Shanghai Wufang: A Peach Blossom Spring

Duration: 2 days. Time: March. Per capita cost: 500 yuan. With whom: Friends. Ways to play: Self-driving, petty bourgeoisie style, weekend trip. The author visited these places: Shanghai Fishing, Qingcun Town. Posted on April 2, 2020, at 15:26. The reinforced concrete, heavy traffic, and busy work in big cities always make people feel depressed… There is always a hope that on every weekend and holiday, there will be a ‘Peach Blossom Spring’ in the heart, far away from these troubles and enjoying a leisure time of life. In this season of blooming spring, in Fengxian District of Shanghai, I have found that ‘peach source’ in my heart – Wufang. The lovely pink color has filled my long-lost vision. Walking on the country path, the gentle whispers of nature float to my ears. The warm sun shines on my body. Reading a book, sipping a cup of tea, and enjoying a quiet time in the village… Wufang is the idyllic life I yearn for. It is no longer the old rural area. Instead, it is a new way of life. It is a new rural area with simplicity and artistry. Coming here, everyone can find the life they yearn for. After two months of staying at home due to the epidemic, finally, unable to resist the temptation of spring, I drove here to look for spring. Coinciding with the blooming of peach blossoms, I have the most wonderful spring this year. Tasting Wufang, those old flavors. Wufang may be relatively unfamiliar to many old Shanghainese. This is a rural area in Fengxian District. As one of the first batch of villages to be renovated, it has now become a veritable Peach Blossom Spring. The first impression of coming to Wufang is that there are成片的 peach orchards everywhere. The peach blossoms have already bloomed in brilliant pink. Behind the peach orchards are the villages with white walls and black tiles. The village has been renovated while retaining the appearance of the previous houses. Walking on the paths here, one can feel the ease of rural life. The century-old Sanzhi Hall by the peach orchard. After renovation, it now tells the history of Wufang to every visitor and is also the most important meeting hall for villagers. The village is not large. The outermost part is the driveway. Walking around the periphery takes about half an hour. While shuttling in the village, there is a secluded tranquility. The most vivid thing in the entire Wufang is the water. The dense river channels are sometimes close and sometimes far away. They calmly shuttle between the fields and houses, moistening every inch of life. The calm water surface reflects the world on the ground. The years are quiet and good. Occasionally, a gentle breeze blows and stirs up ripples. Occasionally encountering a river channel with a black-awning boat parked. Thinking that if one can sit on the bow for a while, it is as if hiding by the side of a peach orchard and privately enjoying a little rural fun. Those stone-paved roads extending into the small river are the paths home. Boats were once one of the most important means of transportation in rural life. Although people no longer go boating in the village now, it leaves us a space for reverie.
Where there is a river, there is a bridge… There are many bridges in Wufang, each with its own style. The most famous one is the pedestrian bridge. In a large herringbone shape, it connects three banks. Although it is a newly built bridge, it is undoubtedly a major feature of Wufang Village. Of course, there is also a bridge accompanied by ancient lanterns, and in the background is a large expanse of peach blossom forest. The bridge with a unique shape like a panpipe allows one to see through the beautiful scenery of this paradise-like place at a glance through its undulating gaps. Nowadays, in this village, many lively elements have been added to the ancient houses. The simple watercolor paintings enable everyone who comes here to feel the charm of the water town everywhere and give each wall its own flavor. Even in the future seasons when there are no blooming peach blossoms, it seems as if one is always accompanied by peach blossoms. The wooden-framed doors and windows, the half-open space, the unconfined spring scenery, and the peach blossoms protruding from the windows… Deep in those grasses and flowers, there is a thatched cottage with a slightly primitive and pure wooden texture, suddenly giving a feeling of living in seclusion. It is hard to imagine that this is actually a toilet. Even the toilet has the attribute of ‘paradise’. Later, I learned that this is one of the top ten most beautiful toilets in Shanghai. Strolling casually between the countryside and the fields, there will be new discoveries everywhere. Those are about life, about the countryside, about flowers and plants… The simple rural houses also incorporate modern architectural styles. The fully transparent sunroom is a kind of space design that modern people like very much. Unexpectedly, there is also one in Wufang. While strolling, suddenly seeing inside an open wooden window, an old granny is sewing clothes seriously. It seems as if in an instant, one is brought back to childhood, to those scenes full of life at the entrances of Shanghai alleys. Suddenly, as if a spring breeze blew overnight, thousands of trees and tens of thousands of peach blossoms bloomed. It seems as if overnight, peach blossoms bloomed all over the village, and the most beautiful spring has arrived. Why are there so many peach blossoms in Wufang? This is also related to the revitalization of Wufang. The revitalization strategy of Wufang is precisely to research and plant yellow peaches. All the peach blossom forests here are also yellow peach forests. This place is also known as the ‘hometown of Chinese yellow peaches’. As soon as you enter the village, you will see peach blossom forests stretching for several miles. The pink peach blossoms match the plain village houses just right. According to the young man in the village, from the peach blossom forests, one can also see the techniques of planting peach blossoms. Indeed, in the patches of peach blossom forests, some are neat and some are messy. This is also related to the planting methods. Compared with cherry blossoms that bloom in the same season, the color of peach blossoms is the most beautiful, the height is moderate, and the ornamental value is very high. Even if it rains, they will not fall too much. The viewing time can be until around April 10. Of course, the planning in the village is very good. Not only are there peach blossoms, but there are also various flowers of different colors and heights, which instead create a sense of color gradation. The ends of peach blossoms are relatively pink, and the closer to the petals, the lighter they become, even white. The stamens are small and numerous, and they are small and lovely in appearance. The pink color is not too intense, but just right. Originally, I thought that the peach blossoms we enjoy are generally those of honey peaches. Later, I learned that here in Wufang, they are all peach blossoms of yellow peaches.

The shelf life of yellow peaches is relatively short, so they are quickly canned after ripening. Speaking of yellow peach cans, the probability of us eating them is indeed very high, as they appear in cakes and desserts. Unexpectedly, the flowers of the yellow peach are so lovely. It is best not to enter private peach orchards to admire the peach blossoms, as growing peach trees is not easy. On one hand, the soil can be slippery, and there are a few peach trees outside the garden. Taking photos there is satisfying enough. The breath of spring is deeply experienced here, and this is the first time after the pandemic that we have been so close to nature, breathing in large amounts of fresh air and admiring such beautiful peach blossoms. There are also popular photo spots here! I believe every girl would want to come here to take good-looking photos. Here are a few unique popular photo spots that I recommend (developed by myself): 1. The Wupeng boat in front of the peach forest. The boat is moored on the shore, and with the right angle, it can capture the feeling of rowing to admire the peach blossoms, which is very elegant. 2. The stone path over the small river. The stone path was originally an interesting design of the small river, allowing for water play. The river splits into two layers here, and with the village houses, it can capture the playful atmosphere of village exploration. 3. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the popular homestay. This panoramic room is the most beautiful in the popular homestay, and there are endless photos to be taken here. Of course, to take photos, you have to book this room. 4. The stone slab path by the river. The docks and stone slab paths that once moored boats are now great places to be near the water. When there is no wind, the lake is like a mirror, and you can capture beautiful reflections. 5. The archway of the secret garden. The white wall and black tiles of the archway depict a Jiangnan garden painting, and I also want to enter the painting, becoming a part of this beautiful scenery. 6. Peach blossom luck. It is said that taking photos here can bring peach blossom luck. Whether it is true or not, I believe it anyway. Living in the ‘Peach Paradise’ scenery, in the simple rural building with a 180-degree floor-to-ceiling window view room, no matter where you are in the room, you can enjoy the peach blossoms. If at this moment you ask me what it feels like to live in the scenery, I believe I can answer you. I have always liked floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed views of various beautiful scenes, and now I have the entire Wufang peach forest. On the tatami seat, brew a pot of hot tea, taste the tea and the peach blossoms. This is what is called Zen. This is the homestay in Wufang – Ban Shan · Yi, just like its name, living in an artistic way, with the most beautiful landscape. The simplicity of the appearance does not limit the style of living, which is the kind of isolated life that modern people want to enjoy. The bathroom in the scenery room is also a viewing spot, and soaking while enjoying the scenery is another kind of pleasure. There is a small open-air seat in the independent space outside the door. The slightly cool spring breeze is actually a good choice during the hottest hours of the sun.
The overall style of the homestay is also very pleasing. The wooden board path on the first floor is accompanied by water. The rooms on one side are also fully transparent rooms. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows give the homestay a modern design style. The backyard of the homestay is a hidden wonderland. Don’t miss it. There is a lake, a three-curved bridge, a small rockery, and small scenes of Jiangnan gardens. Suddenly, they appear in the village, bringing a surprise like finding a treasure. Tasting the taste of spring. I have always liked spring. Not only because everything revives and a hundred flowers bloom, but also because only with spring can there be the taste of spring. And in spring in Jiangnan, there are many tastes worth tasting. Although Wufang Village is not large, it has all the necessary facilities. When you come to Wufang, you must taste the taste of spring in Shanghai. Spring is the season for bamboo shoots. Because of the tenderness of bamboo shoots, they can be served as cold dishes, stir-fried dishes, or added to soups. In any case, the crisp taste is the best taste that bamboo shoots bring to us. Salted pork and fresh bamboo shoot soup is an essential soup for every household in Shanghai in spring. To describe it in a Shanghai phrase, it is’so fresh that your eyebrows will fall off!’. The soup simmered with fresh bamboo shoots, fresh meat, and salted pork on low heat is white and thick. The delicious taste cannot be stopped at all. So in this season, bamboo shoots are one of the important protagonists! The ingredients put in salted pork and fresh bamboo shoot soup may vary slightly from family to family. In addition to bamboo shoots and salted fresh meat, dried beancurd knots and other vegetables may also be added. Stir-fried farm vegetables. This doesn’t need much introduction. After all, pure and pollution-free farm green vegetables are the main feature here. Beef cubes with Chinese yam. Beef cubes are a dish with a high appearance rate in Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisines. It has a slightly sweet taste in the thick oil and red sauce. The beef is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with rich taste levels. Paired with refreshing Chinese yam, there is no greasy feeling at all. Shanghai-style fish-flavored eggplant is not spicy but suits the taste of people in Jiangnan. Braised eggplant in oil is one of the common home-cooked dishes, and the taste of eggplant is well preserved. Stewed sea fish and river fish. The fish platter under thick oil and red sauce is delicious and all are top-notch among fish, very suitable for a meal. In addition to regular meals, the snacks in Wufang cannot be missed. This is a pastry called ‘tapioca cake’, which is only available in the village. Coffee is an essential existence for modern people, and a sunny spot is also indispensable. So Wufang also has its own cafe. Enjoying a cup of fragrant coffee outdoors accompanied by blooming peach blossoms, isn’t it wonderful? Yellow peach-flavored desserts will definitely be loved by girls. So the dessert shop is the best place for afternoon tea. Wufang Village also has many small pastries made of yellow peaches, which are also specialties here. The rich yellow peach flavor is my favorite for sure. Experience the fun of attack and defense arrow with friends. In addition to enjoying comfort, you can also have some fun in pursuit. On one side of the village is an outdoor base. Here, you can not only play popular live-action CS but also play attack and defense arrow.
You must be curious about what offensive and defensive arrow is. At first, I also had doubts. It was not until the moment I played that I immediately fell in love with this interesting project. This is also a team game like CS. Wear a mask and hold a bow and arrow. In the base, find the target and attack. Combining archery and live-action combat, it is very interesting. It has a bit of the real combat feeling in martial arts dramas. Of course, this arrow is very safe. The arrowhead is soft and will not hurt people. This offensive and defensive arrow not only tests arm strength but also tests skills, reaction ability, etc. Having a real combat with friends is extremely enjoyable. Under the gentle breeze and light clouds, patiently go fishing once. The连片 pond reflects the village. This is a paradise for fishing. In the early morning, many experienced fishermen have already prepared fishing gear by the pond and are ready to start fishing at any time. The surroundings of the fish pond are as beautiful as a painting. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Sitting in such scenery and fishing, even if the waiting time is long, it will be a kind of enjoyment. Professional fishing is really different. The equipment is complete. On average, a fish can be caught in a few minutes. I really admire it. However, ordinary people may need to be more patient. After all, it is not easy for a fish to take the bait. Location & Transportation. Wufang Village is located in Qingcun Town, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 150 meters west of Puxing Highway. For self-driving, you can navigate to ‘Wufang Reception Center’. Drive from the Central Ring Road or North-South Elevated Road to 150 meters west of Puxing Highway. Get off at ‘Fengxian New City’ station of Metro Line 5 and then take a taxi to reach there.

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