If you want to see what Shanghai looked like before skyscrapers began rising one after another across the city, make sure to visit Nanshi Old Town (南市, Nanshi). It is the historical heart of Shanghai and one of its most vibrant and atmospheric areas. In Chinese, Nanshi means “Southern City,” which reflects its location in the southern part of historic Shanghai. Many of the city’s cultural landmarks are concentrated here, making it a must-visit area for travelers.
We’ve put together a travel guide to help you explore Nanshi Old Town in Shanghai. In this article, you’ll learn how to get there, what to see, and whether it’s better to explore the area on your own or with a guide. We’ll also share tips on where to stay nearby and other useful details to help you plan a great visit.
How to Get to Nanshi Old Town
Nanshi Old Town is located in Huangpu District, the historic and administrative center of Shanghai. Thanks to its convenient central location, it is easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city.
By bus
Many city buses pass near the Old Town, and several routes stop close to Yu Garden. However, buses are not always the most convenient option for visitors, as stop announcements and signs are not always available in English.
A convenient option for tourists visiting Shanghai for the first time is the red sightseeing bus, which travels past many of the city’s major attractions. You can get off at any stop, for example at Yu Garden, and start exploring the Old Town from there. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours. You can purchase tickets for the sightseeing bus using the link.
Depending on where you are in the city, you can take one of the following routes: 11, 65, 66, 64, 304, 736, 910, 920, or 930 and get off at Xiao Nan Men or Yu Yuan. Bus routes may change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest routes on a map app before your trip.
By metro
Compared to buses, the metro is considered the most convenient form of public transportation in Shanghai. It has more signage in English, is fast, and relatively inexpensive.
To reach Nanshi Old Town by metro, take Line 10. From there, it is less than a five-minute walk to Yu Garden. Get off at Yu Garden Station, take Exit 3, and walk south.
If you have more time to explore Nanshi Old Town and Line 10 is not the most convenient option for you, you can take Metro Line 8 and get off at Laoximen Station. From there, it takes about 15–20 minutes to walk to Yu Garden.
Where to Stay Near Nanshi Old Town
There are several hotels within walking distance of Nanshi Old Town that are convenient if you plan to spend a lot of time exploring the historic part of Shanghai.
For example, Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund is a great option for travelers who want to stay close to major attractions without sacrificing comfort. This five-star hotel is located just 500 meters from the entrance to Yu Garden. Room rates start at around $120 per night. You can check the latest prices and book your stay using the link.
Another option is the four-star Crystal Orange Shanghai on Bund, located about 300 meters from Yuyuan Garden metro station. The hotel is also closer to the Bund waterfront, which you can easily visit after exploring the Old Town. Room rates start from around $93 per night, and you can check availability here.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option in this area, JI Hotel Shanghai Bund is a good choice. It is often selected by travelers who are staying in Shanghai for just a few days and want easy access to the historic city center without spending too much time on public transportation. Prices start from about $79 per night, and you can find more details using the link.
What to See in Shanghai’s Old Town
In Shanghai’s Old Town, many buildings have preserved their distinctive historic character. The area feels like a small island of “old Shanghai,” offering a glimpse of what the city looked like before European architectural influences began to reshape the skyline.
The buildings here are designed in the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties and look exactly how many people imagine traditional China: red columns, dark tiled roofs, and gracefully curved eaves.
Shanghai Old Street and Market
On the western side, the Old Town is bordered by Henan South Road and stretches toward Zhonghua Road (Guanyi Street). At both ends of this street, you will find traditional Chinese gates marking the entrance to the historic area.
There are around 250 different shops here selling a wide variety of goods. You can find almost anything, from jewelry and accessories to souvenirs, traditional balms, teas, and many other products.
If you plan to buy souvenirs from one of the market stalls, it’s best to use Alipay or WeChat Pay for payment. Cash in Chinese yuan is usually accepted, but vendors may not always have change, so it’s helpful to carry smaller bills or use mobile payment. Paying by bank card at the market is unlikely to be possible.
Yu Garden
Not far from the market is Yu Garden, one of the most famous and beautiful classical Chinese gardens located in Nanshi Old Town in Shanghai. The garden was built in 1559 during the Ming dynasty by Pan Yunduan, a high-ranking official. He created it as a gift for his parents, providing them with a peaceful place to relax in their later years.
Yu Garden covers an area of about two hectares and features numerous pavilions, waterside structures, traditional Chinese bridges, and a wide variety of plants.
Huxinting Tea House
This is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Nanshi, located right on the water near Yu Garden. A zigzag bridge leads to the teahouse, which according to traditional belief was designed to ward off evil spirits. Today, it is one of the most popular photo spots in the Old Town. The tea house is considered one of the oldest in Shanghai and still preserves the atmosphere of traditional Chinese tea culture. You can also book a traditional tea ceremony in advance by following the link.
City God Temple
This is one of the most popular temples in Shanghai. It is dedicated to the city’s protective deity, known as the City God (Chenghuang). The temple is a complex of buildings designed in traditional Chinese architectural style.
It consists of several halls and pavilions. For example, in the main hall, where the statue of the City God is located, visitors bring offerings and pray for protection and prosperity. In addition to religious activities, the temple regularly hosts various cultural events.
Visiting Nanshi Old Town: Guided Tour or Independent Exploration
You can explore Nanshi Old Town as part of an organized group tour, with a private guide, or on your own. The best option depends on your preferences and budget. A guided tour can be especially worthwhile if it’s your first time in Shanghai and you’d like to learn more about the places you visit rather than simply seeing them as beautiful surroundings.
At the time of writing, several day tours that include the Old Town are available on GetYourGuide. One option is a tour that combines a visit to Nanshi Old Town with Yu Garden. This excursion lasts about two hours but covers many of the area’s highlights.
If you are short on time, you can also join a “Shanghai in One Day” tour. The program typically lasts around six hours and includes several of the city’s main attractions. You can check the itinerary and book the tour using the link.
One of the main drawbacks of organized tours is the limited time at each stop and the fairly structured schedule. If you prefer more flexibility, want to wander through the market, or explore small craft shops at your own pace, visiting the Old Town independently may be a better option. Exploring on your own also gives you the chance to walk through quieter streets and observe everyday local life beyond the main tourist routes.
