City line · Qingpu → Jinshan · about 70 km
South of the Huangpu — ferries, dikes and the last villages
The western end of Shanghai is mostly water. Sixty-odd lakes, an old ferry network, and the last villages before Jiangsu.
West of the city the ground gives up. Dianshan Lake, the Taipu River, and a scatter of lakes and ponds with villages on the strips between them.
This is lake-and-marsh country, and until recently the way to move through it was boat. The route follows the old ferry crossings, most of which are now bridges.
It also holds the densest concentration of standing old bridges in the network — 522 of them were catalogued across the whole survey, and a great many are here.
The line
Dianshan Lake, the Taipu River, Liantang old town and Fengjing old town. In between: Dianfeng village, the Grand View Garden, the Qingxi country park, Xicen, Yuandang lake, Cenbu village, Shanshen village and the Jinnze reservoir.
Dianfeng village is the one to stop in. It is a fishing village on the lake with a boat landing and, in season, racks of small lake shrimp drying in the sun.
The bridge country
The survey recorded 522 old bridges across Shanghai and built a record for each one. This corner has a large share of them, including the Yuan-dang bridge and the cluster around Jinze.
They are not restored showpieces. Most are in use, on field paths, and were built to carry a handcart rather than a car.
Practical notes
The published line is about 70 km. Bike it. The Qingxi country park section is the most walkable and the best served.
Line 17 to Oriental Land or Dianshan Lake Avenue covers the northern half. For Fengjing, the Jinshan rail line from Shanghai South is faster than going across by metro.
Getting there without a car
Line 17 to Oriental Land or Dianshan Lake Avenue; Jinshan rail for the Fengjing end.
The honest part
This is one of the city’s official countryside routes, not a ShanghaiWalk route. Distances are as published.
FAQ
Questions
Everything on this site is written and re-checked on the ground. When something changes, this page changes.
Is Dianshan Lake swimmable?
No. It is a working water body and a drinking-water source in part. Walk beside it.
How many bridges are there really?
The citywide survey catalogued 522 old bridges and produced a record sheet for each. Many sit on this route’s field paths.
Is Fengjing worth the detour?
Yes if you have not been to a Jiangnan water town. It is quieter than Zhujiajiao and it is a real town, not a set.
Where should I eat?
Dianfeng village for lake shrimp. You will not find much between villages — this is not a corridor with services along it.
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