嵊山镇

Whispers of “First town South of the Huangpu River” drift on the breeze here in Zhangyan Ancient Town. This charming town, nestled in the southeastern part of Shanghai’s Jinshan district, invites you to step back in time. Zhangyan, once known as Chisongli or Liuxi, offers a captivating glimpse into Shanghai’s rich past. Imagine the scene centuries ago, when officials constructed eighteen weirs to protect the surrounding area from flooding. Zhangjingyan, one of these weirs, became so vital that it lent its name, shortened to Zhangyan, to the burgeoning town. Zhangyan thrived thanks to its strategic location and bustling trade. The town’s intricate waterways weave through its heart, connecting people to the natural world. Wander through Zhangyan’s twenty-nine narrow lanes and admire the compact architecture, dotted with charming courtyards and public spaces. Four remarkably preserved building groups from the Ming and Qing dynasties stand as testaments to Zhangyan’s prosperous past. The Nanshe Memorial Hall complex, housed in Yao Guang’s former residence on Xinjian Road, tells the story of a revolutionary literary society. Nearby, the Lu Family Ancestral Hall, now the Shanghai Overseas Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Institute, showcases the beauty of Chinese art. Explore the Zoumalou Building of the Chen Family on Zheng’an Road, a unique wooden structure with interconnected upper corridors. This architectural marvel, spacious enough for a horse to roam freely inside, even housed the first branch of the Communist Party of China in Jinshan county. Finally, pause at the Dayin Bookstore, a former dormitory of Zhangyan Middle School transformed into a haven for book lovers. Zhangyan Ancient Town, a protected historical and cultural block, invites you to explore its vibrant past.