Shanghai Essence and Water Village VIP Day Tour: Immersive Exploration of Xinchang Ancient Town – The 'Pudong Living Fossil' with Heritage Architecture, Film Nostalgia and Exclusive Guide Service

Tour Itinerary

Upon your arrival at the designated meeting point, your exclusive tour guide from Your Way Holiday will be waiting with a prominent brand pick-up sign, greeting you with a warm smile. The guide will proactively assist you with luggage placement and provide professional luggage consignment services, so you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy items, allowing you to start your day’s ancient town tour with ease. Our guides are not only familiar with every historical context of the ancient town but also able to elaborate on the stories behind them, laying a perfect foundation for your journey with professional services.

Under the guide's leadership, we first head to the core area of Xinchang Ancient Town - Xinchang Main Street. This thousand-year-old old street is the core area of the only ancient town in Shanghai applying for world heritage. The bluestone slabs underfoot are polished smooth and warm by time. The Ming and Qing dynasties buildings lined up on both sides are scattered in an orderly manner. Among the black tiles and white walls, Western-style carved window lattices and arch doors can be seen from time to time. This collision of Eastern and Western elements is the unique architectural charm of Xinchang Ancient Town. The guide will point out the Western-style details hidden in the ancient buildings and tell the stories of the integration of Chinese and Western cultures during the period of prosperous commerce.

Strolling along Xinchang Main Street for a while, we arrive at "Di Yi Lou" Teahouse, which is famous for being a filming location of the movie Lust, Caution. As a landmark building of the ancient town, this teahouse, with a history of over a century, has perfectly preserved the style and features of teahouses from a hundred years ago. From the moment you step into the teahouse, you are greeted by a strong sense of history: the wooden stairs, which have been trodden by countless people over the years, let out a soft creak with each step; the square tables and round stools made of solid wood are polished to a bright luster; the blue and white porcelain teacups and covered bowls are neatly arranged on the table; the walls are adorned with old photos of the teahouse from different eras, recording its changes over time. In the movie Lust, Caution, several important scenes were filmed here, including the tense and subtle dialogue scenes between the leading characters. Sitting at the same table where the movie was filmed, sipping a cup of locally produced green tea with a mellow aroma, you can almost feel the atmosphere of the era depicted in the movie, experiencing the perfect integration of film and television feelings with historical architecture.

Upon departing from "Di Yi Lou" Teahouse, a leisurely stroll through a series of tranquil alleys leads us to the banks of Hongqiao Port, a veritable window into the daily lives of the locals. Here, the scene unfolds like a living tapestry: elderly residents, clad in simple attire, engage in the age-old practice of washing clothes on the stone steps by the water's edge; children frolic and chase one another along the riverbank. An ancient locust tree, its boughs stretching wide, casts a lush canopy of shade, complementing the elegant stone arch bridge that spans the water. Together, they compose a timeless portrait of a serene water town, where the passage of time seems to slow to a gentle crawl. As you soak in the idyllic scenery, your guide will regale you with tales of the riverside buildings' storied past and the time-honored customs that have been preserved and passed down through generations of Xinchang residents, offering an intimate glimpse into the hidden charm of this ancient town.

Subsequently, we will journey to the Xinchang Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall, a treasure trove nestled within the heart of the ancient town. This hall meticulously curates an extensive collection of historical relics, evocative old photos, and captivating folk exhibits, spanning from ancient salt production tools that whisper tales of the town's humble beginnings as a bustling salt trade hub to modern-day daily utensils that reflect its evolution into a charming water town.As you step inside, the air is thick with the weight of history. Each artifact is a silent storyteller, waiting to be discovered. The guide, a local expert well-versed in the town's lore, will lead you on an immersive journey, offering detailed explanations that bring these exhibits to life. They'll share anecdotes and historical facts, enabling you to piece together the intricate tapestry of Xinchang's past and gain a more systematic understanding of the rich history and vibrant culture that have shaped this ancient town.After delving deep into the annals of Xinchang's history, we'll make our way to the town's characteristic handicraft workshop area, a haven for artisans and craft enthusiasts alike. Here, you'll have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at traditional crafts. Whether you choose to engage in the delicate art of handmade cotton textile, learning the time-honored techniques passed down through generations, or immerse yourself in the intricate world of paper cutting, using a pair of scissors to transform a simple sheet of paper into a work of art, you're sure to feel the unique charm of these traditional handicrafts. You can take your very own handmade creations home as cherished souvenirs, a tangible reminder of the unforgettable experiences and cultural treasures you've discovered in Xinchang Ancient Town.

At lunchtime, the guide will lead you through the cobblestone alleyways to Yongheju, a century-old eatery nestled in the heart of the ancient town. As you step inside, the aroma of simmering broths and freshly steamed zongzi fills the air, a tantalizing preview of the culinary journey ahead.Start your feast with the Grandma's meat zongzi, a labor of love that takes hours to prepare. Wrapped in fragrant bamboo leaves, each triangular parcel contains glutinous rice stuffed with succulent pork belly, marinated for hours in a secret blend of spices and soy sauce, and slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a sticky, savory delight with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pays homage to generations of Xinchang cooks.Next, savor the chicken soup tofu pudding, a comfort food staple in the region. The silky, freshly made tofu slides down your throat, accompanied by a rich, golden chicken broth that's been simmered with local herbs and spices. Topped with a sprinkle of scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil, each spoonful is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.Complete your meal with the salted cucumber with edamame, a refreshing side dish that balances out the richness of the other dishes. The cucumbers are pickled in a brine of local sea salt and spices, giving them a tangy, umami-packed flavor. Paired with tender, slightly sweet edamame, it's the perfect palate cleanser to end your Xinchang culinary adventure on a high note. These dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through the ages, offer a taste of Xinchang's rich cultural heritage and will leave you with a lasting impression of the town's unique charm.

In the afternoon, we will go to Nanshan Ancient Temple. First built in the Tang Dynasty, this ancient temple has undergone many renovations, but still retains many ancient architectural elements. The ancient ginkgo tree in the temple is over a thousand years old, with luxuriant branches and leaves. You can visit the temple quietly and feel the tranquility and solemnity of Buddhist culture. The guide will introduce you to the historical evolution and architectural characteristics of the ancient temple. Later, we will go to the cultural and creative block of the ancient town, which gathers many creative cultural and creative shops selling cultural and creative products inspired by the elements of the ancient town. You can stroll around the shops leisurely and choose your favorite characteristic souvenirs.

As the trip draws to a close in the evening, the guide will assist you in retrieving your luggage and escort you to the return meeting point.Your Way Holiday always provides professional and thoughtful services for your travel. This one-day tour of Xinchang Ancient Town allows you to experience the collision of historical architecture and Western elements, feel the integration of film and television feelings and traditional culture, and explore the quiet and delicate beauty of this "living fossil of Pudong". We are committed to making your trip easy and enjoyable, and looking forward to accompanying you to discover more wonderful travel experiences.

Price Per Person in US Dollars