Quick Look
I remember the first time I turned a corner in Songjiang and suddenly felt like I'd been teleported to the English countryside. Red telephone boxes, a towering Gothic church, cobblestone lanes – it was all there. This is Thames Town, Shanghai's full-scale replica of a British market town. And no, it's not a film set. It's a real residential and commercial area that's been baffling and delighting visitors for years.
What Exactly Is Thames Town?
Thames Town is a planned development in Songjiang District, about 30 km southwest of central Shanghai. Built in the early 2000s as part of a “One City, Nine Towns” project, it was designed to mimic an English town – specifically the architecture of the Thames Valley region. The developers didn't just copy a few facades; they went all-in: Victorian terraces, a town square with a war memorial, a pub called “The King's Arms,” and even a replica of a London-style double-decker bus (though it's stationary).
But here's the kicker – it's not a theme park. People actually live here. And while it was initially mocked as a ghost town, it has slowly become a quirky attraction for tourists and a quiet escape for residents.
Key fact: Thames Town covers about 1 square kilometer. Unlike many copycat architectures in China, this one was built with real British bricks imported from the UK. The attention to detail is spooky.
How to Get to Thames Town
Thames Town is not exactly on the beaten path, but it's not impossible to reach. Here's the most straightforward way:
| Method | Details | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro + Bus | Take Line 9 to Songjiang University Town station (Exit 1), then switch to bus Songjiang 19 or taxi (20 mins) | ~1.5 hours from People's Square | ~15 RMB |
| Taxi | Direct from central Shanghai | ~50 mins (depending on traffic) | ~150-200 RMB |
| Drive | Via G60 or S32, exit at Songjiang | ~40 mins | Toll ~20 RMB |
Address: Sanxing Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai (near Sheshan).
Opening hours: The town is open 24/7 (it's a public space), but most shops and restaurants operate 10:00-21:00.
Best time to visit: Weekdays are dead quiet – almost eerie. Weekends see a few wedding photo shoots. Go on a sunny afternoon for the best light on the yellow brick walls.
Must-See Spots Inside the Town
St. Peter's Cathedral (Central Church)
This is the crown jewel. The cathedral is a near-exact copy of a typical English parish church, complete with a spire and stained glass. Inside, it's surprisingly non-religious – often used for concerts or exhibitions. But the exterior is Instagram gold. Tip: The best photo angle is from the small bridge over the artificial canal, where you can frame the church with Victorian streetlamps.
The Town Square & Market Hall
At the center, you'll find a statue of a soldier (looks like a World War I memorial) and a market hall with a clock tower. Around the square, there are a few cafes and a fake “fish and chips” shop. I tried the chips – they were soggy, but the batter had a hint of vinegar, which I appreciated.
Residential Streets
Don't just stick to the main square. Wander into the residential lanes. You'll see row houses with bay windows, front gardens (some well-kept, some overgrown), and even a few blue plaques that say “Dr. Smith lived here.” It's surreal. Personal note: I knocked on one door (politely) and a Chinese grandmother answered. She told me she loves the quiet but wishes there were more grocery stores.
The Canal & Waterfront
Thames Town has a man-made canal that snakes through the area, with red brick bridges. Along the banks, there's a promenade lined with plane trees. It's a peaceful spot to just sit. I saw a couple of people fishing – no idea if they caught anything.
The (Stationary) Double-Decker Bus
Parked near the church is a red Routemaster bus, the kind you see in London. It doesn't move, but you can go inside for a photo. The interior has been converted into a small souvenir shop.
My Honest Take
I've been to Thames Town three times now, and each visit feels different. The first time, I was amazed by the pure audacity of building a British town in China. The second time, I noticed the cracks – peeling paint on some windows, empty storefronts. The third time, I started appreciating it as a genuine living community, not just a gimmick.
Is it a perfect replica? Not really. The scale is off: the streets are too wide for a real English village. And the lack of proper pubs (the only one serves mediocre beer) is disappointing. But the atmosphere on a quiet evening, with the church bells ringing (recorded, but still) and the sunset hitting the yellow brick, is strangely magical.
If you're looking for a day trip from Shanghai that's completely bonkers in the best way, Thames Town delivers. Just don't expect to find real British food – go to a xiaolongbao place instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
This article is based on multiple visits and fact-checked against official Songjiang tourism materials and local resident interviews.
