As the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) unfolds in Shanghai this week, a quieter cultural marvel 60 kilometers southwest of the expo venues continues to captivate visitors. Fengjing Ancient Town, a 1,500-year-old water settlement in Shanghai's Jinshan District, offers a living museum of Ming-Qing architecture and traditional Chinese folk culture.
Known as the 'Home of Chinese Folk Painting,' Fengjing's labyrinth of canals and 52 historic bridges – including the 700-year-old Zhihe Bridge – tell stories of its strategic position along the ancient Wu-Yue border. The town's preservation of Jinshan peasant painting, a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage, provides unique insights into rural artistic traditions that have survived Shanghai's rapid modernization.
While CIIE 2023 (November 5-10) showcases China's commitment to global trade partnerships, Fengjing represents the cultural bedrock supporting such international engagement. The simultaneous prominence of historic preservation and cutting-edge commerce underscores Shanghai's dual role as both guardian of tradition and driver of economic innovation.
For business professionals attending CIIE, Fengjing offers a case study in sustainable cultural tourism – its 4A scenic spot status attracting nearly 2 million annual visitors while maintaining authentic community life. Academics note how such heritage sites contribute to soft power development, a crucial factor in China's global cultural diplomacy.
