The first phase of the Guangfulin Cultural Relics project in Songjiang District opens on a trial basis on Tuesday.

Venues giving a glimpse into Shanghai’s past will include the Guangfulin Culture Exhibition Hall, a memorial hall dedicated to Songjiang poet Chen Zilong (1608-47), Fulin Pagoda, Zhiye Temple, City God Temple, Guandi Temple, a woodcraft exhibition hall, Fulin Porcelain Museum, Sanyuan Palace and Duoyun Shuyuan (academy), according to the district government.

Opening hours are 9am to 5pm daily. The Guangfulin relics protection area and a number of ancient scenes will also open to the public, the government said.

The relics park has been built on the Guangfulin archeological site — where Shanghai’s earliest known residents lived some 4,000 years ago.

The site was discovered by farmers in 1958 when they were digging a new waterway.

The highlight of the park is the exhibition hall which features three museums partly above and below water.

Relics including pottery, spinning wheels, cooking vessels and dishes will be displayed, with scenes from ancient times to the present showcased. They include scenes of ancestors fishing, farming and hunting and life in the district during the booming Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties period.

Many precious pottery pieces unearthed at Guangfulin are featured at the Fulin Pagoda, where ancient-style architecture can also be found.

The entrance to the relics park is at Lane 3260 on Guangfulin Road. Although there is parking for around 2,100 vehicles, visitors are advised to use public transport.

Seniors and children pay 20 yuan (US$3) during the week and 25 at weekends. Adults pay 40 during the week and 50 at weekends. Tickets excluding a visit to the exhibition hall are cheaper and entry for small children and soldiers is free. Tickets for students and disabled people are half price.

Tickets are available online at http://www.gflpark.net/gateway/homepage/showHomePage or at the park and there’s a five tickets per person limit.