Guangfulin Cultural Relics Site
With its many attractions that combine ancient history with contemporary entertainment, Songjiang has become a must-see destination, displaying impressive cultural vitality and tourist appeal.
Imagine entering the world of cinema at Shanghai Film Park in Qidun, where the drama unfolds around you in an immersive theatrical experience. Or picture yourself at the Guangfulin Cultural Relics Site, marveling at the museum that appears to magically float on water. For those looking to escape into nature, backcountry camping provides the perfect escape amidst green hills and clear waters. Songjiang is more than just a destination; It is an artistic canvas on which every visit creates a new story.
Panoramic view of Yulux Sheshan Hotel, Shanghai, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Integrating culture with tourism
In 2023, the region took a strategic step to combine its rich cultural heritage with a thriving tourism industry. This initiative not only revitalized the travel sector in the region, but also greatly enriched the lives of its residents and visitors.
The region's commitment to fusing culture and travel has led to a strong recovery in the tourism industry. This achievement supports the growing desire for culturally integrated travel experiences. Last December, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism added Songjiang to its list of national model regions for integrated growth in the culture and tourism sectors.
This national recognition is not just a badge of honor; It is a testament to Songjiang's commitment to creating a rich environment where culture and travel coexist harmoniously, enhancing the overall experience of every visitor.
The Shanghai Film Park, which served as the filming location for the hit TV drama “Flowers,” adds to Songjiang's latest tourism attraction. Hong Kong-based director Wong Kar-wai's hit TV series takes viewers back to Shanghai's economic boom in the 1990s.
The film park has reconstructed the main scene “Huanghe Road” in 1:1 scale, bringing to life the realistic and evocative image of the era. This attention to detail has not only captivated viewers, but has also helped local tourism as fans flock to the site to check out the settings.
Last December, Shanghai Happy Valley's Magic Lamp Light Festival lit up the winter sky, captivating visitors with its enchanting displays and becoming a new landmark for Shanghai's New Year celebrations.
The nearby Sheshan Hill National Tourism Resort is a treasure trove of cultural activities and natural beauty, housing the Sheshan Observatory, autumn views and the Sheshan New Year's Day Climb, among many others.
Top view of Shanghai Astronomy Museum
Forming tourism brands
Songjiang is not just riding the cultural tourism wave; It's shaping it. By implementing the “Songjiang Humanitarian Three-Year Action Plan”, the region is carving out tourism through culture and vice versa. A series of seasonal celebrations culminated in the development of a distinctive tourism brand.
“Spring Mountain Worship” features lush landscapes and ancient mountain temples, while “Summer Water Fun” highlights traditional boat races and water-themed music and dance performances.
“Finding the Roots of Autumn” includes visits to historical sites, storytelling sessions by local historians, and cultural workshops where participants can learn traditional crafts and cooking methods.
The “Winter Blessing Prayer” closes the year with a sense of gratitude and hope, and features temple visits to pray, meditation retreats, and community gatherings where people share their hopes and dreams for the coming year.
From the vibrant colors of spring to the introspective tranquility of winter, each season in Songjiang brings its own unique flavour, enriching the visitor experience with a combination of natural beauty and cultural depth.
Songjiang's approach to tourism is as dynamic as it is diverse. The region has developed a variety of tourism products and routes that cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.
The educational and thematic tours began last year with a research tour called “One River, One Creek.” This educational excursion allows visitors to delve into the history and ecology of Songjiang's waterways, providing a unique blend of learning and entertainment.
Songjiang has also deepened the integration of “museum culture” with “intangible cultural heritage” and tourism. Using historical house clusters in the Cangcheng and Sijing districts, the district has designed immersive cultural heritage tours, allowing visitors to directly interact with Songjiang's rich cultural fabric.
Emphasizing the region's commitment to environmentally friendly tourism, the region has provided 14 designated cycling paths. These itineraries are designed around key themes such as 'countryside' and 'environment', providing a refreshing way to explore the region's stunning landscapes and cultural attractions.
A prime example is the 5th Maotian Rural Arts Festival held last fall. This festival turns the vast rice fields of Maogang City into a canvas for artistic expression, integrating the beauty of agriculture with artistic creativity. This immersive rural excursion attracted nearly 30,000 visitors and generated significant sales figures.
A scene from Shanghai Film Park
Leading industrial development
By integrating cultural tourism with rural landscape, Songjiang not only enhances the attractiveness of its rural areas, but also drives high-quality industrial development.
The picturesque rural towns – Xinbang, Maogang, Weixi and Xuehudang, to name a few – are the crown jewels of Songjiang’s “Maotian Countryside” rural tourism brand. These cities boast stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and tranquil environment, making them ideal destinations for visitors looking for an authentic rural experience.
In 2023, Songjiang has made great strides in crafting unique rural tourism experiences. This included the launch of 13 carefully curated rural tourism itineraries, focusing on delicious local cuisine, traditional accommodation and attractive leisure activities.
To support this rural tourism boom, the region has focused on enhancing infrastructure and services. This includes guiding the development of high-quality rural accommodations such as “Chengxi Hot Spring Resort” and “Yexie Light Hidden•Flower Corner”, ensuring that visitors enjoy comfort and quality during their stay.
The tourism market in Songjiang has witnessed a remarkable recovery, and opportunities have been seized to raise the level of cultural and tourism services. This comprehensive improvement meets not only the physical aspects of tourism, but also the overall experience and satisfaction of visitors.
The district has also teamed up with 10 A-level scenic spots to offer half-price tickets and other benefits.
This initiative has significantly increased the area's attractiveness as a tourist destination, in addition to many cultural activities such as study tours, intangible heritage exhibitions and reading sessions.
Young people in costumes attended an immersive theater program at Shanghai Film Park.
