Whispers of “Pastoral Venice of the East” fill the air here in Zhangma Scenic Area. This nickname hints at the beauty awaiting us. Located at the source of Shanghai’s Huangpu River, Zhangma Village is in the Qingpu district. The area boasts excellent water quality. It is a national Class II water source protection zone.
Zhangma village covers 3.12 square kilometers. The Zhangma Scenic Area spans 2.71 sq km. Small bridges and flowing water define the picturesque scenery. Convenient water and land transportation adds to the area’s charm.
Crisscrossed waterways give Zhangma Scenic Area its nickname. It truly feels like a pastoral Venice. But Zhangma offers more than just scenic views.
It has preserved local intangible cultural heritages. Tian Shan Ge or Field Songs are sung here. Rocking Fast Boat or Yao Kuai Chuan performances are also part of the area’s heritage. The Maota Pagoda stands tall. It was honored as one of the world’s 100 historical lighthouses.
Let’s talk about Field Songs. Farmers sing these songs while weeding or planting rice. One person leads and others take turns. These songs are also known as “singing while farming.” They are also called “rice-transplanting songs”. The performance style is unique and distinctive. It has different sections including “head song” and “front selling.” It also features “front howling” and “long vocalizations.” Other parts include “back selling”, “back howling”, “chasing crows”, and “resting voice”. Singing styles vary across districts and counties because Field Songs are complex.
The lyrics reflect the daily lives of local people. They showcase their labor and life. Thoughts and love are expressed through these songs. Field Songs are an important cultural medium. They let us observe social life customs and traditions. This tradition is significant in Shanghai and surrounding rice-growing regions.
Field Songs boast a long history. Singing folk songs in Shanghai was well established by the Ming Dynasty. The creation and spread of Field Songs reached its peak in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period. Modern agriculture and enriched rural cultural entertainment forms have taken over since the 1960s and 1970s. Field Songs gradually declined in Shanghai. This decline is especially among the younger generation. Some elderly villagers still keep the tradition alive.
Now consider the Rocking Fast Boat. This folk custom has a history of over 300 years. It is a recreational water sports performance. It takes place on fast boats.
The fast boats are modified farming boats. They are known as “pig boats” and weigh over five tons. Colorful ribbons adorn the boats. Each fast boat is operated by a crew of 23 people. Five rowers use the large oars. Four are on the small oars. Two groups of nine rowers alternate. Four drummers and one person on the head oar complete the crew.
The drums and gongs on the boats resonate loudly. Cheering spectators crowd the shores creating a spectacular and lively scene. The local community deeply cherishes “Rocking Fast Boat” performances. They are an important part of the cultural life of Zhujiajiao water town.
Each performance lasts from early morning until noon. It brings joy and excitement. The custom has been closely linked to the area’s development for over 300 years. Qingpu’s “Rocking Fast Boat” was included in the municipal list of intangible cultural heritage in 2007.
Finally let’s observe the Maota Pagoda. It dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The five-story Buddhist pagoda stands 28.2 meters tall. Its main body reaches 20.6 m. It was built with bricks and wood. This pagoda boasts a history of over 1100 years. The pagoda served as a lighthouse at night guiding ships. It also attracted scholars and poets inspiring many poems. The Maota Pagoda was recognized as a world navigation mark legacy in 1997. The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities honored it. It was one of the world’s 100 historical lighthouses and commemorated on stamps.
Zhangma Scenic Area is more than just a pretty place. It is a living testament to Shanghai’s cultural heritage. It is a place where ancient traditions meet the modern world. As you explore Zhangma remember the songs the boats and the lights that have guided people for centuries.