Gaoqiao, known as the premier town along the Yangtze River, is an unassuming ancient town with its original ecology worth exploring
Shanghai has many ancient towns, such as Zhujiajiao, Fengjing, Xinchang, and Nanxiang, which are quite famous. However, these towns have mostly been carved out of their original appearance. Many of the old streets and houses have been vacated by the original residents, and the streets are full of shops with a strong commercial atmosphere. But in the northern part of Pudong, there is such an ancient town that still maintains the living state of the original residents and is very low-key. This is Gaoqiao, which is known as the 'premier town along the Yangtze River.' (Pictures 1-2)
Gaoqiao, named after its bridge, historically known as Qingxi, was formed during the Tang Dynasty and established during the Song Dynasty. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River, Huangpu River, and the East China Sea, it has a history of 800 years. Although Gaoqiao is not large in size, it has produced many famous people in history and has numerous cultural relics and historic sites. At one time, it concentrated more than one-third of the famous residences in the Pudong area of Shanghai. In 2005, the Shanghai Municipal Government listed Gaoqiao Old Street in the town as a historical and cultural scenic area.
The entire Gaoqiao Old Street is not long, just a few hundred meters, divided into East Street and West Street by Jijing Road Bridge. Most of the preserved buildings in the ancient town are concentrated on this street, many of which have been transformed into museums, exhibition halls, and cultural facilities.
1. Yangxian Hall (Pictures 3-4)
A Shanghai cultural heritage site, the former residence of the Shen family, now converted into the Gaoqiao Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall.
2. Tai Chi Museum (Picture 5)
Displays materials, weapons, and cultural relics related to Gaoqiao's intangible cultural heritage project, Tai Chi.
3. Shanghai Jiangdong Academy (Picture 6)
The first academy approved after Shanghai's reform and opening up, the building is recognized as an 'Outstanding Historical Building of Shanghai.'
4. Xu Jianrong Art History Museum (Picture 7)
The building was constructed in the 32nd year of the Guangxu period and is an immovable cultural relic of Pudong New District.
5. Three Gorges Stone Picture Art Gallery (Picture 8)
An old-style Siheyuan (courtyard house).
6. Gaoqiao Velvet Embroidery Museum (Pictures 9-10)
The former residence of the Huang family, a cultural heritage site of Pudong New District, now serves as an exhibition hall for Gaoqiao's intangible cultural heritage velvet embroidery works.
7. Gaoqiao Resident Exhibition Hall (Pictures 11-12)
The former residence of the Ling family, a century-old house built in 1918.
8. Zhong Family Residence (Picture 13)
Now the Qingxi Mansion Restaurant.
9. Qian Huian Memorial Hall (Pictures 14-15)
Qian Huian, one of the outstanding representatives of the Shanghai School of Sea Painting, was born in Gaoqiao. The hall displays his achievements and works.
10. Ye Xin Gaoqiao Study (Picture 16)
The famous Shanghai-born writer visited Gaoqiao multiple times. The hall has three functional areas: a works display area, a reading room, and a reception room for Ye Xin.
While touring the ancient town, visitors can also taste local delicacies at Changxing Restaurant next to Wanshou Bridge on the old street, such as steamed three delicacies, braised three shreds, fried shrimp, and braised pork belly, which are the signature dishes of this restaurant founded in 1903 (Picture 17). Of course, when leaving the ancient town, don't forget to take with you one of Shanghai's four famous specialties, the Gaoqiao pine cake, which is very reasonably priced at less than 2 yuan for a 60-gram cake (Picture 18).
Opening hours: The ancient town is open all day; venues are closed on Mondays (except for statutory holidays), open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 11:00, and 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: Free
Transportation: Take Metro Line 6 to the North Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Station and walk 538 meters to reach; or take bus routes 81, 971, 640, 453, 181, 508, Pudong 45, Pudong 17, Pudong 19, Pudong 26, etc. to get there.
Renovated old street, there are many free exhibition halls to visit, by the way to enjoy the old house. When you arrive at Takahashi, you don't eat "old eight". Muffins and cakes always have to taste, which tastes good.
Travelers said good: visit the ancient town of Gaoqiao, three points in the world, one point to visit the old street, one point to see the exhibition hall, one point to taste food. Visit the old street. Gaoqiao, Chenglu Yutang, established in Song. As a "Chinese historical and cultural town", the existing historical and cultural area of more than 560,000 square meters, the core tourist area - West Street East Street is nearly 800 meters long. During the stroll, there are people in the small bridge and flowing water, white walls and tile Guanyin walls, ancient charm. Look at the exhibition hall. The ancient town has made protective use of famous houses, opened 9 exhibition halls, and the house is not wrong. Most recommended: Gaoqiao Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall (Yangxian Hall, built in the 1930s), Qian Hui'an Memorial Hall (Shanghai Excellent Historical Building, built in the 1920s), Gaoqiao Down Embroidery Hall (Huang's House)... try food. Or West Street Hotel, try the old eight samples of this group; Or a foot garden, coffee fragrance; or snacks old shop, find specialty muffins...package and bring some, it is necessary. Tips: Takahashi Ancient Town, 800 meters away from the Dutch style town of Internet celebrities, it is best to arrange a tour together.
Visiting Gaoqiao Ancient Town, Qian Hui'an Memorial Hall is one of the exhibition halls that must be visited. The building is a residential house built in the 1920s, adjacent to the river bank, north facing south, and three courtyards, listed as an excellent historical building in Shanghai; Brick carving gate building, pink wall tile, Guanyin along the mountain wall, masonry floor, classic Ming and Qing Hui style architectural style; the front yard is Qian Hui'an Memorial Hall, the backyard is Ye Xin study room + Gaoqiao Painting and Calligraphy Academy. The middle hall of the memorial hall hangs the title of "Haipai Source Current" written by Mr. Cheng Shifa, which accurately summarizes the status and influence of Qian Lao in Haipai painters; Each exhibition hall introduced the life of Qian Lao, the exhibition of calligraphy and painting works, "double-tube building" (Qian Laosheng's painting room), there are paintings, literary houses four treasures and other real objects for tourists to visit.
It’s actually good to walk around, eat snacks, see the old buildings
One of the more low-key ancient towns in Shanghai. Du Yuesheng's birthplace. No. 7 Hospital of No. 81, No. 971, arrives at West Street of Gaoqiao. There are velvet embroidery halls and so on, which are free to visit. Buy a box of Takahashi's most famous Takahashi muffins. Bean paste is very delicious. You can also eat a bowl of hot sauce noodles in Dexing Restaurant. Next to it is the new Dutch city. And windmills. It's also very suitable for taking pictures. If you are interested, you can also visit Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone. Drive for ten minutes to Binjiang Forest Park. Looking at the beautiful scenery along the river is also a good choice.