72 stone lions at Confucius Temple represent the sage’s 72 disciples.[Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

But for those who have had enough excitement and prefer to soak in the atmosphere of the ancient water town, Zhouqiao Old Street, Nanxiang Old Street and Guyi Garden are the best destinations.

At the center of Jiading district lies Zhouqiao Old Street. It is not long, but it features centuries-old pagodas, temples and gardens.

The Confucius Temple on the street is also the only Imperial Examination Museum in China. It has fantastic displays detailing the paper, procedures and history of the examinations.

Interestingly, it also shows cheating tools used in the exams. If you are planning to visit the street in September, you will have the chance to attend various cultural activities, such as a traditional Chinese style wedding ceremony and lectures on the Analects of Confucius.

Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Guyi garden is one of the oldest gardens in Shanghai. It covers an area of nearly 10 hectares and features ancient pagodas, marbled paths, winding brooks and scrolls covered with couplets.

The garden charms visitors throughout the year with different flower exhibitions. A bamboo forest with more than 70 varieties is particularly interesting.

About 10 minutes’ walk from Guyi garden is Nanxiang Old Street. With flagstone paving, an arch bridge, snack stalls and souvenir shops, it is similar to many water towns in the Southern Yangtze River region.

What makes it distinct, however, are the 1,500-year-old Twin Towers built for the God of Longevity, and the famous Nanxiang xiao long bao, known as a steamed bun in English. In fact, many visitors come just for a bite of the tender meat and tasty soup encased in a paper-thin wrap.

Fans of xiao long bao should not miss this year’s Nanxiang Xiao Long Bao Culture Exhibition, which will be held in Nanxiang Old Street and the Guyi garden from Sept 28 to Oct 28.