Step into a living postcard of China's past at Fengjing Ancient Town, a 1,500-year-old water community thriving in Shanghai's Jinshan District. Known for its labyrinth of canals and 52 stone bridges – including the 700-year-old Zhihe Bridge – this national 4A scenic spot offers travelers a rare window into Ming-Qing dynasty architecture amid one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Dubbed the 'Home of Chinese Folk Painting,' Fengjing birthed the vibrant Jinshan peasant painting tradition, where local farmers turned agricultural life into colorful art. The town's unique position straddling historic Wu-Yue cultural boundaries adds layers of storytelling to its cobblestone alleys and waterside teahouses.
As Shanghai prepares to host the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) from November 5-10, Fengjing stands as a cultural counterpoint to the city's global trade ambitions. The expo, expected to draw billions in business deals, highlights Shanghai's dual identity: guardian of heritage and driver of modern economic growth.
For historians and casual explorers alike, Fengjing's preservation offers lessons in balancing development with cultural continuity – a theme resonating across Asia's rapidly urbanizing landscapes.
