Guangfulin Cultural Relics

Historical Overview

• Discovery: Accidentally unearthed in 1958 during canal digging, systematic excavations began in 1999, revealing 3,000+ artifacts.
• Cultural Layers:
  • Lower Layer (4,500–4,000 BCE): Liangzhu Culture pottery, jade artifacts, and burial sites.
  • Middle Layer (1,700–1,000 BCE): Maqiao Culture tools and primitive rice farming evidence.
  • Upper Layer (770–476 BCE): Wuyue Culture bronze weapons and ceramics.
• Significance: Proves Shanghai’s human settlement history predates the Tang Dynasty by 3,000 years, challenging the "Shanghai as a 19th-century trading post" narrative.

Architectural Layout
The site comprises three key zones:

1. Core Archaeological Zone: Protected area with ongoing excavations; viewable through elevated walkways.
2. Cultural Exhibition Complex:
   • Underwater Museum: A submerged glass-walled structure displaying artifacts in their original burial context.
   • Guangfulin Cultural Exhibition Hall: A "floating" building on Jinji Lake with a conical thatched roof inspired by Neolithic dwellings.
3. Religious & Memorial Spaces:
   • Zhiye Temple: Reconstructed Tang Dynasty-style Buddhist temple.
   • Chen Zilong Memorial: Tribute to the Ming Dynasty poet who compiled Complete Treatises on Agriculture.

Major Attractions

1. Bone Needle Square: Central plaza featuring a 6-meter-tall bone needle sculpture, symbolizing prehistoric textile technology.
2. Fulin Tower: A 40-meter-high wooden observation tower offering panoramic views of the site.
3. Ancient Ceramics Gallery: Displays 500+ pottery fragments from Liangzhu to Song Dynasty.
4. Jinji Lake Cruise: 30-minute boat tours showcasing the site’s waterscape architecture.
5. Shikumen Residential Area: Reconstructed 19th-century Shanghai-style stone-gate houses.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Half-Day Tour:
   Bone Needle Square → Underwater Museum → Fulin Tower → Zhiye Temple → Jinji Lake Cruise.
   Highlights: Core archaeological finds and architectural marvels.

2. Cultural Immersion Tour (5–6 hours):
   Morning: Guided tour of excavation zones → Lunch at Shikumen Café → Afternoon: Chen Zilong Memorial + Ancient Ceramics Gallery → Evening: Light-up ceremony at Fulin Tower.
   Includes: Interactive artifact handling and traditional tea ceremony.

3. Family Exploration Tour (Full Day):
   Archaeological Dig Simulation → Children’s Craft Workshop (pottery making) → Guangfulin Farm Experience (ancient rice harvesting) → Evening: Impression Guangfulin light show.
   Best for: Ages 6–12.

Ticket Purchase

• Free Entry: Park grounds and outdoor zones.
• Paid Experiences:
  • Underwater Museum: ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students).
  • Combined Ticket (Museum + Cruise + Tower): ¥80.
• Online Booking: Available via WeChat mini-program “Guangfulin Cultural Site” up to 7 days in advance.
• Annual Pass: ¥150 for unlimited entry to paid zones.

Transportation

• Subway: Line 9 to Songjiang University Town Station → Transfer to Songjiang Bus 15/24 to “Guangfulin Road” stop.
• Taxi: 30-minute ride from downtown Shanghai (¥80–100).
• Self-Drive: Parking at Guangfulin Lake Underground Garage (¥10/hour).
• Tour Bus: Daily shuttle from People’s Square (¥50 round-trip; book via Ctrip).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: March–May (cherry blossoms), October–November (maple leaves). Avoid July–August (rainy season).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays; weekends attract 10,000+ visitors.
• Essentials:
  • Bring a waterproof bag for outdoor activities.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for uneven excavation site paths.
  • Photography allowed (no flash in museum).
• Prohibitions: Drones require prior approval; no metal detectors.
• Nearby Attractions: Combine with Songjiang Film Park (4km) or Chenshan Botanical Garden (8km).