Hello, this is Ron.
Today I’ll be looking back on a half-day spent exploring the Nanxiang area, one of the highlights I was most looking forward to on my Shanghai trip. Known as the birthplace of xiaolongbao, this town offered a genuine sense of “traveling” as I strolled through historic restaurants, gardens, and streets brimming with local charm.
In this blog, “Future Atlas by Ron,” I write realistic travel diaries of the places I have visited based on my experience of traveling to more than 15 countries, as well as my impressions and insights from my travels.
I usually travel on my days off while working full time in Tokyo, and I am active in my efforts to share the charm of international travel with everyone.
👇The entire trip and cost details can be found in the [Shanghai Trip Summary Article]
🚃 The Journey to 南翔 (Nanxiang)
Departed from Nanjing East Road Station, where I was staying, at 11:30 AM. The hotel (8 Art Hotel On The Bund ※Review article here) was conveniently located just a 5-minute walk away, making access very easy. From Nanjing East Road Station, I took Metro Line 2 to Jiangsu Road, then transferred to Line 11 for about 40 minutes. Shanghai’s subway system has complex routes, but the signage was clear and I moved smoothly.
We arrived at Nanxiang Station at 12:50. Right in front of the station was a modern shopping mall, and inside it, believe it or not, was a “Hama Sushi”! I couldn’t help but laugh.
上海古猗園餐庁 (Shanghai Guyi Restaurant)｜Legendary Restaurant Where Xiaolongbao Was Born
Founded in 1871, this renowned xiaolongbao restaurant boasts a history of nearly 150 years. It’s a 20-minute walk from Nanxiang Station. The exterior resembles a restaurant nestled within a shrine, while the interior is spacious and clean. Staff only speak Chinese, but you can pay with Alipay, so no worries.
Ordered 16 xiao long bao (30 yuan) and soup, totaling 50 yuan (about 1,000 yen). The juicy meat broth and authentic flavor made me feel like I’d truly arrived at the real deal!
Basic Information
📍Address: 218 Huyu Highway, Nanxiang Town, Jiading District (adjacent to Guyiyuan Garden)
🚇Nearest Station: 20-minute walk from Nanxiang Station (Subway Line 11)
🕒Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
古猗園 (Guyi Garden)｜One of Shanghai’s Five Great Classical Gardens
Right next to Shanghai Guyi Restaurant. This garden was built during the Ming Dynasty (1522–1573), and its name “Guyi” means “an ancient and splendid garden.” Lakes, rocks, and traditional architecture harmonize to create a tranquil atmosphere with numerous photogenic spots. It’s a popular location also used for wedding photography.
Basic Information
📍Address: No. 218, Huiyi Highway, Nanxiang Town, Jiading District
🚇Nearest Station: 15-minute walk from Nanxiang Station (Subway Line 11)
💰Admission: Adults 12 RMB (approx. 250 JPY), Children free
🕒Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
CHAGEE｜Popular Milk Tea Specialty Shop
A milk tea specialty shop located in the Nanxiang Station Front Mall. Large-sized drinks are reasonably priced at 20 yuan (approx. 440 yen) for large and 16 yuan (approx. 350 yen) for medium. Its creamy flavor with a hint of jasmine made it perfect for a break after a long walk.
Basic Information
📍Address: Baoxiang Road, Nanxiang Town, Jiading District (Inside the station front shopping mall)
🚇Nearest Station: Right next to Nanxiang Station (Subway Line 11)
🕒Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
👉[Click here for the Shanghai Food Guide]
Summary
Nanxiang is an ideal spot for a short trip, accessible by train in about 40 minutes from downtown Shanghai.
✅ Savor authentic flavors at the birthplace of xiaolongbao
✅ Stroll leisurely through one of Shanghai’s five classical gardens
✅ Enjoy popular milk tea near the station
Nanxiang’s charm lies in offering a unique blend of “food,” “history,” and “relaxation” all at once during your Shanghai sightseeing.
Please take a look at the summary article as well!
＞＞[Shanghai Trip Summary Article]
The atmosphere of this trip and what I felt on the ground is left in a video on
YouTube.
Rather than a record, I would be happy if it could be a trigger for someone else’s journey.
▶︎ YouTube ‘UYUTABI’ channel here
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