Rapeseed Flower Festival Opens in Fengxian, Highlighting Historic Lanes

The 19th Shanghai Rapeseed Flower Festival was launched in Fengxian District on Friday, blending rural tourism with modern digital culture in Zhuanghang Ancient Town.

The festival features more than 6.67 square kilometers of blooming rapeseed flowers, equivalent to over 900 standard football pitches.

Local officials expect a surge of visitors starting this weekend. Drivers are advised to avoid the peak travel time between 12pm and 1pm and use designated parking lots to avoid traffic congestion.

New attractions at the flower fields include helicopter tours and drone flight experiences for children. Visitors can also try "rapeseed flower honey coffee" at local cafes.

A highlight this year is the link between the flower fields and the newly opened Cold Rain Lane, according to Tao Qing, Party secretary of Zhuanghang Town.

The project revitalizes a historic area with deep roots. Zhuanghang Old Street dates back more than 600 years to the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It features a continuous stretch of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties with traditional black tiles and flying eaves.

While a 300-meter section was repaired in 2020, the new 1.3-kilometer Cold Rain Lane project aims to bring young entrepreneurs and animation fans back to the ancient town.

The lane focuses on animation and youth culture. It hosts the first MG Animation and Game Makeup Carnival through March 22.

More than 100 cosplayers will parade through the streets on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Ferry boats connect the flower fields to the old town via the local waterways. These boats allow visitors to travel between the two main scenic areas.

If you go:

Date: Through April 12

Admission: Free

Venue: Huami Zhuanghang Scenic Spot

Address: 4399 Nanzhuang Road 南庄路4399号