Recommended Free Ancient Town Near Shanghai: Shaxi Ancient Town in Taicang

There are many charming free 🆓 ancient towns hidden around Shanghai. Which ones have you visited? I recommend 🌟 Shaxi Ancient Town in Taicang, a Jiangnan water town with over 1,300 years of history, famous for its unique "one river, two streets, three bridges, one island" layout and rich historical cultural heritage. 🚌 Transportation Guide Self-driving: From Shanghai: Shenhai Expressway (G15) → Taicang City exit → Drive west along Provincial Road 339 for about 15 kilometers. Public transportation: Take high-speed rail to Taicang Station → Transfer to Taicang Bus Route 501 to "Shaxi Station" → Walk 10 minutes to the ancient town. 🅿️ If driving, navigate to the North Gate entrance where there's a free 🆓 parking lot 💰 The ancient town is open all day with free 🆓 entry However, some attractions inside require tickets. There's a 30 yuan combo ticket that includes four sites: Shaxi Cultural and Historical Museum, Hongjing Memories, Tang Dynasty Research Institute, and Yahang. Worth considering if you're interested in history and culture. My recommended route is: North Gate entrance ➡️ Hengli River Historical District ➡️ West Market Street ➡️ Central Market Street ➡️ East Market Street 👍 Best photo spots: When walking from West Market Street to East Market Street, be sure to visit these three Ming Dynasty bridges: ✅ Xin Bridge, ✅ An Bridge, and ✅ Yixing Bridge, which span across the old Qipu River in sequence and are Shaxi's iconic landmarks. The white walls, black-tiled roofs, and wooden structures of houses along the river create perfect spots for capturing the essence of Jiangnan water towns. While there are many food stalls on the old street, many seem to sell wholesale items from elsewhere without unique local characteristics. 👍 I personally recommend two shops that make fresh pastries on-site: ✅ Yam Rice Cake and ✅ Muzi Su Baked Flatbread, both freshly made and delicious 😋. The teahouses on the old street have a traditional ambiance, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea. Other attractions: 📍 Leyin Garden: A private garden built by the late Yuan Dynasty recluse Qu Xiaozhen, featuring typical Jiangnan garden style. 📍 Gong Family Ancestral Home (Carved Hall): Built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, with exquisite wooden carvings on the beams. 📍 Wu Xiaobang Former Residence: Home of the father of modern Chinese dance, where you can learn about his life and artistic achievements. 📍 Xinhua Bookstore: A representative 1960s building selling books, postcards, bookmarks, fans, and other cultural products. 📍 Jiangnan Folk Poetry Gallery: Experience the poetic culture of Jiangnan. 📍 Traditional Craft Workshops: Try bamboo weaving, blue calico fabric making, and other traditional crafts (some require advance booking). Fun Facts 🌟 Historical Evolution: Shaxi Ancient Town began in the late Yuan Dynasty, gradually formed markets in the mid-Ming Dynasty, and saw the beginnings of modern industry and education during the Qing Dynasty. This area has produced many talented individuals throughout history, including 30 imperial scholars and 48 provincial scholars from the Song Dynasty to the early Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. In modern times, it continues to produce outstanding talents. 🌟 Intangible Cultural Heritage: The town has shops like "Zitan Fang" that preserve four generations of woodcarving craftsmanship, with award-winning works.