Location & Transportation

Chuansha Old Street sits in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai, just a 15-minute drive from Disneyland. The easiest way to get there is by taking Metro Line 2 to Chuansha Station—walk out, turn left, and you’ll see signs pointing to the ancient street. If you prefer buses, routes like Pudong 51 or 631 drop you close to the entrance.

Natural Scenery

The street winds along a quiet canal, where small stone bridges arch over water like guards from centuries past. Willow trees line the banks, and lotus flowers bloom in summer, filling the air with a light fragrance. Early mornings are magical here—locals hang laundry overhead, and sunlight filters through wooden lattice windows, casting patterns on the cobblestone path.

Cultural Highlights

Chuansha Old Street isn’t just about pretty views. It’s a living museum! Traditional workshops line the road: watch craftsmen hand-carve wooden fans or mold clay figurines. The Huayuan Tea House (a must-visit) serves jasmine tea in carved-teak cups. Don’t miss the Pixiu Museum, where statues of this mythical beast (symbolizing wealth) stand guard in every shop.

Food & Drink

Hungry? Try zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves) sold by vendors near the bridge. For sweets, tangyuan (rice balls stuffed with black sesame) melt in your mouth. At night, stalls light up with oil-fried doughnuts called liangyougao—crispy outside, soft inside. Pair it with sugar-dused peanuts for a classic street snack.

Hidden Gems

Look up! Many roofs here hide “upside-down eaves”—a design that keeps rain off doorways. Also, spot the “Three-legged Frog” Clinic sign—it’s not a real frog, but a symbol of traditional herbal medicine. Near the west end, a tiny temple hosts free calligraphy lessons on weekends.

Practical Tips

Wear comfy shoes! The street is narrow, and you’ll want to explore every nook. Bring cash—some stalls don’t take cards. Weekdays are best; weekends get crowded. And yes, there’s clean public Wi-Fi if you need to Instagram those perfect #ancientchina vibes.

Why Visit?

Chuansha Old Street feels like stepping back 200 years, yet it’s just a metro ride from modern Shanghai. Whether you’re into photography, history, or simply people-watching, this place wraps you in stories. Bonus: It’s free to enter, so you can spend your money on dumplings instead of tickets!