Xinchang Ancient Town

About 36 kilometers away from Shanghai downtown, Xinchang Ancient Town was established in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Xinchang literally means “new place”, a name arising from movement of an old salt farm to what is now Xinchang in the early part of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Xinchang began to thrive thanks to salt.

As more and more salt merchants settled there, Xinchang’s restaurants and theaters grew and the town’s prosperity became well known. Unfortunately, salt farms became less important over time and wars brought devastation. Xinchang has nevertheless kept its original lifestyle and traditions, and is now a living demonstration of how ancient people lived.

Grade: AAA

Address: No 128 Haiquan Street, Xinchang Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai