Qingixi Ancient Town

Qingxi Ancient Town, also known as Qingxi Old Street, is a water town in Qingcun, located in Shanghai's southern Fengxian District. Originating as a settlement during the Song dynasty, it developed into a prosperous trading hub for salt production and canal transport during the Ming and Qing eras. Its name, meaning "clear stream," refers to the historic waterway that ran through the town toward the sea.

The preserved core stretches for about 1.3 kilometres along the canal, lined with whitewashed, black-tiled houses from the Ming, Qing, and Republic periods. Several historic stone bridges cross the water, most notably Nanhong Bridge, a single-arch bridge built in 1692 that forms a traditional twin-bridge view alongside the adjacent Yongshou Bridge. Other landmarks include the Qing-dynasty Yang Kungao Residence with its traditional carved masonry, the three-storey Wanghai Tower, and Nanyuan, a restored courtyard estate based on a Yuan-dynasty private garden.

Visitors can explore the flagstone lanes on foot, ride traditional hand-sculled boats along the canal, or visit the teahouses, craft studios, and cafes housed inside the restored heritage buildings.