Last Year This Day – Reflections on an Ancient Town In Shanghai

Inspired by Facebook’s “On This Day” feature, I decided to walk down memory lane and reminisce this piece of travel memory that not many are privy to. Last year this period, I was visiting a dear friend who’s stationed in Shanghai. It was a short trip – barely 2 weeks – but it gave me the much-required respite after a 6 weeks photo-journalist stint in Japan. It has been years since my last visit to Shanghai and I was impressed by how far and fast this city has progressed. This Pearl of the Orient has much to offer, and not all are dazzling new. Sometimes, the treasures lie in the old.

Last year this day (7th Sep 2014), my friend, Bernie and I visited Xinchang Ancient Town. It was a Sunday and we started out famished, soon stuffed by plates of dim sum and laughter. The journey to Xichang was long, but time seemed to fly when one is relaxed and having fun.

Set alongside tranquil rivers, the historic Xinchang Ancient Town dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and many of its original architectures are preserved! As we walked along this historic watertown, we were delighted to find local crafts, unique street art and plenty of interesting cafes – each portraying individualism. One of the highlights included the tea house where the famous movie “Lust, Caution” (charismatic Tony Leung played the male lead) was filmed.