Zhujiajiao Water Town - The Closest Water Town to Shanghai
The ancient town of Zhujiajiao, the elegant side of Shanghai, is known for delicious snacks, delicate stone bridges, little rivers, old houses, willow trees, and zigzag stone streets.
With a history dating back over a thousand years, it is still the best-preserved town near Shanghai. Walking around in it takes you back in time and you may suddenly feel you are part of some Chinese legend.
Visiting Facts for Zhujiajiao
- Location: 1 hour’s drive from the Bund, Shanghai
- History: over 1,700 years
- Recommended visit time: 3 hours
- Suitable for: all people (but not recommended for the disabled)
- English signs: not many
The history of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is over 1,700 years. Today, it is also known as the “Pearl Stream”. Among the four ancient towns within Shanghai, it is Zhujiajiao Ancient Town which is the most preserved. Despite the modernizations which were adapted by the town, it has still successfully kept its traditional beauty which is seen with the antique bridges, age-old willow trees, and houses with traditional architecture.
Features of Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
Although the atmosphere in Zhujiajiao is different from Venice, it is known as the “Venice of the East”, because of all the waterways going through the town. There are 36 old bridges and 9 streets lining the rivers. It is a pearl of southeast China.
- It is a foodie’s paradise. Visitors like to sample snacks there.
- There are not many visitors in town in the mornings (before 12:00) on weekdays.
- It is the nearest popular ancient town to Shanghai.
- Over 1,000 well-preserved houses built in the Ming (1368–1644 AD) and Qing (1644–1912 AD) dynasties line the streets.
Top Things to Do in Zhujiajiao Water Town
The following 4 highlights of Zhujiajiao are highly recommended by China Travel.
1. Have a Cruise along the Canals
Never miss taking a sightseeing boat in Zhujiajiao water town. Small sightseeing boats can be seen everywhere and will take you around to get a view of the town from the water, exploring its charming bridges and canals. It is the best experience. The price is about 80 yuan per boat for about 10 minutes.
2. Visit the Qing Dynasty Post Office
Built in 1892, it was the first post office in eastern China. There you will see many curious objects, such as the fish-style envelopes used in ancient times and postcards of old Shanghai. You will get to know about the development of the Chinese postal service.
3. Explore Kezhi Garden
This is a garden used for learning and planting; it is tranquil and peaceful. It is situated on North Street and consists of a gallery, an artificial hill, and a park.
There are rock formations you can climb on and caves to walk into and a fish pond where you can feed fish. You will see many decorations and tiny bridges, a lot of vegetation, and carved seats.
4. Visit the Stone Fangsheng Bridge
Linking the two sides of the main waterway, Fangsheng Bridge is a medieval bridge used only by pedestrians. Built in 1812, it is said to be the largest stone arch bridge in Shanghai. This bridge is best seen from the sightseeing boat. So you can take a boat to visit it.
How to Get to Zhujiajiao Water Town
Bus/Subway: The most affordable method.
- There is a tourist bus from Shanghai Stadium (Gate 5) in the mornings. The buses go directly to Zhujiajiao.
- Take Huzhu Express Line which is found at People's Square, Pu'an Road, and Jinling Road. The bus leaves every 30 minutes and the trip to Zhujiajiao Bus Station takes about an hour. Cost: RMB 12. Get off the bus and walk about 10 minutes to the town.
- Take Metro Line 17 from Shanghai Hongqiao Subway Station to Zhujiajiao Subway Station.
Taxi: One-way costs over 200 RMB. But it is hard to find a taxi to take you back to Shanghai.
With China Travel: This will solve your problems, like not knowing Chinese, finding the bus station, going to the wrong town and waiting. Our English-speaking guide and experienced driver will make your trip easy and fun, and serve your party only.
We pick you up at the place you tell us (hotel, cruise terminal, airport, or train station) and guide you in Zhujiajiao, and then transfer you to the place you want to go: 1-Day Private Zhujiajiao Tour.
Best Time to Visit: in the morning of weekdays
The scenery is suitable for a visit all year round. But you will find that there are fewer people in the morning of weekdays. Also, avoid Chinese public holidays like National Day and Labor Day.
Admission Fee
- RMB 80 for a boat cruise and eight scenic spots: Kezhi Garden, Shanghai Quanhua Watercolor Art Gallery, Yunjin Buddhist Temple, Shanghai Handicrafts Zhujiajiao Exhibition Hall, City God Temple, Qing Dynasty Post Office, Zhaxidawa Experience Museum of Tibetan Culture, Y-Art Gallery
- RMB 60 for eight scenic spots: Kezhi Garden, Shanghai Quanhua Watercolor Art Gallery, Yunjin Buddhist Temple, Shanghai Handicrafts Zhujiajiao Exhibition Hall, City God Temple, Qing Dynasty Post Office, Zhaxidawa Experience Museum of Tibetan Culture, Y-Art Gallery
- RMB 30 for four scenic spots: Kezhi Garden, Qing Dynasty Post Office, Zhaxidawa Experience Museum of Tibetan Culture, Y-Art Gallery
Zhujiaojiao Tour with China Travel
Join our Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour from Shanghai, we will help you enjoy the following:
- Exploring the highlights listed above without any hassles
- Taking a boat ride along the canal in Zhujiajiao
- Sampling snacks on South Street in Seven Treasures Town
- A driver with over 5 years of experience and an English-speaking guide with excellent knowledge of water towns, dedicated to serving your private party only on your tour day.
- Being picked up at the place you wish
Other Ancient Towns around Shanghai
You may get confused with which water town is the best to go to if you are the first time to visit, so we list all the water towns with detailed information for your inspiration:
- Nanxun Ancient Town
- Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
- Wuzhen Ancient Town
- Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
- Fengjing Water Town
- Jinxi Water Town
Also read: Top water towns close to Shanghai, which one to visit?
