Venture beyond Shanghai's modern skyline to discover Fengjing, one of China's classic water towns with a history spanning over 1,500 years. Unlike more commercialized water villages, Fengjing maintains its authentic charm and traditional character, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into the timeless rhythm of water town life. This private 6-7 hour tour, limited to small groups of 2-5 guests, provides exclusive access to a hidden gem that many Shanghai residents themselves have yet to explore.
Your journey begins with comfortable private transportation from your Shanghai hotel or preferred location, taking you approximately 60 kilometers southwest of the city center. Upon arrival in Fengjing, you'll step into a world where time seems to slow down as you stroll along ancient stone streets lined with traditional black and white houses featuring distinctive Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the town's fascinating development as a crucial trading post at the intersection of Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.
The highlight of your visit is a private boat journey along Fengjing's serene waterways. As your local boatman expertly navigates the network of canals, you'll pass under some of the town's 52 historic bridges, including the 700-year-old Zhihe Bridge dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Traditional Chinese music accompanies your cruise, creating a peaceful atmosphere as you view the town from a unique perspective, just as residents have for centuries.
After exploring the waterways, enjoy an authentic lunch at a local family-run restaurant featuring traditional specialties such as "Dingti" (pig's trotters) and other regional delicacies prepared with fresh local ingredients. Your guide will help you navigate the menu and explain the cultural significance of each dish in this region known for its distinctive culinary traditions.
Following lunch, discover a cultural treasure that most foreign visitors never see – the Mao Zedong Images Badges Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of Cultural Revolution-era artifacts that provide fascinating insights into a pivotal period in China's recent history. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Zhonghong Countryside Painting Village, where you can see the distinctive Jinshan farmer paintings that have made this area a nationally recognized folk art center.
Throughout your visit, you'll have ample opportunities to interact with local artisans, photograph the picturesque scenery without fighting through crowds, and experience the unhurried pace of authentic water town life. Your guide will help you discover hidden corners and local perspectives that independent travelers rarely find, making this a truly memorable experience of traditional Chinese water town culture.
