Shaojia Lou Ancient Town

Shaojia Lou Ancient Town

Shaojia Lou Ancient Town is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Shaojia Lou Ancient Town is located in the eastern part of Pujiang Town, Minhang District, adjacent to the 2010 World Expo site. It originated in the early Yuan Dynasty, took shape during the Ming Dynasty, flourished in the Qing Dynasty, and boasts a history of over 700 years. Covering an area of approximately 335 acres, the town embodies the characteristics of a Jiangnan water town and market town, and is a typical example of a Pudong water town and market town.

In 2005, Shaojia Lou was listed as one of Shanghai’s historical and cultural preservation zones. In 2008, the restoration and renovation of Shaojia Lou Ancient Town officially commenced, adhering to the principle of “restoring the old as it was,” authentically reviving its former glory. The restoration not only meets the needs of rebuilding and inheriting the historical and cultural heritage of Pujiang Town, but also serves to expand the tourism industry, promote new rural development, coordinate urban-rural development, resolve the urban-rural dual structure, and increase farmers’ income. It provides profound cultural elements for the tourism industry and helps create a complete and distinctive tourism industry chain for Pujiang Town. “Mist breaks over ten miles at dawn, and the bells of Shaojia ring out”—the “Shaojia” in this ancient poem refers to the ancient land reclamation center, Shaojia Lou. It was the bells of Shaojia Lou that awakened the land of Pudong.

Shaojia Lou Ancient Town boasts rich historical and cultural significance, featuring three major cultural highlights in Pujiang Town and even Shanghai’s history: namely “Shanghai’s City God Qin Yubo,” “The Convergence of the Jiang and Pu Rivers by Ye Zongxing,” and “Teaching Farmers to Cultivate at the Reclamation Tower.” Aside from Shaojia Daqu (a local liquor), the town’s specialties include Shaojia lamb, known for its delicious and refreshing taste, free from gaminess or greasiness, making it a perfect pairing for wine. Small shops often serve it as a topping for lamb noodles—offering a tasty treat without breaking the bank. Another specialty is Shaojia Chaoti (braised trotter), a dish commonly made by locals, characterized by its bright red color, sweet yet not greasy taste, tender texture, melt-in-your-mouth richness, and savory flavor. These three items were once celebrated as the “Three Treasures of Shaojia.”

The town is structured along East Street, South Street, West Street, and Yaojiabang, scattered with numerous Qing Dynasty buildings such as “Ligengtang,” “Five-Courtyard Compound,” and “Meiyuan,” as well as historical sites like “Ba’en Bridge” and “Fuxing Bridge.”

A large-scale cultural and historical heritage site like Shaojia Lou Ancient Town is now rare in Shanghai, and relevant departments are preparing to take measures to strengthen the protection of these old buildings. “Ligengtang” features gray-tiled walls and deep courtyards, with 12 layers of gateways stacked upon each other, exuding the grandeur of a traditional wealthy estate. Inside, there are five courtyards and a total of 138 halls and rooms. Horse-head walls, lotus-patterned walls, white walls with black tiles—these showcase the main architectural styles of Shanghai’s suburban areas in ancient times. “Meiyuan” covers an area of over 3,000 square meters, with 99 rooms. Due to a relatively smaller population, the overall architectural layout remains largely intact, though many houses have become unsuitable for habitation over time.

Currently, the Minhang District Culture and Tourism Bureau has coordinated with planning, water affairs, environmental protection, and construction management departments to jointly determine the restoration and renovation project for Shaojia Lou Ancient Town. The town’s planning has been undertaken by Tongji University’s Planning and Design Institute and was fully completed in June 2010. Additionally, relevant departments will conduct a cultural relics survey of the area. Once the overall restoration and renovation plan is finalized, construction, agriculture, greenery, and environmental protection departments will proceed with related infrastructure development.

Address: No. 2059 Shen Du Highway, Minhang District, Shanghai (near Su Zhao Road)

Type: Ancient Town/Village

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–4 hours

Phone: 021-67282828

Official Website: http://www.shzhaojialou.com/

Opening Hours:

8:00-16:00

Ticket

Shanghai Shaojia Lou – Liyuan Adult Ticket   List Price: ¥20