Songjiang Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and experience in Songjiang, Shanghai. Plan your trip with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Songjiang

Welcome to Songjiang, a district located in the southwestern part of Shanghai, China. The district has a rich cultural heritage and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether it’s a history lesson, scenic views or adrenaline-fueled activities, Songjiang has something for everyone. This comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your visit to Songjiang.

List of Places to Visit in Songjiang

Songjiang has a vast range of places to visit. Whether you like exploring museums or enjoying the outdoors, there is something for everyone in this district.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Songjiang is deeply rooted in China’s history, and the district’s museums and historical places provide a glimpse into the past. Here are some must-visit cultural attractions.

  • Songjiang Mosque - A stunning piece of architecture with a long history of Muslim worship.
  • Songjiang Confucian Temple - A historic temple dedicated to Confucius and his philosophy.
  • Shanghai Film Park - A unique attraction that allows visitors to experience the magic of movie making.
  • Jinze Ancient Town - A restored town from the Song dynasty, with traditional Chinese architecture and charming canals.
  • Zhaojialou Ancient Town - Another ancient town in Songjiang, with well-preserved historic buildings.

Natural Attractions of Songjiang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Songjiang offers a serene escape from Shanghai’s bustling city life, with its tranquil lakes, hiking trails, and scenic views. Here are some of the district’s top natural attractions:

  • Sheshan Mountain - A stunning mountain range located in the heart of Songjiang. Visitors can hike to the top and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Shanghai Sculpture Park - An outdoor park with a stunning collection of sculptures set among tranquil gardens and water features.
  • Chenshan Botanical Garden - A large botanical garden with a range of eco-trails, themed gardens, and a biodiversity museum.
  • Donglin Temple - A serene temple with a beautiful garden, ancient camphor trees, and a stunning view of Sheshan Mountain.
  • Shanghai Disneyland - A family-friendly theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and parades.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Songjiang

Songjiang’s mountains, forests, and waterways provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Here are some popular routes:

  • Sheshan Mountain Hike - A moderate hike to the top of Sheshan Mountain, offering stunning views over the entire district.
  • Shanghai Grand Canyon Hike - A scenic hike through the grand canyon with stunning rock formations and gorges.
  • Dongtan Wetland Park Bike Ride - A pleasant bike ride through marshes, reed beds, and lakes teeming with wildlife.
  • Xilin Ancient Water Town Bike Ride - A leisurely bike ride through a traditional Chinese water town.
  • Hulu Forest Park Hike - A moderately challenging trek through the forest, with impressive cliffs and waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in Songjiang: Activities and Tours

From visiting charming water towns to exploring ancient temples, there are plenty of things to do in Songjiang. Here are some popular activities and tours:

  • Water Village Exploration Tour - Visit the ancient water towns of Xitang, Wuzhen, and Zhouzhuang, all within a short distance of Songjiang.
  • Chinese Tea Culture Tour - Experience the art of tea-making, from picking the leaves to brewing the perfect cup.
  • Street Food Tour - Explore the district’s culinary scene, with various street vendors selling local delicacies like Songjiang Barbecue, Starbucks Mooncakes, and sesame balls.
  • Handicraft Making Tour - Learn traditional crafts like paper cutting, bamboo weaving, and embroidery.
  • Shanghai Nightlife Tour - Experience the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai, with a visit to popular bars, clubs, and karaoke.

Week-Long Itinerary for Songjiang

If you’re planning to spend a week in Songjiang, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore Songjiang’s cultural attractions such as the Songjiang Mosque, Confucian Temple, and Jinze Ancient Town.
2 Take a hike up Sheshan Mountain or visit Shanghai Sculpture Park.
3 Spend the day at Shanghai Disneyland.
4 Explore Dongtan Wetland Park or Xilin Ancient Water Town by bike.
5 Visit the Chenshan Botanical Garden and the Biodiversity museum.
6 Take a day trip to one of the nearby water towns like Xitang or Wuzhen.
7 Experience Shanghai’s nightlife with a visit to the Bund, the famous Shanghai Tower or a Huangpu River cruise.

Food and Drink Scene of Songjiang

Songjiang is home to a diverse range of restaurants and street vendors, offering traditional Chinese dishes, as well as international cuisines:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Songjiang Barbecue - A regional specialty consisting of marinated meat skewers cooked over charcoal.
  • Shengjianbao - A small pan-fried dumpling with succulent broth inside and a crisp, sesame-covered bottom.
  • Crispy Yellow Croaker - A deep-fried fish dish served with spicy or sweet sauces.
  • Stir-Fried River Shrimp - Freshwater shrimp stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
  • Steamed Hairy Crab - A seasonal delicacy of Shanghai, usually available in the autumn season.

Local Beverages

  • Luoshen Tea - A fragrant tea made from cultivated and roasted fruit of the luoshen plant, a type of jasmine flower.
  • Eight Immortals Wine - A sweet, fruity wine with a unique blend of different herbs, fruits, and flowers that were once believed to grant immortality in Chinese mythology.

Where to Stay in Songjiang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Songjiang offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses.

  • Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland - A stunning hotel built into a natural quarry, offering a unique experience.
  • Cypres Hotel Shanghai Songjiang - A modern hotel with spacious rooms, located in the city center.
  • FX Inn Xujiahui - A budget hotel located just under 20 minutes by taxi from downtown Songjiang.
  • Loft 36 Hotel - A boutique hotel located near the Chenshan Botanical Garden with stylish modern rooms.

What to Buy in Songjiang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Songjiang is well-known for producing high-quality handicrafts, silk textiles, and embroidery. Here are some things you can bring back as souvenirs:

  • Silk Cloth and Embroideries - Songjiang was once a major center for silk production and features a range of silk items, such as silk scarves, shawls, and embroidered cloth.
  • Calligraphy and Paintings - Songjiang has a rich history with art, so you can find many antique stores selling traditional Chinese ink paintings and calligraphy scrolls.
  • Tea - As mentioned earlier, Songjiang is known for its tea. You can purchase high-quality Luoshen tea from local tea shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Songjiang

Songjiang has a rich cultural history and many customs and practices that are still followed today. Some of these customs include:

  • Tea Ceremony - A traditional Chinese practice of brewing and drinking tea while observing the rules and etiquette of the ceremony.
  • Dragon Boat Festival - A festival in the fifth lunar month, where teams paddle dragon boats to celebrate the life of Qu Yuan, a famous Chinese poet and politician.
  • Eating Mooncakes - A tradition during the Mid-Autumn Festival, where people gather with their families and friends to enjoy mooncakes.

Best Time to Visit Songjiang

The best time to visit Songjiang is from April to November when the weather is mild and relatively dry. The peak season for visitors is from late May to early October. However, it’s essential to book your accommodation well in advance during this time as it can get crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Songjiang

Do:

  • Do carry tissues and hand sanitizer, as public restrooms may not have toilet paper or soap.
  • Do dress appropriately when visiting religious or cultural sites.
  • Do try the local delicacies, like Songjiang Barbecue and Shengjianbao.
  • Do carry a map and a few useful Chinese phrases if you don’t speak Chinese.

Don’t:

  • Don’t eat anything from street vendors that doesn’t look freshly cooked.
  • Don’t litter in public areas.
  • Don’t touch or move anything on display in a museum or cultural site.
  • Don’t forget to bargain when shopping at street markets.

Safety and Health

Safety in Songjiang

Songjiang is generally a safe area, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, travelers should take precautions, such as:

  • Keep your valuables in a secure place when traveling.
  • Avoid traveling alone at night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when in crowded areas like markets and tourist sites.

Health in Songjiang

The tap water in Songjiang is not potable. So, it’s essential to drink bottled or boiled water during your visit. Also, follow sanitary precautions like washing hands frequently to avoid falling ill.

Getting to Songjiang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Songjiang is well-connected to the rest of Shanghai by various means of transportation.

Airports Near Songjiang

  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport - The closest airport to Songjiang (about 30 km). It offers domestic flights and some international flights.

Bus Stations Near Songjiang

The two major bus stations in Songjiang are:

  • Shanghai South Bus Station - Located in Xuhui district, close to Shanghai South Railway Station, offers buses to other cities in China.
  • Songjiang Bus Terminal - Located in Songjiang district, offers buses to other parts of Shanghai and some nearby provinces.

Other Options

  • Metro - Songjiang has four metro lines running through the district, making it easy to access the main attractions and other parts of Shanghai.
  • Taxi - Taxis are widely available in Songjiang, but it’s essential to carry the destination address in Chinese for easy communication with the drivers.

How to Get Around in Songjiang

Songjiang has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around the district.

Metro

Songjiang has four metro lines running through the district, offering affordable and convenient travel. Fares start at 3 RMB, and the metro runs from 5 am to midnight.

Bus

Songjiang has a vast network of buses, which covers all major attractions and city areas. Fares start at 2 RMB, and buses run from early morning till late evening.

Taxi

Taxis are available at all times of the day in Songjiang, and they are relatively cheap. The starting fare is around 14 RMB, and additional charges apply for every kilometer after the first three.

Where to Go Next from Songjiang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have finished exploring Songjiang, here are some nearby destinations you can visit:

  • Shanghai - Shanghai, the largest city in China, is just a few kilometers from Songjiang. It offers a range of attractions, from historic sites to modern shopping malls.
  • Hangzhou - Hangzhou is a beautiful city with stunning historic landmarks, lakes, and gardens, just a few hours from Songjiang.
  • Suzhou - Known as “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is a charming city with beautiful gardens, ornamental canals, and traditional pagodas.

Conclusion

Songjiang has something to offer to all kinds of travelers, from hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to culture and history buffs. This comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your trip, from where to stay, what to eat and drink, and how to get around, to exploring the district’s top attractions and destinations. So pack your bags and begin your adventure in this charming district in Shanghai!

Position in Shanghai Position in Shanghai Square (Fangta) Pagoda Square (Fangta) Pagoda Thames Town Thames Town University district University district