Hidden Gems of Shanghai: Expats Discover Rural Charm in Qingpu's Countryside

As the fragrance of rice envelops the cottage, the "Hidden Shanghai You Never Knew" video series was launched at the Nanbei (South-North) Art Museum in Lianhu Village of Jinze Town this afternoon.

Under the guidance of the Shanghai Commission of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Shanghai Press and Media Association, the launch event was organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Qingpu District Committee, Oriental Urban and Rural Daily, and Shanghai Daily.

To fully present the development of Shanghai's nine agriculture-related districts, the video series showcases the achievements of Shanghai's rural revitalization through the perspectives of expats from different countries. It explores the unique charm of Shanghai-style rural culture and presents the new look of integrated urban-rural development in Shanghai.

The series invited four expats to explore villages in Shanghai's suburbs, modern agricultural parks, intangible cultural heritage venues, and characteristic farm-to-table eateries.

Focusing on exploring rural tourism routes, experiencing farming culture, savoring rural cuisines, feeling local customs, and spending a day as "new villagers," they experienced the atmosphere of rural areas and shared touching stories of Shanghai's agriculture, rural areas, and farmers' development.

To immerse expats in the authentic rural landscape of Shanghai, ten were invited to join the launch event named "Uncover the City, Embrace the Countryside." They are from countries including the United States, UK, Italy, South Korea, Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil.

The fresh scent of rice fills the air, and the rice fields stretch out like a boundless carpet, presenting a picturesque scene.

They also experienced the traditional technique of tie-dye and mooncake making and enjoyed kayaking fun in nature.

"The experience is really cool and very exciting and I didn't realize that kayaking was something that you could do in Shanghai," said Harvey Charles from the United Kingdom. "The scenery is beautiful especially when you go round the corner."

"I haven't had any reason to come to Qingpu before actually, but now that I know there are activities like this around in Qingpu, I definitely like to revisit here."

"When I arrived here, I felt very connected to China and I was really amazed by the experience," said Beatriz Galeazzi from Brazil.

"The nature is vibrant here and the mooncakes are delicious."

Jinze Town, with a history of over 1,300 years, promises an enchanting view in autumn. It has thrived on water since ancient times and is renowned as the "top water town with the most bridges in the Jiangnan region (the south region in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River)."

The Nanbei Art Museum and Qingxi Country Park are like two bright pearls embedded in the beautiful land.

Located in Lianhu Village, the museum is like an art palace naturally growing from the golden rice field, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding vast farmland and rolling waves of rice.

Qingpu District boasts distinct ecological features, with blue and green spaces accounting for 67 percent of its total area and the water surface ratio reaching 18.7 percent.

The district has 1,936 rivers of various sizes, totaling 2,411 kilometers in length.