Shanghai implements first legislation to protect historical and cultural towns

As part of efforts to preserve the cultural essence of Jiangnan in Shanghai, the city's regulations on the protection of historical and cultural towns took effect on Sunday, marking Shanghai's first dedicated legislation in this field.

Experts said the essence of Shanghai-style culture and that of Jiangnan — referring to the southern region of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River — is embodied not only in the historic urban fabric of the city's core districts, but also in the ancient towns scattered across its suburbs. These towns carry unique memories and spiritual legacies of Shanghai.

Shanghai is currently home to 11 national-level historical and cultural towns.

For years, their development has been uneven. While a few — such as Zhujiajiao in Qingpu district and Xinchang town in Pudong New Area — have cultivated distinct identities and attracted strong visitor flows, many others face challenges, including environmental degradation, unclear functional positioning, and a lack of well-defined protection and utilization pathways. Legislative work to address these issues began a year ago.

The new regulations call for a shift from "point-based protection" to "systematic conservation". Rather than preserving a single old bridge in isolation, the approach requires safeguarding the surrounding water systems, docks, ancient trees and wells as an integrated whole.

Su Xinbao, deputy general manager and deputy chief architect of East China Architectural Design and Research Institute Co, who participated in drafting the regulations, explained that systematic conservation does not mean freezing towns in time. Instead, it involves restoring historic buildings and their environments to a historically coherent state through careful research and calibrated development.

"For instance, in some areas so-called 'dry bridges' have appeared," Su said. "Through historical mapping, we aim to restore the original scene of small bridges spanning flowing waters."

The regulations also stress transforming historical and cultural towns from static objects of preservation into dynamic development resources through appropriate use, integrating them into modern life and regional growth strategies.

"Reasonable utilization means avoiding two extremes — leaving old buildings idle and lifeless, or over-commercializing them," Su said. "Based on inherent cultural resources, such as links to notable figures, religious heritage or local stories, diversified functions can be introduced without altering fundamental architectural elements."

An official from the village and town department of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said the city will guide ancient towns to explore diversified, integrated and differentiated utilization models. Priorities include excavating cultural history, revitalizing intangible cultural heritage, advancing culture-tourism integration, enhancing multifunctional compatibility of historic buildings, and applying digital technologies.

In Zhujiajiao, which received 7.57 million visitors in 2025, inherent cultural assets include one of China's oldest lighthouses for ship navigation and the national-level intangible cultural heritage project known as tianshange, or Qingpu field songs — folk songs sung by farmers during rice cultivation, dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), with lyrics centered on labor and daily life.

The town is also home to a century-old residence that has been converted into a high-end guesthouse, offering immersive experiences such as traditional opera performances, tea appreciation and access to a private library. Since opening in 2020, the eight-suite property has remained highly popular, according to its operator.

Zhu Mingya, an official from the Qingpu district office overseeing ancient town affairs, said Zhujiajiao launched a quality enhancement program last year, beginning with improvements to the water environment. Scenic area managers, working with water management experts from Shanghai Ocean University, established an ecological water circulation system that combines rainwater-sewage separation, ecological restoration and reclaimed water reuse. "As a result, nearshore waters are now clear, and visibility in deeper sections reaches 1.5 meters, creating what we call a 'crystal jelly river'," he said.

Experts added that beyond tourism, ancient towns could explore alternative development paths — such as positioning themselves as countryside excursion destinations, short-stay retreats, or even drawing inspiration from domestic and international models, including art villages, e-commerce hubs and innovation incubators.