I spent an extraordinary day exploring Shanghai's suburban cultural treasures, discovering a side of this modern metropolis that most visitors never see. From the striking butterfly-shaped Qingpu Museum housing 6,000-year-old artifacts from the Songze and Fuquanshan civilizations, to an unexpected and breathtaking exhibition of Kuqa Cave Murals from Xinjiang's ancient Silk Road, this journey revealed Shanghai's deep archaeological roots. Walking through halls filled with jade cong tubes, ancient pottery, and Buddhist cave reproductions, I felt transported across millennia. What began as a simple museum visit became a profound encounter with China's layered history—proving that even in hyper-modern Shanghai, the ancient world is never far away.
Trip Overview
When: May 10, 2020 (Spring)
Duration: 1 day
Travelers: Solo
Budget: ~50 RMB (~$7 USD)
Transportation: Public bus and walking
📍 Route Overview
Stop 1: Nanhui Museum (南汇博物馆 Nánhuì Bówùguǎn) – Brief morning visit
Stop 2: Qingpu Museum (青浦博物馆 Qīngpǔ Bówùguǎn) – Butterfly-shaped building with ancient artifacts
Stop 3: China Printing Museum (印刷博物馆 Yìnshuā Bówùguǎn) – Special Kuqa Cave Murals exhibition
Stop 4: Fuquanshan Ruins (福泉山遗址 Fúquánshān Yízhǐ) – Cradle of Shanghai civilization (exterior view)
Morning: A Quick Stop at Nanhui Museum
When I set out on this May morning, I had no idea how deeply this day would immerse me in Shanghai's ancient past. With five days off for the Labor Day holiday, I decided to stay local and explore the suburbs—sometimes the best discoveries are right in your backyard.
The day before, I had visited Dishui Lake and Nanhuizui Seaside Park, enjoying the coastal breeze without the usual dense crowds. On my way back, I made a brief stop at the Nanhui Museum (南汇博物馆 Nánhuì Bówùguǎn), a modest local museum in what was once Nanhui County, now part of Pudong New District.
I have to admit, the main exhibition hall was smaller than I expected. As I walked through the displays, I searched carefully for artifacts actually excavated from Nanhui itself—most of the collection came from other regions, particularly Songze and Fuquanshan. These two sites, I learned, represent the true birthplace of early Shanghai civilization.
One highlight that caught my eye were the Han bottles (韩瓶 Hán píng)—long, slender ceramic vessels popular during the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties. Legend says these were water containers used by soldiers under General Han Shizhong when fighting Jin invaders. In reality, they were also common wine vessels among ordinary people. The distinction between "vase" (瓶 píng) and "jar" (罐 guàn) matters in Chinese ceramics classification—vases hold a higher status.
A pleasant surprise was encountering an old friend—the ancient bronze bell that I remembered from decades ago, when it sat in a pavilion at the former Guzhong Garden. I couldn't help but wonder: now that the bell has moved here, what does that garden call itself without its namesake treasure?
🎯 Nanhui Museum Practical Info
Entry Fee: Free
Best For: A quick stop if you're in the area
Location: Huinan Town, Pudong New District
Afternoon: The Butterfly Treasure of Qingpu
The forecast warned of thunderstorms, but I pressed on with my plan to visit Qingpu District. The sky was overcast as I left home, but mercifully dry. That changed dramatically when I was just 2 kilometers from my destination—suddenly, torrential rain poured down. I smiled to myself; a little weather is just part of the adventure.
And then I saw it—the Qingpu Museum (青浦博物馆 Qīngpǔ Bówùguǎn), shaped unmistakably like a butterfly with outstretched wings. This architectural marvel is quite sizable, comparable to Shanghai Museum in total area, though the unusual design means some space is lost to the sculptural form.
Stepping inside, I immediately understood why this museum is special. The collections focus heavily on artifacts from two crucial archaeological sites: Songze (崧泽 Sōngzé) and Fuquanshan (福泉山 Fúquánshān). These are not just names on display cards—they represent the very cradle of Shanghai civilization.
One exhibit that transfixed me was an ancient human skull that should have been at the Songze Museum—I had seen only an "on loan" notice there during my previous visit. Here it was, finally, displayed in all its archaeological significance.
The museum proudly showcases several "Shanghai Firsts"—though disappointingly, only descriptions were available for some, with the actual artifacts absent from display.
Walking through the prehistoric sections, I encountered row after row of ancient jade cong (玉琮 yù cóng)—cylindrical tubes with square outer sections and circular inner holes. These ritual objects, excavated from various sites around Qingpu, speak to sophisticated spiritual beliefs dating back over 5,000 years.
Fuquanshan, I read, is considered the birthplace of Shanghai civilization. The Qingpu Museum's collections draw heavily from excavations at both Fuquanshan and Songze, while Songjiang Museum (another local museum) focuses more on Maqiao culture artifacts. Each site tells a different chapter of the region's ancient story.
The jade cong collection was particularly impressive—dozens of these enigmatic objects, each one slightly different, each one a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of Shanghai's earliest inhabitants.
From Neolithic tools to ancient bronzes, the museum traced a continuous thread of human habitation spanning six millennia. I found myself spending far more time here than planned, completely absorbed by the depth of history.
🎯 Qingpu Museum Practical Info
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: Butterfly-shaped architecture, Songze and Fuquanshan artifacts
Must-See: Jade cong tubes, prehistoric pottery, ancient human remains
Location: Qingpu District (about 1 hour from downtown Shanghai)
The Unexpected Treasure: Kuqa Cave Murals
My next stop was the China Printing Museum (印刷博物馆 Yìnshuā Bówùguǎn), located about 2 kilometers from Qingpu Museum in a small industrial park. It's not on the main road—look carefully or you'll miss the entrance.
What happened next was pure serendipity. I had come to see printing history, but stumbled upon a special exhibition that took my breath away: "Kuqa Cave Murals Art Exhibition (龟兹石窟壁画艺术展 Guīcí Shíkū Bìhuà Yìshù Zhǎn)".
Originally scheduled to close in February, the exhibition had been extended due to temporary museum closures—a fortunate twist of fate that allowed me this unexpected encounter. I felt like I had discovered hidden treasure.
Using a flashlight, I examined the replicated Cave 38—an immersive reconstruction of the Buddhist cave temples from Kuqa (龟兹 Guīcí), an ancient oasis kingdom on the Silk Road in present-day Xinjiang. The vibrant murals, with their distinctive Indo-Iranian and Chinese fusion style, depicted celestial musicians, Buddhas, and intricate geometric patterns.
These murals represent a crucial crossroads of cultures—where Indian Buddhism met Chinese artistic traditions along the ancient trade routes. Standing in that dimly lit replica cave, I could almost hear the echoes of ancient merchants and monks who once traveled the Silk Road.
The exhibition continued with faithful reproductions of various cave paintings, each one revealing the sophisticated artistry and religious devotion of the ancient Kuqa kingdom. Colors that had survived over a thousand years jumped off the walls—lapis lazuli blues, cinnabar reds, malachite greens.
I spent nearly an hour in this unexpected exhibition, completely captivated. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the best travel moments are unplanned discoveries.
🎯 China Printing Museum Practical Info
Entry Fee: Free
Special Exhibition: Kuqa Cave Murals (check current status)
Highlights: Cave replicas, printing machinery, industrial history
Note: Located inside an industrial park, not directly on main road
The Permanent Collection: Printing Through the Ages
After reluctantly leaving the Kuqa exhibition, I explored the museum's main collection. To my surprise, I had the entire place to myself—not a single other visitor or even staff member in sight. Private museum tour!
The museum chronicles China's printing revolution, from traditional woodblock techniques to modern industrial presses. What struck me was the predominance of imported machinery—evidence of how China's industrialization relied heavily on foreign technology.
One massive piece that dominated the hall was an enormous phototypesetting camera—the kind of industrial-scale equipment that revolutionized printing in the early 20th century. These machines told the story of Shanghai's role as China's industrial and publishing center.
The collection, while modest in size (perhaps 800 square meters), offers a fascinating glimpse into Shanghai's industrial heritage. Walking among these silent machines, I reflected on how printing technology shaped modern China.
Late Afternoon: The Birthplace of Shanghai
My final destination was the Fuquanshan Ruins (福泉山遗址 Fúquánshān Yízhǐ), located in Chonggu Town about 8 kilometers from the Printing Museum. Leaving Qingpu's urban center, I entered proper countryside—quiet villages where traditional rural life continues alongside modern development.
I arrived to find the site seemingly deserted. Checking the ticket office, I discovered why—the last entry was at 3:30 PM, and I had missed it by minutes. The gate was closed.
Standing outside the gate, I could see the low earthen mound that represents one of Shanghai's most important archaeological sites. This modest hill, known as "Shanghai's Cradle of Civilization," has yielded some of the region's most significant prehistoric finds.
Though I couldn't enter, I felt a connection to this place. The artifacts I had admired at Qingpu Museum—the jade cong, the ancient pottery, the ceremonial objects—had all come from this unassuming mound. It was here, over 6,000 years ago, that the first Shanghai communities established their homes, buried their dead, and created their art.
Some might see this as a failed visit, but I embraced it as motivation to return. As the rain held off, I made my way home, already planning my next visit.
🎯 Fuquanshan Ruins Practical Info
Entry Fee: Check current pricing (approximately 10-20 RMB)
Last Entry: 3:30 PM sharp
Significance: Birthplace of Shanghai civilization, 6,000+ years of history
Location: Chonggu Town, Qingpu District
Reflections: Layers of Time
As I traveled back to central Shanghai that evening, my mind reeled from the day's impressions. In just one day, I had traversed 6,000 years of history—from Neolithic settlements to Silk Road Buddhist art to industrial printing technology.
The butterfly-shaped Qingpu Museum, with its treasure trove of ancient artifacts, revealed that Shanghai's story doesn't begin with the colonial era or even the Ming Dynasty. The roots of this city stretch back to the dawn of Chinese civilization, to the Liangzhu Culture (良渚文化 Liángzhǔ Wénhuà) and beyond.
The surprise Kuqa Cave Murals exhibition reminded me that culture flows along connections—ancient trade routes like the Silk Road that linked distant regions in webs of artistic and religious exchange. Standing in that replica cave in suburban Shanghai, I felt connected to Xinjiang, to India, to the entire Eurasian continent.
For Western travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond Shanghai's famous skyline, this suburban museum circuit offers profound rewards. Come for the butterfly building, stay for the jade cong, and leave with a completely new understanding of what "ancient China" really means.
💡 Pro Tips for Your Visit
Best Season: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-November)
Timing: Start early; Fuquanshan closes at 3:30 PM for new entries
Transportation: Take Metro Line 17 to Qingpu, then local buses or taxis
Budget: All museums are free; budget 50-100 RMB for transportation
Food: Limited options near museums; bring snacks or eat in Qingpu town center
Language: English signage is limited; consider hiring a guide or using translation apps
This day of cultural immersion cost me less than 50 RMB but left me with memories worth far more. Sometimes the best Shanghai experiences aren't found on the Bund or in the skyscrapers—they're hidden in the quiet suburbs, waiting for curious travelers to discover them.