Gaoqiao Ancient Town

Qian Hui'an is a master of figure painting with unique creativity in the history of modern Chinese painting, skilled in portrait painting from a young age, with his male figures often being artistic representations of self-portraits. From the God of Wealth, scholars, and the God of Longevity, to old farmers and fishermen, Qian Hui'an consistently used self-portraits throughout his work, creating endless transformations and delightful interest, demonstrating an unprecedented self-awareness of a painter in the history of Chinese painting. Cheng Shifa praised him as the 'Master of Haipai Art'. The Qian Hui'an Memorial Hall is located on Xijie, Gaoqiao Town, Pudong, Shanghai. Cheng Shifa called him the 'Master of Haipai Art' and inscribed the plaque 'The Origin of Haipai' for the memorial hall. The name of the memorial hall was inscribed by Chen Peiqiu, a famous Haipai calligrapher and painter. A visit to Gaoqiao can increase one's knowledge significantly, as there are many celebrities from Gaoqiao, including the great writer Ye Xin, whose study is also located together with the Qian Hui'an Memorial Hall.

Xu Jianrong Art History Museum (Changfeng Hall) is located at No. 48, Gaoqiao West Street, Gaoqiao Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai. The museum's exhibition is arranged according to seven units: the charm of calligraphy, the rhythm of inscriptions and paintings, the elegant gathering of Changfeng, the fragrance of peach and plum, emulating the virtuous, learning from history, and the traces of time. It displays important calligraphic and painting works from Xu Jianrong's artistic career, published precious literature and documents, and personal collections. Xu Jianrong, a native of Gaoqiao, Pudong, is a renowned art historian, art educator, connoisseur of calligraphy and painting, and an artist himself. He excels in poetry and prose, and is skilled in painting landscapes and flowers and birds. He has long been engaged in the research of art history, appraisal of calligraphy and painting, and art education. He is currently a professor at the Fine Arts College of Shanghai University, the vice-chairman of the Pudong New District Artists Association, the president of the Pudong Chinese Painting Academy, and a member of the ninth and tenth Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Gaoqiao Town

Qingxi Mansion, located on Xijie, Gaoqiao Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai, was built in 1928 and is the private residence of Zhong Huishan, a famous Shanghai building contractor known as the 'Stone Gate King'. This is a building that combines Chinese and Western architectural styles, featuring a traditional Chinese three-entry courtyard layout, with red windows and grey tiles, two stories high. The residence is interconnected by verandas and long corridors, with a layout that is accessible in all directions and bright and spacious. The old name of Gaoqiao was Qingxi (according to the Qing Dynasty's Tongzhi era 'Annals of Shanghai County', Gaoqiao Town was originally named Qingxi Town), and in the autumn of 2020, the famous calligraphy critic Mr. Xu Jianrong inscribed the nameplate for the residence as 'Qingxi Mansion'. Gaoqiao Ancient Town

While strolling on Takahashi East Street, I first came across the Shanghai Jiangdong Academy. After visiting it, I saw the Tai Chi Academy right next to it on the east side. Upon entering, I noticed several paintings hanging on the walls on both sides of the entrance hall. On the west side of the entrance wall, there was a painting depicting the confluence of the Yellow River, Pantian River, and Mengxiang River. Next to it were images of the River Map with the Horse-Bearing Dragon and the Luo Book with the Turtle Spirit. However, these should refer to the Heluo region, which is my hometown. I am quite certain that there are no rivers called Pantian and Mengxiang currently, and the River Map and Luo Book should refer to the area where the Yi and Luo rivers join the Yellow River. After bypassing the entrance hall, I entered the first courtyard, where the building facing north to south in the middle had a signboard indicating it was the Dragon Body Snake Form Tai Chi Hall (locked). Circling to the east side, there was a passage leading to the back courtyard. On both sides of the passage, there were brick carvings of ancient military generals, including the Three Heroes fighting against Lü Bu, Changban Slope, Lü Bu, Xu Huang from the Three Kingdoms period, as well as figures from the Water Margin at the end of the Song Dynasty like the Monk Hua Rong, the Two-Headed Snake Jie Zhen, the Double-Tailed Scorpion Jie Bao, and generals from the Ming Dynasty. Some works did not specify the names of the characters. Among those named, such as Lü Bu, Hua Rong, and Xu Huang, are prominent figures in novels, while characters like Jie Zhen and Jie Bao are rather minor figures from Mount Liang. I wonder why they were chosen over more prominent Liangshan heroes like Wu Song, Lin Chong, and Lu Junyi. Passing through the corridor, I arrived at the second courtyard behind, which featured a two-story wooden structure surrounding the east, middle, and west sides. Inside the central building hung a signboard for the Dragon Body Snake Form Tai Chi Society, along with descriptions of martial scholars from the Ming and Qing dynasties in the Takahashi area. There was a special introduction for someone named Yang Dapeng. The rooms on the east and west sides also displayed various martial arts weapons and agricultural tools. I suppose this residence must have been Yang Dapeng's home, Yang Family Stockade! Retracing my steps back to the entrance hall, as I exited through the east side, I saw a painting of the confluence of the Yangtze and Huangpu Rivers. Takahashi Ancient Town

Shanghai has many ancient towns, such as Zhujiajiao, Fengjing, Xinchang, and Nanxiang, which are quite famous. However, these towns have mostly been carved out of their original appearance. Many of the old streets and houses have been vacated by the original residents, and the streets are full of shops with a strong commercial atmosphere. But in the northern part of Pudong, there is such an ancient town that still maintains the living state of the original residents and is very low-key. This is Gaoqiao, which is known as the 'premier town along the Yangtze River.' (Pictures 1-2) Gaoqiao, named after its bridge, historically known as Qingxi, was formed during the Tang Dynasty and established during the Song Dynasty. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze River, Huangpu River, and the East China Sea, it has a history of 800 years. Although Gaoqiao is not large in size, it has produced many famous people in history and has numerous cultural relics and historic sites. At one time, it concentrated more than one-third of the famous residences in the Pudong area of Shanghai. In 2005, the Shanghai Municipal Government listed Gaoqiao Old Street in the town as a historical and cultural scenic area. The entire Gaoqiao Old Street is not long, just a few hundred meters, divided into East Street and West Street by Jijing Road Bridge. Most of the preserved buildings in the ancient town are concentrated on this street, many of which have been transformed into museums, exhibition halls, and cultural facilities. 1. Yangxian Hall (Pictures 3-4) A Shanghai cultural heritage site, the former residence of the Shen family, now converted into the Gaoqiao Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall. 2. Tai Chi Museum (Picture 5) Displays materials, weapons, and cultural relics related to Gaoqiao's intangible cultural heritage project, Tai Chi. 3. Shanghai Jiangdong Academy (Picture 6) The first academy approved after Shanghai's reform and opening up, the building is recognized as an 'Outstanding Historical Building of Shanghai.' 4. Xu Jianrong Art History Museum (Picture 7) The building was constructed in the 32nd year of the Guangxu period and is an immovable cultural relic of Pudong New District. 5. Three Gorges Stone Picture Art Gallery (Picture 8) An old-style Siheyuan (courtyard house). 6. Gaoqiao Velvet Embroidery Museum (Pictures 9-10) The former residence of the Huang family, a cultural heritage site of Pudong New District, now serves as an exhibition hall for Gaoqiao's intangible cultural heritage velvet embroidery works. 7. Gaoqiao Resident Exhibition Hall (Pictures 11-12) The former residence of the Ling family, a century-old house built in 1918. 8. Zhong Family Residence (Picture 13) Now the Qingxi Mansion Restaurant. 9. Qian Huian Memorial Hall (Pictures 14-15) Qian Huian, one of the outstanding representatives of the Shanghai School of Sea Painting, was born in Gaoqiao. The hall displays his achievements and works. 10. Ye Xin Gaoqiao Study (Picture 16) The famous Shanghai-born writer visited Gaoqiao multiple times. The hall has three functional areas: a works display area, a reading room, and a reception room for Ye Xin. While touring the ancient town, visitors can also taste local delicacies at Changxing Restaurant next to Wanshou Bridge on the old street, such as steamed three delicacies, braised three shreds, fried shrimp, and braised pork belly, which are the signature dishes of this restaurant founded in 1903 (Picture 17). Of course, when leaving the ancient town, don't forget to take with you one of Shanghai's four famous specialties, the Gaoqiao pine cake, which is very reasonably priced at less than 2 yuan for a 60-gram cake (Picture 18). Opening hours: The ancient town is open all day; venues are closed on Mondays (except for statutory holidays), open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 11:00, and 13:00 to 16:00 Admission: Free Transportation: Take Metro Line 6 to the North Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Station and walk 538 meters to reach; or take bus routes 81, 971, 640, 453, 181, 508, Pudong 45, Pudong 17, Pudong 19, Pudong 26, etc. to get there.

A wisp of spring breeze brings the warmth of spring; a spring rain wipes away the dust of the old days. The spring rain falls on the eaves of the ancient town, dressing it in the coat of the misty Jiangnan. The drizzle, a few falling flowers; the small bridge and flowing water, the bluestone road, and the unique Haipai architecture all demonstrate the charm of Gaoqiao. The old buildings of Gaoqiao ancient town are mainly concentrated on Gaoqiao West Street, a few hundred meters in length, it doesn't take much time to walk back and forth. There are not many old buildings on East Street. I saw a Shanghai Jiangdong Academy, but it was guarded by an iron general, so I could only look at the exterior; another one is Gaoqiao Yangxian Hall, a very traceable old building. The old street looks a bit messy, probably because it's been a long time, and the traces of the old times are quite heavy. Sometimes when you get tired of those bustling city streets, it's a good choice to take a walk in such a quiet town. The scenery is beautiful and very peaceful. If the weather is good, it should be a great enjoyment. Gaoqiao ancient town is close to the mouth of the Yangtze River. After a long time, it has left a deep cultural accumulation. There are many cultural exhibition halls here, and it is very rewarding to see them one by one, at least I have a general understanding of its history. The various ancient buildings in the ancient town are still well preserved to this day, and many old houses are still in use today. So it can also be said that this is the most real ancient town, and it has the most fireworks. As a tourist who happens to visit here, you may have various feelings, as if you have traveled back to a certain old era. Gaoqiao Ancient Town