Shanghai Daily News

Qingcun Town, located in the center of Fengxian District, may be an unfamiliar name to most locals, yet, it provides much to explore.

With its coastal location, Qingcun was once a prosperous commercial and transport hub during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). While the salt that made the area prosperous is long gone, it remains important as many relics have been found buried in the ancient town. At present, the area is still farmland and a great place to explore on day trips. Here are a few suggestions on where to go.

Qingcun Peach Orchard

Tucked away on a narrow road in the northeastern part of Qingcun Town, this peach orchard represents pristine natural scenery. Planted in 1930 by local farmer Wu Siyu, this orchard has long been famous locally for its juicy peaches. It is usually about this time of the year that the pinky, soft and sweet peaches beckon people to indulge in this summer pleasure. With an area of 24.3 hectares, visitors to the orchard can pick peaches themselves. In addition, the orchard features nine ancient trees, each over 100 years old, alongside the river.

Getting there: Take the A4 Expressway to the Nanqiao exit. Take Nanfeng Road and turn right at Hangwu Road. The orchard is located on Hangtang Road.

Tel: 5756-5081

Wu Longjun's home

At the Qingcun Peach Orchard, 116 families have made their homes here. One of them belongs to local farmer Wu Longjun.

The 60-year-old invites visitors to come into his home and have a meal to experience rural life. His three daughters man the kitchen. Here in this two-story building, no ornate decorations can be found; instead, what is offered is a genuine taste of farm life.

The "zao tou" in the kitchen, or the cooking stove, is painted in a traditionally rustic pattern. Loud colors such as red, yellow, green and black are most common. Painting the stove is considered a traditional way to celebrate the Spring Festival in these rural parts. Foods such as cucumber, taro and white gourd are the most popular dishes in the summer season.

Average price: 20 yuan (US$2.50) a person

Qingcun Ancient Town

This 1,000-year-old town could be compared to a neglected child among the city's many typical water towns. Unlike others which have become popular tourist attractions, Qingcun is still a living town that retains its purity and honesty; daily life goes on here with the same customs and conventions from hundreds of years ago.

Visitors roaming around the water town invariably retain in their memories the evocative silhouettes of lakes, stone bridges, boats and houses alongside the various rivers.

After dark, vendors gather on the flat ground at either end of the bridge to conduct trade. At the time Shanghai Daily visited the bridge, a vendor was selling water chestnuts, a typical food of the Yangtze River Delta region.

Getting there: Take the A4 expressway to the Nanqiao exit. Take Nanfeng Road and turn right at Renmin Road. It is about 40 kilometers from the city center, or 50 minutes' drive.

Shanghai Shenlong Ecology Park

Located in northern Fengxian District, this park is a combination man-made forest, farmers' homes and recreational facilities. More than 70 percent of the park is green space. It is also home to more than 100 species of birds. Bird lovers can get close up to such exotic breeds as hornbills, parrots, white storks,  swans, pelicans and mynah birds, among others.

If you are craving to know more about traditional village life, a farm tool exhibition hall in the park is the place to go. Exhibits include such traditional farm tools and utensils as water carts and millstones. Such equipment was used extensively in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Address: Zhujian Village, Qingcun Town

Tel: 5759-3028, 5759-3276

Getting there: Buses go from Shanghai Stadium and Hongkou Football Stadium. Phone 6426-5555 for more information.

Shenlong Restaurant

One of the great charms of this restaurant is its location among a green oasis of trees and rivers. The second floor provides the best view of the ecology park. Located at the entrance of the park, this restaurant specializes in farm food. Dishes such as the steamed Fengxian mutton is recommended. Local people believe that eating hot mutton with a glass of wine is nutritious and good for health. Other recommended dishes include the soup cooked with pig skin, cabbage and chicken.

Average price: 40 yuan a person

Tel: 5759-3038