How long does it take to get from Shanghai to Potan?

The distance from central Shanghai to the ancient town of Potan is about 380 km. By car it takes about 4.5–5 hours. We offer a comfortable transfer by sedan or minivan.

What are ‘boneless lanterns’?

It is a unique technique of making paper lanterns without an internal frame, listed as China’s national intangible cultural heritage. In Potan you will see them in action and can buy souvenirs.

Yes, many small shops and street vendors in the town accept only cash yuan. Larger shops and ticket offices accept Alipay/WeChat Pay, but to be safe it is better to have 200–300¥ in cash.

Ancient town Potan – A living open‑air museum

皤滩古镇 (Potan) – a thousand‑year‑old trading town that has preserved the authentic atmosphere of old China. Its main gem is the 2‑kilometre “dragon street” paved with river pebbles, the pattern of which resembles scales. You will see 620 ancient buildings from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, 260 working shops and 100 stone counters. Be sure to admire the famous boneless lanterns (针刺无骨花灯) – a technique listed as China’s intangible cultural heritage. The entrance ticket is only 35¥ (~5$). This is an ideal place to immerse yourself in history without crowds of tourists.

🐉Dragon street (2 km)

🏛️620 buildings

🏮Boneless lanterns

📜100 counters

What awaits you in ancient Potan

Walk along the “dragon street”. The pebbles underfoot form scales, and 9 steep bends symbolise the twisting body of a mythical creature.
620 buildings from different dynasties. You will see authentic houses, tea houses, theatres, temples and even old gambling houses.
Boneless lanterns. A unique craft – paper lanterns without an internal frame, glowing only thanks to thousands of tiny holes.
He Family Mansion (何氏里门堂). Imperial employment notices on wooden panels and traditional architecture.
260 working shops. You can buy authentic souvenirs and try local snacks “Xianju badawan”.
Tongjiang Academy (桐江书院). An ancient educational institution from the 12th century near the town – a dive into the history of education.

Approximate tour program

*Times can be adjusted according to your wishes.

Time	Program stage	Details
07:00	Departure from Shanghai	Meeting at the metro, transfer to Xianju County (≈380 km, 4.5–5 h).
11:30	Arrival in Potan	Short rest, toilet, ticket purchase (35¥).
12:00	Lunch	Traditional Xianju cuisine at a local restaurant (optional).
13:00	Walk along Dragon Street	Sightseeing of main attractions: He Mansion, Chunhuayuan Tea House, temples.
14:30	Boneless lantern workshop	Demonstration of the craft, opportunity to buy souvenirs.
15:30	Free time / Tongjiang Academy	Walk around the surroundings, photo session.
16:30	Gathering and return transfer	Departure for Shanghai.
21:00–21:30	Arrival in Shanghai	Drop‑off at the metro station.

💡 Important notes:

👟 Comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones and pebbles.
💵 Have cash yuan – many shops do not accept cards.
📸 A camera is a must – unique pavement patterns and lanterns.
🧥 Pebbles become slippery in rainy weather – be careful.

Cost and conditions

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Tour cost

Train + taxi

Economy

The guide meets you at Taizhou / Xianju station and helps with the transfer. You get to the station on your own.

400$per group 1–3 persons

Train tickets, entrance fees and meals are separate

By car

Comfort

Transfer from your hotel in Shanghai by sedan/minivan, guide services for the whole day.

450$per group 1–3 persons

Entrance tickets and meals – separate

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Additional expenses

Entrance ticket to Potan35¥ (~5$)
Lunch (traditional cuisine)80¥ (~12$)
Train ticket Shanghai–Xianju (round trip, 2nd class)~340¥ (~49$)
Taxi from station to Potan (round trip per group)~200¥ (~29$)

*Prices are approximate and may change. In Potan there are paid lantern workshops – 30¥.

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Duration

~14 hours

departure 07:00, return ~21:00

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Additional services

🚗

Minivan rental (5–7 pers.)

+120$

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Photo session

+50$

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Transfer from Shanghai airport

+100$

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What else you can visit nearby

Xianju Abode of Immortals
(神仙居) Park with glass bridges and fantastic rock formations. (15 km)

Jingxingyan Scenic Area
(景星岩) Peak with panoramic views of mountains and valleys. (19 km)

Ancient village Gaoqian
(高迁古村) Well‑preserved village from the Ming and Qing dynasties. (14 km)

Tongjiang Academy
(桐江书院) Ancient 12th‑century academy founded by a famous scholar.

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Potan from Shanghai?

We arrange a comfortable transfer from your hotel. Distance – 380 km, travel time 4.5–5 hours. A high‑speed train to Taizhou or Xianju, then a taxi is also possible.

Is it easy to get lost on Dragon Street?

Don’t worry – it is a single long street, so getting lost is impossible. Moreover, the route is logical: you walk from the dragon’s “head” to its “tail”.

Can I buy boneless lanterns?

Yes, in the workshop near the town you can buy both small souvenirs and large lanterns. Prices range from 30 to 200¥.

What should I bring?

Comfortable non‑slip shoes (cobblestones and pebbles), cash yuan, camera, headwear in summer.

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Important information

Prices are valid at the time of offer. Booking after prepayment. Cancellation less than 48 hours before – no refund. Changes to the program due to weather or events are possible.

The cost does not include: transport expenses (except the “with driver” option), entrance tickets, meals and personal expenses. We recommend having cash yuan (at least 300¥ per person).