Location & How to Get There

Poplar Garden lies in Longfeng Road (near Hanghai South Road) in Hangtou Town, Pudong New Area. It’s a peaceful escape about 1.5 hours southwest of downtown Shanghai. To reach it:

  • By car: Drive along S20 Outer Ring Highway, exit at Ximen, then follow local roads. The final stretch is narrow, so go slow!
  • By public transport: Take the Metro Line 16 to Hangtou East Station, then switch to Hangtou Line 4 bus. Ask drivers to drop you near Longfeng Road—locals are friendly and will guide you.

Tip: Bring a map or use translation apps; signage in English is rare here.

Natural Beauty: A Riverside Retreat

Poplar Garden earned its name from the towering poplar trees and willow-lined rivers that once surrounded it. Though the original site was relocated for the Dazhe River project in 1977, the area still feels like a timeless countryside painting.

  • River views: Walk along the curvy waterways (if you visit nearby villages) to see reflections of willow branches swaying in the breeze.
  • Seasonal magic: In spring, the garden would have been a green paradise; autumn brings golden leaves floating on the water.
  • Birdwatching: Locals say herons and kingfishers still visit the riverbanks—bring binoculars if you’re into wildlife!

Human History: Stories of an Old Family

Poplar Garden isn’t just pretty—it’s steeped in 800 years of family history. Here’s the scoop:

  • The Fu Family’s Legacy: Back in the Northern Song Dynasty, a minister named Fu Bi had descendants who settled here. One of them, Fu Nanzhong, built the first family house in the 1300s. His grandkid, Fu Jinchen, moved half a mile southeast and planted rows of poplars to create a shady oasis. Word spread, and people called it “Poplar Garden”.
  • Life before 1977: The house was a riverside mansion with three sides surrounded by water. Imagine sitting by the river under cool shade, listening to birdsong—sounds idyllic, right?
  • Modern days: When the government dug the Dazhe River here, the family moved. But you can still visit reconstructed houses and learn about their story at nearby Hangxi Village.

What to See & Do

1. Wander Replica Gardens

Though the original Poplar Garden is gone, rebuilt sections near Hangxi Village let you glimpse its past. Walk through:

  • Ancient-style courtyards with wooden beams and stone paths.
  • Riverside pavilions where you can sit and take photos.

2. Bike Through Countryside

Rent a bike in Hangtou Town and pedal along narrow lanes. You’ll pass:

  • Rice fields and water buffalo farms.
  • Small canals with women washing clothes—a peek into rural life.

3. Visit Nearby Temples

A short ride away is Wujiang Temple, a quiet spot with Buddhist art and peaceful gardens. Perfect for meditation or Instagram shots!

Tips for Your Trip

  • Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) for blooms, or autumn (September–November) for cooler weather.
  • Food options: Try local snacks like rice cakes and soy milk in Hangtou town. For meals, ask a taxi driver to recommend a “nongjia cai” (home-cooked meal) restaurant.
  • Language tip: Learn basic phrases like “Nǐhǎo” (hello) and “Xièxie” (thank you). Locals rarely speak English, but they’re helpful if you’re polite!
  • Wear comfy shoes: Paths can be uneven, and there’s lots of walking.

Why Poplar Garden Is Special

Unlike crowded Shanghai landmarks, Poplar Garden offers quiet beauty and living history. It’s a place to:

  • Escape the city’s hustle.
  • Imagine life in an old Shanghai village.
  • Capture photos of nature and tradition.

Even though the original garden is gone, its spirit lives on in the rebuilt homes and the river that still winds through the land. Come here for a day trip, and you’ll leave with stories (and photos!) to share.

Note: Some areas might require permission to enter, so respect private property and ask locals first!