On January 1, 2026, Songjiang District in Shanghai organized a distinctive cultural journey themed around “climbing high for a broader view and tracing one’s roots.” Two families from Germany and Hungary—the latter being recipients of the Shanghai Magnolia Commemorative Award—took part in an immersive experience that allowed them to appreciate the charm of the Chinese New Year holiday and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage known as the “Shanghai’s Root.”

As the first light of the New Year broke, members of the two families climbed Tianma Mountain in Songjiang, welcoming the new year by observing the traditional custom of “ascending to gain a broader view.” Along the route, the Huzhu Baoguang Pagoda became a highlight of the journey; this ancient structure, with a tilt even greater than that of Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa, impressed the foreign guests with its distinctive historical elegance and drew repeated admiration. The group then traveled to the “Source of the Pujiang River” rural community in Shihuadang Town for an in-depth experience of traditional New Year folk customs, where they gathered together to make traditional rice cakes symbolizing “rising higher year after year,” crafted Songjiang-style incense tablets using ancient techniques under the guidance of an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, and cut festive paper window decorations—allowing the delicacy and charm of traditional

Chinese culture to come alive through their hands and on their palates.

Located in the southwest of Shanghai and at the upper reaches of the Huangpu River, Songjiang is the place where understanding Shanghai begins. Its rich historical legacy gives the core cultural IP of the “Shanghai’s Root” profound meaning. This concept has been further developed into six sub-brands: The Summit of Shanghai, A Land of Museums, The Source of the Pujiang River, A Garden City, A City of Universities, and A Capital of Film and Television, making culture tangible, vivid, and accessible.

Looking ahead, Songjiang District will continue to use the “Shanghai’s Root” cultural IP as a bridge to launch more distinctive cultural and tourism exchange programs, enabling more international friends to understand Shanghai—and fall in love with China—through their journeys of discovery.

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