Editor's Note:

This year is the 21st anniversary of the opening of the Shanghai metro. The subway has facilitated more than 13 billion journeys during its 21 years, and half of Shanghai citizens cite the metro as their favored mode of transport. To commemorate the anniversary, each week the Global Times will take an in-depth look at one metro station and its surroundings. In the case of downtown stations, we will focus on points of interest within walking distance; while for suburban areas, we will cast our net a little wider.

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Nanxiang Station on metro Line 11 is located in Nanxiang town in the southern part of Jiading district. This town's history dates back more than 1,500 years to when the Baihe Nanxiang Temple was built. It has been known as "small Shanghai" and "Suzhou in Shanghai."

Guyi Garden

One of Shanghai's five classic gardens, Guyi Garden (218 Huyi Road) was built by a Chinese official and designed by bamboo engraving artist Zhu Sansong during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The Chinese character "Yi" in its name incorporates a meaning of prosperity, and is found throughout ancient Chinese poems. Throughout the park, paths wind among pavilions, hills and lakes. 

In the garden's older northwestern part is Yiye Hall, which was used to host guests. Its name indicates a pursuit of freedom and peace, and escape from the complexity of the world. The whole garden can be seen from the top floor of the hall.

Featuring the refined and creative design aspects typical of the Yangtze River Delta region, the architectural details such as small roof tiles, hollow ridges and overhanging eaves never fail to impress visitors. Inside the hall can be found antiques such as Buddhist texts.

Around Yiye Hall can be found Xiaoyundou rockery, Wulao peaks, Guihua forest and a 480-year-old pagoda tree.

During the Spring Festival holidays, local residents join lantern games and watch evening lantern shows. Guyi Garden is also famous for its range of flowers. From April to May is the best period for viewing peonies, while in July and August, water lilies make for spectacular summertime scenes. The Bamboo Arts and Culture Festival is also held in the garden once every two years, celebrating the symbolic qualities of the plant such as uprightness and perseverance.  

Opening hours: 7 am to 6 pm

Admission: 12 yuan ($1.95) per person

Nanxiang Old Street

Nanxiang Old Street is within easy reach of the metro station. Main streets in the area include Renmin Street, Gonghe Street, Jiefang Street and Shengli Street, where businesses and facilities are located.

Places of interest include Yunxiang Temple, built during the Southern Dynasties (420-589); the Twin Towers pagoda, built during the Five Dynasties (907-960); the Tan Garden, built during the Ming Dynasty; and inscribed stone monuments commissioned by Qianlong, an emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). There are many sites of historical heritage that are the focal points of numerous folk legends.

A door knocker on one of the buildings of Nanxiang Old Street Photos: CFP

Opening hours of Yunxiang Temple: 5:30 am to 4:30 pm on the 1st and 15th of each month; 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on other days

Admission: 2 yuan per person on the 1st and 15th of the month; 8 yuan per person on other days

Opening hours of Tan Garden: 8 am to 5 pm Admission: 30 yuan per person

Nanxiang steamed buns

Nanxiang's local delicacy is xiaolongbao (stuffed steamed buns). Though more costly than the more commonly found steamed buns, they are famous for their thin skin, thick gravy and juicy taste. The craft of making Nanxiang steamed buns has been listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage. Outlets selling Nanxiang buns have been established in Japan and Southeast Asia.

Fillings include shrimp, pork and crab. The traditional way of eating them involves picking them up gently with chopsticks, taking a small bite and then sucking out the juice within. Those who can finish the juice without splitting the bun are said to be particularly skillful.

Commercial area

Right beside Huyi Highway across from downtown Nanxiang are several institutions that promote business in the historical town. Made from the deserted buildings of State-owned ventures, the area was started in 2008.

The Shineland Center of Culture and Arts Industry (1188 Huyi Highway, 5912-3086) runs exhibitions, marketing, auctions and sales of culture and arts products. Shineland Incubator of Cultural and Creative Businesses promotes culture and arts talents.

Based on the support of the two centers, Shine Art Museum offers a platform for the display and sale of artists' works, while Shine Arts Education Public Welfare Foundation invests in the incubators and helps artists to develop their careers.

Nanxiang Venture Capital Center serves as a platform for financing new businesses. Shineland New Materials Business Incubator provides new businesses with angel investment and expert mentoring.