Mention Jiading District and most people will think of the grey, desolate manufacturing plants they see on the way to Suzhou. Mention Zhouqiao and you will probably receive blank stares, but with time on our hands we decided to escape the city proper and check out this north western suburb.

The Basics

Until 1958, Jiading District belonged to Jiangsu province before being incorporated in to Shanghai municipality. Zhouqiao Town is in the centre of this sleepy district -- something of a cultural find, really, and enclosed within one square kilometre, there’s just enough attractions and activities to spend an afternoon out.

How to Get There

Catch Metro line 11 to the terminal station Jiading North. Then caught Bus No. 13 from the east side of the metro station -- not a bad choice for a jumping off point. Just after Tacheng Lu on Chengzhong Lu, we had less than a 10-minute walk east to our first destination.

To be honest, though, as much as Out of Town loves buses for ease and convenience, get a 12rmb orange taxi outside the metro to Jiading Confucious Temple(嘉定區 Jiādìng Qū). Way easier.

Confucius Says…

First stop is Confucius Temple -- advocating personal, civil, and governmental morality, it is a fitting place to house the only Imperial Examination Museum in China. Although built around a classic temple structure, the central palace houses a pretty impressive Confucius in place of the usual serene-looking Buddha. Five exhibition halls are filled with texts, models and pictures but the English signs only provide limited explanations -- take a character-reading friend for a better understanding. Great spot for people interested in Confucian history and writings, though. 20rmb includes entry to the temple and Fahua Pagoda.

Out of the temple and a left over the Binxing Bridge takes you in to Huilongtan Park (5 kuai). Built in 1928 the park takes its name from the Huilong Tan pool (“Pool of Convergent Dragons”) where five streams converged (in 1588, apparently!). This peaceful area is partly classical garden with its cobbled walkways, piped music, and traditional pavilions, and partly traditional park with boating lake, green lawns, and kids running around. Check it out though; the slightly overgrown walkways and dragon pool make it a nice place to chill.



Back out of the park head north on Nandajie Street (Jiading South Street) where ZhouQiao old street and the 40m Fahua pagoda beckon. Passing the entrance to the Bamboo carving museum (under refurbishment), seven flights of vertical stairs up through the pagoda afford a great view over ZhouQiao.

Strap on your Skates, Gordie

Time to burn off those calories, head east of the pagoda into Bole Square, grab a pair of timberlands on wheels aka roller skates and wiz around the square with the locals until your heart is content 10 kuai.





Too much like hard work; head north on Bole Road (east of the square) to the Qiuxiapu Garden. 5 minutes walk and 10 kuai brings you back to peace and tranquility in the oldest of the five classical Shanghai gardens. Built 1505-1526, and listed as a protected site in 1962, it was originally the private garden of Gong Hong, Minister of Works of the Ming Dynasty. Follow the winding walk ways to secluded pools and pavilions or enter the central courtyard from some beautiful bonsai and various exhibits. Relax and unwind before that metro ride home.

Head out of the gardens south on Bole Road and you will come to LuYanShao Art Gallery. A native of Nanxiang, he is famed for his unique style of contemporary landscape paintings. By this time though… we were ready for that cab back to the metro.

The Verdict

So ZhouQiao is it worth the long long metro ride? We think so -- a destination that gives you a Temple museum, pagoda, gardens, quaint streets, and most importantly good eats in a 1km block is okay by us…

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