In the shadow of the ancient Yu Garden, one of the few genuine relics of the Ming Dynasty in Shanghai, lies a bustling commercial quarter styled like an old Chinese town. This area, most commonly called Nanshi ("Southern City"), has no single historical name—over time, it has been referred to as Lao Xiangchang ("Old Trading Yard"), Yuyuan Laojie ("Old Street of Yu Garden"), or simply Mingqing Jie ("Ming and Qing Street").
Although most of the buildings here are skillful reconstructions, the spirit of old Shanghai is captured with remarkable precision. The quarter began taking shape in the 16th century, when merchants and artisans settled around the famous garden. However, it only acquired its current appearance in the 20th century, when authorities decided to recreate the atmosphere of bygone eras.
Attractions of Old Town Nanshi
1. Central Square and Pond. The heart of Nanshi is a spacious stone-paved square where crowds of tourists take photos against the backdrop of pagodas, lanterns, and carved pavilions. At its center lies an artificial pond, surrounded by willow trees, adorned with the nine-arched "Ququ Bridge" ("Winding Bridge"), designed in the style of traditional Chinese bridges. Golden koi fish swim in the water, and in the evenings, multicolored lights shimmer on the surface.
2. Narrow Alleyways with Shops. From the square, winding alleys branch out, each step immersing visitors in the past. Dozens of stalls and shops offer:
• Chinese sweets: candied hawthorns (tanghulu), stuffed buns (xianbing), sticky rice cakes (niangao).
• Souvenirs: silk fans, porcelain, jade trinkets, dolls in traditional costumes.
• Antiques (often artificially aged): vintage clocks, copper coins, calligraphy scrolls.
• The shop signs are written in old-style characters, and vendors often wear hanfu or qipao, enhancing the "old-world" atmosphere.
3. City God Temple (Chenghuangmiao). Though the quarter itself is a reconstruction, it houses the authentic Chenghuangmiao Temple, built in the 14th century. Dedicated to Shanghai’s guardian deity, locals still come here to pray for prosperity. Tourists are drawn to the altars with deity statues and the fragrant clouds of incense filling the courtyard.
4. Teahouses and Restaurants. Nanshi has countless eateries serving authentic Shanghai xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and braised duck neck. The most famous spots include:
• Nanxiang Xiaolongbao – a legendary dumpling shop with queues forming early in the morning.
• Laochaguan – a teahouse featuring traditional opera performances.
Why Do Tourists Visit Old Town Nanshi?
Nanshi is where authenticity meets commerce. After the tranquil contemplation of Yu Garden, visitors plunge into the lively, colorful world of old China—albeit recreated for entertainment. Here, you can:
• Bargain for trinkets like merchants did a century ago.
• Sample street food that dates back to the Qing Dynasty.
• Take photos in "ancient" settings straight out of a postcard.
But remember Nanshi is not a museum—it’s a bustling market. For true historical immersion, head to Yu Garden or Longhua Temple. Yet it’s the festive spirit that draws millions of visitors to Shanghai’s Old Town. Come in the evening when the lanterns glow, transforming the quarter into a magical scene from a Chinese folktale.
