Wading to Trace Roots - A Millennium Time Travel in Guangfulin

As the morning light gilds the glass dome of the underwater museum, the silhouette of ancient buildings reflected in the shimmering water seems to slowly emerge from the prehistoric era six thousand years ago. The Guangfulin Site, known as the "Root of Shanghai" hidden in Songjiang, tells the story of Shanghai’s migration and accumulation from the Neolithic Age to modern civilization through its dormant relics and reconstructed ancient village, opening a time-traveling journey to trace roots. Entering the scenic area, the first sight is the core protection zone of the Guangfulin Cultural Site. The underwater museum here is a visual highlight, with the main building half-submerged in water, only the bluish-gray roof and white walls exposed, resembling an ancient village floating on the lake. Inside, through relic displays, scene restorations, and multimedia interactions, the life trajectory of the Guangfulin ancestors is clearly presented—from the rough textures of polished stone tools, to the delicate luster of black pottery, to the evolution of house architecture. Every exhibit silently tells the wisdom of the ancestors living in harmony with nature. Walking along the lakeside path, a cluster of quaint ancient buildings comes into view—this is the Guangfulin Ancient Village. The white walls and dark tiles of the residences are arranged in an orderly yet charming manner, with carved window lattices complementing the bluestone paths. Occasionally, the calls from teahouses and the tapping sounds from craft workshops can be heard. Here, you can step into the grand courtyards of the Ming Dynasty, touch the weathered beams and pillars over a hundred years old; you can also stop by traditional craft shops to watch artisans making paper cuttings and wood carvings on site; when tired, find a lakeside teahouse, order a cup of clear tea, watch boats drifting on the lake, and enjoy a moment of peaceful time. Passing through the ancient village, you arrive at Zhiyue Zen Temple. The temple is built against the mountain, with yellow walls and red tiles standing solemnly amid green trees. Entering the mountain gate, incense smoke lingers as the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Great Hero Hall are arranged in sequence, with solemn Buddha statues inside and chanting sounds resonating. Climbing to the high viewing platform, you can overlook the entire Guangfulin Site—the lake, ancient village, and museum all in sight. The blend of ancient and modern scenery refreshes the mind and spirit. Additionally, the Guangfulin Archaeological Site Exhibition Hall within the scenic area is worth a visit. Through archaeological site restorations and relic explanations, it offers an in-depth understanding of the excavation process and cultural value of the site. In autumn, the rice field flower sea adds a poetic touch to the ancient site, with waves of rice swaying in the wind—every snapshot is a healing masterpiece. During your visit, don’t miss trying the local specialty foods. Songjiang perch has tender and fresh meat, a traditional local delicacy; soft and sweet rice cakes carry a faint fragrance of rice, evoking childhood memories; and various Jiangnan snacks let your taste buds savor the flavor of time. As the sun sets, golden ripples appear on the lake, and the shadow of the underwater museum stretches long. Looking back when leaving, this site steeped in a thousand years of history not only helps us understand Shanghai’s past but also allows us to find a moment of peaceful dialogue with time amid the fast pace of life.