The vast marshlands of Chongming.

Since the completion of the Changjiang Bridge and the Changjiang Tunnel last year, the tourist industry on Chongming Island is booming. Driving down its long, country roads, one sees stretches of older villas being torn down for redevelopment as guest houses. What was once a sleepy island at the mouth of the Yangtze River dedicated primarily to agriculture looks to become the latest getaway for Shanghai's city slickers.

However, despite this spate of new developments, large swathes of the island remain untouched, enabling the traveler to get a real feel for Chinese country life. The Global Times spent a day there to see what could be seen.

Grounded: The F-6 fighter plane on show in Dongping Forest. Photos: Tom Mangione

Before you go

Be aware that Chongming Island is not small; after Taiwan and Hainan Island it's China's third largest island. Some of its sights are over 60 km apart, so be prepared to travel. Bikes can be rented at many of the tourist destinations. There are local public buses crisscrossing the island, but they are relatively slow and infrequent. The best way to get around is by renting a cab for the day, but expect to pay at least 250 yuan ($36.90).

It's also advisable to bring your own lunch. While it's possible to find places to eat near Dongping Forest or at the main town of Nanmen, most other places don't have food readily available.