai. The garden houses over 48 architectural landscapes, including Sansui Hall, Kuailou, Deyuelou, and Jiyu Water Corridor. In addition, Yu Garden also boasts rare and spectacular sights such as the dragon-shaped walls in various forms.Zhenru Temple
Zhenru Temple is the only well-preserved Yuan Dynasty Buddhist temple in Shanghai and also the oldest existing wooden structure building in the city. Particularly, the main hall of this old Shanghai temple features a gray-tiled single-eaved gable roof with a graceful pitch and extended eaves. Inside the main hall, 10 of the 16 columns are Yuan Dynasty cypress wood, and 6 stone column bases are also Yuan Dynasty relics.Zhangyuan
Zhangyuan is the largest, most intact, and architecturally diverse collection of Shikumen (stone-gated) buildings existing in the city, worthy of being called a living "Shikumen Museum" of old Shanghai. The western district of it gathers numerous globally known brands, such as Dior, Gucci, and more, making it a paradise for fashion enthusiasts. Each Shikumen building perfectly integrates with these fashion brands. Hence, you can not only sense the historical charm of century-old architectures in Shanghai but also experience the cutting-edge fashion trends.
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Explore Old Shanghai with ETC
If you want to explore old Shanghai, travel with us Easy Tour China. We specialize in organizing private China tours for global tourists. Our professional tour guides will take you to Shanghai's old towns, walk you through the city's ancient streets, and show you its traditional architecture, guaranteeing an unforgettable trip for you. Below are our popular China tour packages with Shanghai.
If you want a customized old Shanghai tour, feel free to contact us.
