Things To Do
in Songjiangcun

Delicate steamed buns filled with savory pork and hot broth — find them in local breakfast stalls and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Crispy-bottomed buns with a juicy pork filling, commonly sold at morning markets and small vendors.

Slow-braised pork in a slightly sweet soy glaze, available at local eateries and celebratory meals.

Locally caught fish prepared steamed or braised with light seasonings — seasonal and often available in village restaurants.

A compact market where farmers sell vegetables, live poultry, tofu, and breakfast stalls offering soy milk, steamed buns and fried dough.

Pop-up stalls near main lanes serving skewers, scallion pancakes and sweet fried snacks — a good place to sample local street food.

A simple nod or brief greeting is polite; avoid loud, confrontational behavior. Use both hands for presenting or receiving gifts in formal situations.

Some homes and smaller temples may ask you to remove shoes; watch for signs and follow hosts' instructions.

Ask permission before photographing close-up portraits, especially of elders and workers; a smile and a few words in Chinese help build rapport.

Wait to be invited to start eating, try a bit of most dishes served, and use serving chopsticks or the communal utensils if provided.

Tipping is not customary in most of China and is generally not expected in village settings; service charges may appear in tourist hotels and high-end restaurants. Small tips for exceptional service are acceptable but not required.

Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate in urban and many suburban areas; cash (CNY) is still important in small markets and rural stalls. International credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but less so at family-run eateries — carry cash or a mobile payment option.

Mild temperatures and blossoming trees make spring one of the nicest times to visit; expect occasional rain and muddy paths after showers.

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; early mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities and photography; mosquitoes can be bothersome.

Cooler, drier and comfortable — ideal for hiking and sightseeing with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Chilly and damp rather than very cold; temperatures can be gray and humid, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices, but some small businesses may have reduced hours.

Forested hills with marked trails, a church/basilica and viewpoints — suitable for half-day hikes with moderate elevation and good vistas.

Wooded parkland offering quieter trails, picnic spots and nature-watching opportunities within a short drive of the village.

Closer to western Shanghai and Songjiang — convenient for domestic flights and a 30–60 minute drive depending on traffic; connected by road and rail to the Songjiang area.

Major international gateway serving long-haul flights — about 60–90 minutes away by car or airport express plus regional transfers, depending on traffic and exact village location.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in small village restaurants; order vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes and plain rice noodles, and ask clearly for no meat or animal stock.

Vegan choices require careful requests — many broths are meat-based; use translation cards or apps to explain no meat, no egg, no dairy and avoid shared woks if you are strict.

Rice-based dishes are widely available, but soy sauce contains wheat; bring a gluten-free card in Chinese or request dishes without soy sauce in small eateries.

Carry allergy cards in Chinese for peanuts, shellfish and sesame; rural kitchens may use shared utensils and oils.