back to Shanghai

Thames Town

泰晤士小镇
Tài Wù Shì Xiǎo Zhèn
Heritage Site1.5-2 hoursAlways open70/100 popularity
Serene twilight scene of a traditional water town in Shanghai with reflections in the canal.
Thames Town is a planned community built in 2006 as part of Shanghai's 'One City, Nine Towns' suburban scheme — each suburb mimicking a different European country. Thames Town got England: cobblestone streets, mock-Tudor pubs, a Gothic church (modeled after Christ Church, Bristol), red phone boxes, and a 'Hogwarts' bookstore. The intended residents never really showed up, leaving an oddly empty stage-set that has become wildly popular for wedding photography and weekend cosplay on Xiaohongshu. Free entry, about a 1-hour drive or 9-line metro + taxi from downtown. Plan 1.5–2 hours to walk the whole 'town' (it's small). Best on weekdays — weekends fill with photographers and bridal parties.
Address
Lane 900 Sanxin North Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai
松江区三新北路900弄

Highlights

  • Gothic Church (Christ Church replica)Modeled after Christ Church, Bristol; best photo spot
  • Mock-Tudor Pubs & Cobblestone StreetsWalk the empty stage-set for wedding-style photos
  • Red Phone Boxes & 'Hogwarts' BookstoreIconic British props; popular for cosplay
  • Weekday Visit to Avoid CrowdsWeekends fill with photographers and bridal parties

For foreign visitors

  • English service: partial english
  • Cards accepted: visa, master
  • Booking / entry: not needed
  • Best time: Weekday morning, late spring or autumn
  • Wi-Fi: free
  • Transit access: metro direct

Photos

Stunning view of modern high-rises and a reflection pond in Xangai, China, showcasing urban landscape.
Vibrant urban scene in Shanghai featuring high-rises, historic buildings, and the Chinese flag.
Charming Shanghai street with small businesses and modern architecture in the background.
A historic building in Shanghai with an arched brick facade, typical of traditional Chinese architecture.
Stunning urban skyline featuring skyscrapers along Suzhou Creek in Shanghai during the day.
A scenic aerial view of Shanghai's red-roofed residential district under a clear blue sky.
Fisherman in a boat at a tranquil water town, showcasing traditional buildings.
Urban skyline of Shanghai featuring a classic post office building by the river.
Elegant traditional architecture and boat on a serene river in Shanghai, China.
Stunning view of Shanghai's skyline featuring famous landmarks and Waibaidu Bridge during sunset.
Serene scene of traditional Chinese building over a canal with boats in Zhujiajiao, China.
Classic Art Deco architecture of Cathay Cinema in Shanghai with vibrant urban surroundings on a sunny day.
Open box of nicotine-free teabacco with vintage Shanghai design.
Twilight view of the enchanting castle at Shanghai Disney Resort, surrounded by trees.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

QuirkyDay·TripAdvisor·3/5

Songjiang's faux-British town — quirky photo op. Wedding shoots all over. Not much else to do.

2026-04-05
泰晤士小镇·Xiaohongshu·4/5

上海泰晤士小镇拍婚纱必选！教堂、红墙、欧式建筑全套。地铁 9 号线松江新城。

2026-03-12
Karen B.·Google Maps·3/5

Quaint Disney-fied UK town. 1 hour to explore. Day-trip from city or skip.

2026-02-08

Videos

The Fake-British Ghost Town In China: Thames Town
The Fake-British Ghost Town In China: Thames Town
Tom Scott
Songjiang / Sijing Ancient town and Thames Town / British Style town in Shanghai Suburbs
Songjiang / Sijing Ancient town and Thames Town / British Style town in Shanghai Suburbs
Shut up and Travel

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