Songjiang District is situated southwest of the Shanghai downtown area. One of its main attractions is the famous Thames Town on North Sanxin Road of Songjiang New City. This imitation of a British traditional old town is actually a community and was completed in 2004. It offers a tranquil oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city, and is worth a visit whether one has been to Great Britain or not.

Pedestrian street, Shanghai

Subway No. 9 has stops at both Songjiang New City and Songjiang University Town. One can get off at either of the stations and take Songjiang public bus No. 14 or a taxi to the town, which is 4 kilometers away. Public bus JiaSong Line and Songjiang public buses 10/12/13/15/16 all have stops there.

Thames Town has an area of about 1 square kilometer. It is equipped with everything that the residents need. Lakes, rivers, and trees surround Georgian and Victorian style villas and apartments. There is a 4 star Liston Hotel (Tel: 021-37721998) by the lake, a Gothic church, advanced kindergarten and school, supermarket, clubs, and clinics. Walking in the community, it is like being in a wonderland and many newlyweds like to have their wedding photos taken here. Visitors can have lunch at the floating restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a taxi and continue the tour to another highlight in Songjiang District: Shanghai Film Studio (address: No. 4915 Beisong Road Chedun Town, Songjiang District). From the downtown area, take the tourist line from Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center at Shanghai Stadium. On weekdays, the coach departs at 8:50AM and returns at 1:30PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, the coach departs at 8:50AM or 10:00AM and returns at 1:30PM or 3:00PM.

Unique architecture in one of the Shanghai universities

Shanghai Film Studio was opened in 2001 and is the largest indoor studio in Asia. There are four movie studios and two TV studios. Studio No. 1 is the largest with an area of 1800 square kilometers. No. 3 studio, with 1200 square kilometers, is next in size. The whole park is built like an old miniature Shanghai. There are old-styled buildings with furniture and wax figures of departed movie stars, Chinese traditional dresses, railroad cars, old streets and classic movie scenes. Occasionally, actual shootings of movies or TV programs may be in progress and visitors may be able to spot some movie stars. Hours of operation are from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Admission fee is CNY50.00. After visiting, take a coach at the bus station of Chedun Town to return to downtown.

If visitors still have time, Songjiang University Town is also a must-see. It is next to Thames Town and covers an area of 530 hectares. There are seven universities in the town. Rivers and green belts separate the campuses. The universities are of different architectural styles. About 70,000 students and teachers live here. The university town has a 40,000 square meters gymnastic center, which is ranked the second largest in the world. There is also a 2.5 kilometers student pedestrian street with a variety of stores, restaurants, and theaters.

After visiting Songjiang District, visitors can choose a suitable bus line to return to their homes or hotels.