Guangfulin Cultural Relics: A Millennium Underwater Secret
Guangfulin Cultural Relics, hidden beneath the fertile soil of Songjiang, is a secret spot where you can touch the "roots" of Shanghai—Guangfulin Site. The architecture here is half submerged in water and half resting on the shore, with orange rooftops reflecting in the rippling water, resembling a painting boat drifting from the pre-Qin era. Morning mist drifts over the wooden bridges of the site, while the evening sun gilds the rammed earth walls. Standing by the water in simple attire, even your shadow carries the poetic charm of a thousand years. Whether you're shooting ancient-style photos or capturing moments of history and modernity colliding, every brick and ripple here tells a story, making it an unmissable "time studio" in Songjiang.
🕘【Opening Hours】: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30), February 9th annually: 9:00-14:00 (last entry at 13:00); Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours. Early morning offers fewer crowds and soft lighting, perfect for capturing the serene underwater architecture; evening light changes quickly, ideal for snapping the site's "golden hour."
💴【Ticket Price】: Free entry; internal exhibition halls require a fee.
⛺【Activities】:
Guangfulin Cultural Exhibition Halls: The "Underwater Museum" is a must-visit landmark—orange rooftops partially submerged in water, with reflections visible through the clear surface, like a piece of the sky fallen to the ground. Stand on the stone-paved paths by the shore to create symmetrical compositions with the water reflections and buildings. Wearing light-colored clothing contrasts beautifully with the dark rooftops, enhancing the ancient vibe. Don’t miss the rammed earth walls within the site; their rough texture carries traces of time. When sunlight slants across them, capturing silhouette shots feels like conversing with ancient souls.
Zhizai Zen Temple: A Tang-style temple with red walls and vermilion pillars, its flying eaves resemble birds in flight. Nearby Chun Jin Li features red walls and green shadows, with sunlight streaming into the spaces. Lean against the wooden railings at the entrance, framing yourself with greenery. Snap a shot as the wind brushes the treetops, even falling leaves carry a Zen-like charm. Inside the temple, red lanterns and wooden lattice windows make perfect backdrops. Twirl in traditional Hanfu attire, capturing the moment your skirt flares like a blooming flower.
Fulin Tower: A nine-story ancient-style pagoda offering panoramic views of the entire site from the top. The tower’s carved railings and intricate dougong details are ideal for close-ups—like resting your hand on the railing and gazing downward, letting the tower’s curves decorate the frame. Climb the tower at sunset to capture beams of light streaming through the layers, casting golden hues on the distant water, as if time itself is gilded.
Chen Zilong Memorial Hall: A traditional Jiangnan courtyard commemorating the late Ming poet Chen Zilong. The courtyard’s stone-paved ground and moss-covered corners pair beautifully with carved windows, making it perfect for "deep courtyard" scenes.
Clay Gassho Village: Inspired by Japanese gassho-style architecture and combined with Guangfulin’s clay culture, symbolizing the fusion of civilizations. Rows of gassho-style clay houses with roofs resembling clasped hands exude charm. The natural clay textures of the walls, paired with stone paths and greenery, create a fairytale-like healing vibe. Wear light sweaters or Japanese-style uniforms for photos, standing in front of the houses with a tilted smile to instantly become the star of a fresh Japanese poster. Afternoon sunlight casts layered shadows on the rooftops, making every snapshot feel like warm film photography.
Tian Niu Bridge: Named for its resemblance to a longhorn beetle spreading its wings, this wooden corridor bridge connects the ancient and modern areas of the site, symbolizing the crossing of time. Spanning the water system, its railings and columns feature rustic wood grain. Walking on the bridge, you can see reflections of the bridge and distant buildings in the water, perfect for "crossing the bridge of time" photo series. In the morning, mist on the bridge adds a dreamy touch; at dusk, warm yellow lights illuminate the columns and water, creating silhouette shots full of narrative.
West Garden: Restored to the layout of classical Jiangnan gardens, it was once a gathering place for ancient literati and still retains the poetic charm of "poetry and painting in the garden." A relatively quiet area with small bridges, flowing water, pavilions, and towers, it offers a serene elegance amidst the bustle. The curved bridge connects to a lakeside pavilion; standing on the bridge to capture the pavilion’s reflection creates stunning symmetrical compositions. Willow branches dipping into the water make a soft foreground for side-profile shots in the pavilion, evoking imagery straight out of Jiangnan poetry.
🚌【Transportation Tips】: Public transport: Take Metro Line 9 to "Songjiang University Town Station," transfer to Songjiang Bus Line 15 to "Guangfulin Road Longyuan Road" stop, then walk 10 minutes to the site. Driving: Park at the scenic area parking lot, 10 RMB/hour.
👉【Itinerary Suggestions】:
Nearby Attractions: Guangfulin Countryside Park, located next to the site, offers free entry. Its vast lawns and wetlands are perfect for fresh-style photos. After visiting the site, you can relax here with a tent.
Thames Town, 8 km from the site, a 20-minute taxi ride away. The European-style architecture feels like traveling abroad, ideal for vintage or wedding photos, contrasting with the ancient vibe of the site.
Accommodation Recommendation: Atour Hotel on Zhongshan Road, Songjiang, about 8 km from Guangfulin Site, a 20-minute taxi ride. Convenient access to the metro station. The front desk is super friendly, offering tea upon check-in. Don’t miss the buffet breakfast with Western and Chinese options and freshly brewed coffee—it’s the perfect energy boost for exploring the site. Free parking for drivers, with charging stations available. The Atour bedding is incredibly soft, perfect for relaxing after a day of photography. The panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of Songjiang’s nightscape, making it highly cost-effective!
🧡【Preparation Tips】:
Outfits: For ancient-style photos, opt for simple Hanfu or linen dresses that complement the site’s rustic charm, ensuring every shot looks stunning. Consider bringing a film camera; its texture pairs perfectly with the site’s historical ambiance.
Other Essentials: The site is large, so wear comfortable flat shoes. In summer, bring a sun hat and mosquito repellent as there are quite a few insects near the water. Don’t forget water and snacks to replenish energy during your visit.