Songjiang City
City in Shanghai, known for its gardens
Songjiang balances ancient streets and Sheshan’s twin hills: pilgrims climb the basilica, visitors tour the Songjiang Old Town pagoda and the nearby film-and-TV park, then retreat to riverfront teahouses and lanes.
Songjiang is a historic district of Shanghai known for its well‑preserved old town, Sheshan hills and a university cluster. Visitors come for water‑town ambiance, Sheshan Basilica and relaxed parks away from central Shanghai.
Getting around: Use Shanghai Metro Line 9 to Songjiang New City and Songjiang South Railway Station; Didi and Songjiang tram serve neighborhoods; walk Songjiang Old Town and Sheshan.
Infrastructure & convenience: Songjiang New City and University Town have good shops, cashless payments (WeChat/Alipay) widely accepted; expect punctual local buses and clear signage near Sheshan.
Local tips: Carry passport for hotel registration, have Alipay/WeChat or cash for small vendors; use polite Mandarin phrases and dress modestly when visiting Sheshan Basilica.
Dining: Sample Shanghai xiaolongbao and jianbing in Songjiang Old Town; try Jiangnan braised dishes at Sheshan restaurants near the observatory and park.
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Why Visit Songjiang?#
Historic canals, old-town streets and hilltop greenery draw visitors to this suburban district of Shanghai, where the Songjiang Square Pagoda and Sheshan National Forest Park offer both heritage and outdoor recreation. Songjiang Old Town preserves traditional architecture and teahouses, while modern university campuses and festivals add contemporary energy. Proximity to Shanghai lets travelers combine rural-history vibes with city dining, including local Shanghai-style dumplings.
Regions of Songjiang#
Songjiang Old Town
Songjiang Old Town keeps a quieter side of Shanghai history with temples, pagodas and narrow lanes. It’s where you go to see older urban fabric, sip tea in traditional houses and escape the city’s high-rises for a few hours. Walkable and full of small discoveries.
Dining: Traditional · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Markets · Stays: Mid-Range
Top Spots
- Songjiang Square Pagoda area - Historic pagoda and temple precincts.
- Old town streets - Teahouses and local shops preserving traditional architecture.
- Local noodle shops - Regional specialties and snacks.
Sheshan
Sheshan is the green, hilly side of Songjiang: pilgrimage churches, forest trails and good viewpoints. It’s a popular day-trip for nature lovers wanting to hike or picnic and offers a clear contrast with Shanghai’s urban intensity. Expect weekend crowds at the main sites.
Dining: Casual · Nightlife: None · Shopping: Limited · Stays: Mixed
Top Spots
- Sheshan Basilica - The hilltop church and pilgrimage site.
- Sheshan National Forest Park - Trails and lookout points over the plains.
- Sheshan Observatory - Historical observatory and scenic hiking options.
Thames Town
Thames Town is an architectural oddity: a deliberately English-style development that’s over-the-top but oddly photogenic. It’s very popular with photographers and newlyweds looking for staged backdrops rather than authentic local culture. Visit with low expectations and you’ll enjoy the kitsch.
Dining: Novelty · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Souvenir · Stays: Touristy
Top Spots
- Thames Town - Faux-British streets, pubs and photo-op architecture.
- Riverfront promenades - Little canals and pedestrian bridges.
- Cafés mimicking English style - Good for staged photos and light meals.
University Town & Film Park
This quarter buzzes with students, cheap eats and cultural events connected to the universities and film park. It’s lively on term time days and offers affordable dining and nightlife aimed at young people. The film park is a noteworthy attraction if you’re curious about China’s media production.
Dining: Cafés · Nightlife: Student · Shopping: Limited · Stays: Budget
Top Spots
- Songjiang University Town - Campus life, cafés and cultural events.
- Songjiang Film and TV City - Large studio complex and historic-set attractions.
- Local student eateries - Cheap, lively options around campuses.
Who's Songjiang For?#
Songjiang offers family-friendly attractions like the Songjiang Museum and Thames Town, plus large parks and playgrounds in the university area. Easy metro links bring central Shanghai attractions within reach for family outings.
Couples can enjoy quieter historic pockets such as the Songjiang Old Town, tea houses and riverfront walks. Boutique hotels near Sheshan and sunset views from the Sheshan Basilica add romantic variety to visits.
Sheshan National Forest Park and nearby ecological zones provide real green escapes from urban Shanghai. Hikes to the observatory and botanical gardens are accessible and well suited for day trips into nature.
Songjiang University Town and industrial parks host conferences and corporate offices; good road and metro connections to central Shanghai make it practical for business travelers seeking quieter accommodation options.
Best Things to Do in Songjiang#
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Songjiang Bucket List#
Songjiang Square Pagoda (Fangta) - 11th-century Songjiang Square Pagoda: Tang-Song brick pagoda anchoring historic Songjiang Old Town.
Sheshan National Forest Park - Dense forest trails, viewpoints and hiking up Sheshan’s twin hills near Shanghai.
Our Lady of Sheshan Basilica - Early 20th-century Catholic basilica perched on Sheshan with panoramic city views.
Chenshan Botanical Garden - Extensive themed plant collections and mountain trails, excellent for seasonal flower displays.
Thames Town - Purpose-built Anglo-style town popular for photography and weekend strolls by locals.
Zuibaichi Garden - Classical Ming-era garden with ponds, rockeries and quieter atmosphere than central gardens.
Songjiang Museum - Compact local museum showcasing Songjiang’s archaeology, folk crafts and historical exhibits.
Shanghai Film Park (Songjiang) - Working film set and studio park where period streets are regularly filmed.
Songjiang Old Street - Winding lanes with traditional shops, teahouses and snacks beloved by residents.
Zhujiajiao Water Town - Canal town with arched bridges, local snacks and boat rides under two hours.
Suzhou (Classical Gardens) - World Heritage classical gardens, canals and silk markets reachable by about one-hour train.
Wuzhen Water Town - Historic canal town with preserved wooden houses, museums and evening lights; roughly two hours.
Xitang Ancient Town - Labyrinthine lanes and covered corridors, atmospheric in the evening and about two hours away.
Plan Your Visit to Songjiang#
Best Time to Visit Songjiang#
Best time to visit Songjiang is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures are mild and rainfall is lower than in summer. Summers are hot, humid and typhoon-prone, while winters are chilly, damp and often overcast.
March - May
10-24°C (50-75°F)
Enjoy blooming parks and mild weather; occasional rain. Ideal for cycling through water towns and temples before summer heat and heavy rains arrive.
June - August
25-35°C (77-95°F)
Hot, humid and storm-prone - expect heavy rains and possible typhoons. Museums and air-conditioned malls become your refuge; outdoor plans often disrupted.
September - November
10-22°C (50-72°F)
Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and lower humidity make sightseeing perfect. Weekend escapes to nearby gardens and lakes are especially pleasant and less crowded.
Songjiang's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (989 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (157 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Songjiang#
Songjiang is a suburban district of Shanghai accessible via Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) airports and by rail to Songjiang South and Songjiang stations. Hongqiao is the closest airport and the fastest option for most visitors; Pudong requires longer transfers into the metro/suburban network.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Pudong is the larger international airport serving Shanghai. Common options to reach Songjiang are the Maglev + metro, airport shuttle buses, or taxi/ride‑hail. The Maglev runs from PVG to Longyang Road (standard one‑way fare ¥50, ~8 minutes) - from Longyang Road you transfer onto the metro network to reach Line 9 toward Songjiang (additional metro fares depend on distance, typically a few yuan); expect total journey time of about 60-90 minutes. Airport shuttle coaches and intercity buses toward southwestern Shanghai and Songjiang run for roughly ¥30-50 and take around 60-90 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi or DiDi directly to central Songjiang typically costs in the range ¥200-350 and takes about 45-75 minutes depending on traffic.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Hongqiao is much closer to Songjiang and is the most convenient airport for suburban Songjiang. Hongqiao links directly with Hongqiao Railway Station and the metro network; from the Hongqiao transport hub you can reach Songjiang by metro/suburban rail with a trip time typically around 30-50 minutes and fares of a few yuan with transfers. A taxi or DiDi from Hongqiao to Songjiang normally costs about ¥60-150 and takes roughly 20-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Train: Songjiang is served by local and high‑speed rail. Songjiang South Railway Station (松江南站) is the main high‑speed/suburban stop in the district; it connects Songjiang with the wider Shanghai high‑speed network and nearby cities, and is a short local trip from Songjiang town centers by metro/taxi. The older Songjiang Railway Station (松江站) handles regional and conventional services. High‑speed and suburban services offer the quickest intercity options; check schedules for exact fares and journey times.
Bus: Long‑distance coaches use Songjiang’s long‑distance/coach stations (松江客运站) with services from nearby provinces - fares vary widely (roughly ¥30+ depending on distance). Within Songjiang the Shanghai bus network covers the district; single rides on city/suburban buses are inexpensive (typically about ¥1-5 depending on route) and accept Shanghai Public Transport Card or mobile QR payments.
How to Get Around Songjiang#
Songjiang is easiest to navigate by metro (Line 9) for reliable, traffic‑free travel and by DiDi/taxi for door‑to‑door convenience. Local buses and shared bikes fill the gaps for shorter trips; use the Shanghai Public Transport Card and mobile payment apps to save time and money.
- Shanghai Metro (Line 9 & network) (3-8 CNY) - The metro is the most reliable way to move between Songjiang and central Shanghai. Line 9 serves Songjiang New Town and Songjiang South Railway Station, and you can transfer to the wider Shanghai Metro network to reach other districts. Buy and top up a Shanghai Public Transport Card (Jiaotong card) for cheaper fares and faster boarding; expect rides of a few yuan depending on distance. Metro is usually faster than buses during peak traffic and is the recommended mode for most cross‑city trips.
- Suburban & high‑speed rail (Varies (CNY 5-100+)) - Songjiang South Railway Station handles high‑speed and suburban services that connect the district to Shanghai Hongqiao and other cities - these trains are the fastest option for intercity travel. Timetables and prices vary by service and distance; short suburban runs can be inexpensive while longer intercity high‑speed trips cost more. Stations are usually integrated with local transit (metro, buses, taxis) for first/last mile connections.
- Local buses (1-5 CNY) - The local bus network covers Songjiang’s neighborhoods and rural outskirts; buses are very cheap and run frequently on main corridors. Most buses accept the Shanghai Public Transport Card or mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) - fares typically fall in the low single digits. Buses can be slower than the metro in peak hours but are useful for areas without metro access.
- Taxi / DiDi (20-200 CNY) - Taxis are metered and DiDi (the dominant ride‑hail app) is widely used; both are convenient for early/late journeys, luggage, or traveling between nodes without direct public‑transit links. Expect fares within Songjiang to be modest, while trips to the airports or into central Shanghai cost more (metered rates and surge pricing apply). Keep address names in Chinese on your phone for the best results with drivers.
- Shared bikes & e‑bikes (1-5 CNY per 30-60 min) - Shared bikes and e‑bikes (Meituan, HelloBike and others) are plentiful around stations and commercial areas and are ideal for short last‑mile trips. Rides are cheap - typically a small per‑minute or per‑half‑hour charge - but require a Chinese mobile number and payment app for sign‑up. Use bike lanes where provided and lock bikes in designated spots to avoid fines.
- Walking - Songjiang’s town centers and parks are very walkable; many attractions and shopping streets are within easy walking distance once you’re in a neighborhood. Walking is the best way to explore local markets and historic streets, but distances between suburban nodes can be long, so combine walking with metro/bus for efficiency.
Where to Stay in Songjiang#
Songjiang Old Town - $25-60/night
Songjiang offers many budget business hotels and guesthouses near the Old Town and university; expect compact, clean rooms geared toward short stays.
Budget hotels near Songjiang Old Town (listings) - Affordable, convenient for sightseeing
Local guesthouses and inns - Simple rooms, good location
Near Thames Town / University - $70-160/night
Several international and Chinese mid-range hotels serve business travelers and tourists, offering fitness centers, restaurants and easy subway links into central Shanghai.
Renaissance Shanghai Songjiang Hotel - Upscale amenities, convenient location
Other mid-range chain hotels (regional listings) - Comfortable rooms, dining options
Songjiang New City / Thames Town - $140-300/night
Luxury stays may be in Songjiang branch hotels or central Shanghai for five-star services. Many choose Songjiang’s premium hotels for quieter luxury away from downtown.
Renaissance Shanghai Songjiang Hotel - Full-service, business facilities
Luxury hotels in wider Shanghai (accessible) - Top-tier amenities, longer commute
Songjiang Old Town / New City - $60-160/night
Stay near Songjiang Old Town or the new commercial centre for easy visits to local museums, Thames Town and fast links into central Shanghai by metro.
Renaissance Shanghai Songjiang Hotel - Good base for local attractions
Central guesthouses and hotels (listings) - Accessible to transport links
Near Thames Town / Parks - $90-220/night
Family-friendly hotels with pools and larger rooms are common in Songjiang; attractions like the Silk Museum and parks make it an easy family base.
Renaissance Shanghai Songjiang Hotel - Family rooms and pools available
Family-friendly chain hotels (listings) - Spacious rooms, child-friendly facilities
Songjiang New City - $60-180/night
Songjiang has many business hotels and serviced apartments with solid internet and workspaces. Good transport to Shanghai’s tech and business districts.
Renaissance Shanghai Songjiang Hotel - Good Wi‑Fi, business centre
Serviced apartments (listings) - Longer stays, kitchens and desks
Where to Eat in Songjiang#
Songjiang is a quieter counterpoint to central Shanghai: old-town alleys, Sheshan’s greenery and an appetite for classic Jiangnan fare. The best bites are the street stalls and teahouses around Songjiang Old Street and Sheshan - think shengjian, xiaolongbao and freshwater fish prepared simply.
If you want international food, head to the newer commercial zones and hotels where Japanese, Korean and Western chains appear alongside local favorites; markets and teahouses make vegetarian eating effortless.
Songjiang’s food scene centers on the Old Town and Sheshan - expect Shanghai-style dumplings, shengjian and seasonal river fish from nearby waters.
- Songjiang Old Street stalls - Local snacks: pan-fried buns and sweet pastries.
- Sheshan-area restaurants - Regional Jiangsu and Shanghai specialties.
- Local teahouses - Dim-sum style small plates and dumplings.
Songjiang blends local snacks with the same international chains and pan-Asian options you’ll find across greater Shanghai, concentrated in shopping centers and hotel districts.
- Hotel restaurants near Sheshan - Asian and Western hotel dining options.
- Chain cafés and eateries - Italian-style cafés and casual international chains.
- Songjiang commercial centers - Japanese, Korean and pan‑Asian choices.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on tofu-based dishes, vegetable stir-fries and steamed buns - teahouses and market stalls make it easy to eat meat-free.
- Local Buddhist teahouses - Vegetarian small plates and tofu dishes.
- Vegetarian-friendly restaurants - Many spots offer vegetable and noodle dishes.
- Market stalls - Fresh produce and steamed buns without meat.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Songjiang’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Songjiang#
Songjiang mixes old-town alleys and modern malls. The rebuilt Songjiang Old Town offers souvenir shops, teahouses and traditional handicrafts; for big-brand shopping head to Songjiang Wanda Plaza or the retail streets around Songjiang Railway Station. Nearby attractions like Thames Town and Sheshan bring tourist-focused shops selling novelty British-style goods and pilgrimage souvenirs respectively. For bargains, street vendors and smaller shops near the metro are your best bets.
Best Bets
- Songjiang Wanda Plaza - Large mall with fashion brands, restaurants and a cinema.
- Songjiang Old Town (Gucheng) - Historic streets with teahouses, souvenir stalls and local snacks.
- Thames Town shops - Novelty British-style shops geared toward tourists and photos.
- Sheshan souvenir stalls - Shops around the park and basilica selling pilgrimage souvenirs.
- University Town shopping streets - Affordable cafés, bookstores and small boutiques serving students.
- Railway-station retail streets - Cluster of electronics shops, convenience stores and eateries.
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