Xujing Town

Xujing Town Shanghai: A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Xujing Town, located in the Qingpu District on Shanghai’s western edge, offers a compelling blend of ancient Jiangnan water town heritage and modern urban vibrancy. With roots extending over a millennium to the Sui Dynasty, Xujing has evolved from a traditional rural township into a dynamic suburban center, providing visitors with a unique window into Shanghai’s layered past and energetic present (chinawiki.net, wikipedia.org).

This guide is designed to equip you with all the essential information—visiting hours, ticketing, transport, top attractions, and cultural highlights—so you can make the most of your visit to one of Shanghai’s most fascinating and accessible destinations.

Overview & Historical Background
Key Attractions: Visiting Hours & Tickets
Transportation & Accessibility
Cultural Experiences & Events
Nearby Attractions & Suggested Itinerary
Visitor Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
References

Xujing Town: History and Development

Origins and Administrative Evolution

Xujing’s history dates back to the Sui Dynasty (AD 581–618). Over centuries, it transitioned from a rural township in Qingpu County, Jiangsu Province, to its current status as an important part of Shanghai’s metropolitan landscape. Key milestones include its administrative elevation in 1993 and significant urban development after the opening of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) (chinawiki.net, wikipedia.org).

Economic Growth and Internationalization

Rapid economic growth in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, coupled with infrastructure improvements, transformed Xujing into a vital economic and cultural hub. The NECC’s presence has drawn international events and a diverse expatriate community, with over 20,000 foreign residents as of 2021 (wikipedia.org).

Cultural Heritage: Panlong Town and Panlong Tiandi

At the heart of Xujing lies Panlong Town, a well-preserved water town with roots in the Sui Dynasty. Recognized as one of Shanghai’s 32 protected historical zones, it features picturesque waterways, classic Jiangnan architecture, and significant landmarks like Panlong Nunnery. The 2023 opening of Panlong Tiandi marked a new phase of revitalization, blending restored heritage with contemporary leisure and retail (citynewsservice.cn).

Key Attractions: Visiting Hours & Ticket Information

Panlong Tiandi

Hours: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM daily; extended during festivals.
Tickets: General admission is free; some cultural performances and exhibitions require separate tickets, available on-site or online (Trip.com).
Highlights: Ancient waterways, Misty Rain Corridor Bridge, Paper-cut Light and Shadow Theater, Panlong Water Collection Market, pet park, equestrian field, and seasonal events.

National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC)

Hours: Vary by event; typically 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Tickets: Required for exhibitions; purchase through official NECC channels.

Sisha Woodland Park

Hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.
Tickets: Free admission.

Panlong Temple

Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.
Tickets: Free, with donations welcome.

Transportation & Accessibility

Metro and Rail

Metro: Xujing is served by Metro Lines 2 and 17. East Xujing Station (Line 2) is a key access point, with direct links to Pudong International Airport and downtown Shanghai (TravelChinaGuide).
Line 2 Frequency: 4–11 minutes, depending on time of day.

Road and Airport Access

Expressways: Near G15 Shenyang–Haikou and G50 Shanghai–Chongqing.
Airports: Only 6 km from Hongqiao International Airport; direct metro connections from Pudong International Airport.

Local Mobility

Buses: Extensive routes, including custom lines to central Shanghai.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Widely available; fares from downtown range from CNY 80–120.
Shared Bikes: Hellobike and Meituan bikes are available; international users may need a Chinese phone number.

Accessibility

Major attractions offer wheelchair access, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Always check specific venue details in advance (Shanghai Government).

Cultural Experiences & Events

Festivals: Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn, Dragon Boat, and International Cultural Exchange Festival.
Performances: Yue Opera, Shanghai Opera, and Jiangnan traditional music.
Workshops: Paper-cutting, lantern-making, craft markets, and culinary demonstrations.
Community Life: Morning tai chi in parks, teahouse gatherings, and local food markets (chinahighlights.com, Expat.com).

Nearby Attractions & Suggested Itinerary

Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub: International shopping and food fairs.
Zhuzhai Guan Yu’s Temple: Historic temple dedicated to General Guan Yu.
Zhudi Park & Qingpu Lake: Green spaces for relaxation and recreation.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Famous water town about 30 minutes away.

Sample Day

Morning: Sisha Woodland Park stroll
Late morning: NECC or Greenland Hub visit
Lunch: Jiangnan cuisine at Panlong Tiandi
Afternoon: Explore Panlong Town’s waterways, bridges, and historic sites
Evening: Enjoy a performance or market at Panlong Tiandi

Visitor Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and festivals.

Language: English is common in tourist areas; basic Mandarin is helpful.

Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay are standard; cash accepted in most places.

Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi in public areas; translation apps recommended.

Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially in temples and historic zones. Dress modestly; photography restrictions may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are typical visiting hours for Xujing’s top sites?
A: Most open from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM; parks from 6:00 AM; temples 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Q: Are tickets required for Panlong Tiandi?
A: General entry is free; tickets needed for select shows and exhibitions.

Q: How do I get to Xujing from central Shanghai or the airport?
A: Metro Line 2 to East Xujing Station; taxis and buses also available.

Q: Is Xujing suitable for families and travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with family facilities, inclusive events, and accessibility features.

Q: What local delicacies should I try?
A: Shengjian bao, tangyuan, smoked fish, Jiangnan freshwater shrimp, and seasonal specialties.

Summary & Recommendations

Xujing Town is a vibrant suburban enclave that artfully fuses Shanghai’s Jiangnan legacy with modern innovation. From the picturesque waterways and restored architecture of Panlong Tiandi to the international events at NECC, visitors can immerse themselves in both tradition and contemporary culture. With seamless metro access, diverse attractions, and a rich festival calendar, Xujing is ideal for history enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers alike (wikipedia.org, chinawiki.net).

Recommendation:
Plan ahead, book tickets for special events, and explore at your own pace. For the latest travel tips, guided tours, and exclusive offers, download the Audiala app and follow Shanghai tourism channels.