Qinglongzhen – the ancient port of Shanghai
Qinglongzhen (青龙镇) — the place where Shanghai began. In the 7th–13th centuries, it was the largest port on China’s east coast, the first trade centre of the region, linked to the Maritime Silk Road. Today it is a unique archaeological landscape: a Tang‑era pagoda, the ruins of a temple with an underground palace, ancient bridges and living history.
What awaits you: a private tour from Shanghai in a comfortable car. You will see Qinglong Pagoda (青龙塔) — the oldest structure in Shanghai (821 AD), the excavations of Longping Temple, where golden reliquaries with Buddha relics were discovered in 2015, walk across the 14th‑century Wan’an Bridge, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient port.
Attractions
What awaits you
- Departure from Shanghai at 9:00 — meeting at a metro station. Comfortable air‑conditioned car.
- Visit to Qinglong Pagoda (青龙塔) — the oldest structure in Shanghai (821 AD). The guide will tell you about the port's history and the pagoda's role as a lighthouse for ships.
- Jiyun Temple (吉云禅寺) — an active Buddhist temple at the foot of the pagoda. You can light incense and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Longping Temple archaeological site (隆平寺遗址) — the preserved foundation of an 11th‑century pagoda, where an underground palace with Buddha relics was found. You will see the actual excavation.
- Lunch at a local restaurant — traditional dishes of the Qingpu district (river fish, bamboo, home‑style noodles).
- Wan’an Bridge (万安桥) — walk across a 14th‑century stone arch bridge, one of 22 bridges of ancient Qinglongzhen.
- Baihe old street — a preserved quarter with traditional houses, perfect for atmospheric photos.
- Return to Shanghai around 17:00 — drop‑off at a metro station.
Approximate program (1 day, field version)
*Times may be adjusted depending on traffic and group preferences.
| Time | Program stage | Details and transport |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Pick‑up in central Shanghai | The guide picks you up in a comfortable car (sedan/minivan). Start the introduction to Qinglongzhen. |
| 10:00 | Arrival in Baihe Town (白鹤镇) | Drive of about 50 km, roughly 1 hour. Along the way – general information about Qingpu district (青浦区). |
| 10:15–11:15 | Qinglong Pagoda (青龙塔) and Jiyun Temple (吉云禅寺) | Explore the seven‑storey pagoda, walk around the temple grounds. Photo session with the oldest pagoda. |
| 11:30–12:30 | Longping Temple excavations (隆平寺遗址) | Short drive to the archaeological site (5–10 min). See the preserved foundation, information boards. The guide explains the significance of the finds. |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch | Traditional cuisine restaurant in Baihe. We recommend trying "Qingpu fish" and bamboo shoots. |
| 13:45–14:45 | Wan’an Bridge (万安桥) and old street | Walk across the 14th‑century stone bridge, explore old houses, opportunity to buy local souvenirs. |
| 15:00–16:00 | Optional: Qingpu Museum (青浦博物馆) | If you wish, we stop at the museum (free). There you will find a full reconstruction of ancient Qinglongzhen and authentic artifacts from the excavations. |
| 16:00–17:00 | Return to Shanghai | Transfer back, drop‑off at your hotel or a metro station. |
💡 Important notes:
- Entry to the pagoda and temple area is free (donations optional).
- The Longping Temple excavation is an open archaeological zone, free to visit, but caution is advised.
- The Qingpu Museum is closed on Mondays; entry is free, but a passport is required.
- We recommend bringing water, a hat and comfortable shoes.
Cost and conditions
Tour cost
Guide services + bus for the whole day.
Guide services + sedan for the whole day.
Approximate expenses per person
Duration
Additional services
What else you can visit
Frequently asked questions
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time of offer for private individuals. Costs and availability of services may change.
Booking is confirmed after receiving a prepayment. The exchange rate is calculated at the current rate on the payment date.
If cancellation occurs less than 7 days before the start of the event, the prepayment is non‑refundable.
In case of force majeure (weather, roadworks), the organiser reserves the right to make changes to the program.
The basic cost does not include: meals, personal expenses, entrance tickets (where applicable – in this tour all sites are free).
