Zhujiajiao Water Town, a 1,700-year-old town near Shanghai, is often called “Shanghai’s Venice” for its charming canals and ancient stone bridges. This well-preserved town features Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, willow-lined rivers, and peaceful courtyards. Just 46 km from downtown Shanghai, it’s perfect for a day trip. Visitors can stroll idyllic streets, cruise the waterways, or explore historic sites like the Qing Dynasty post office. With its timeless beauty and relaxed vibe, Zhujiajiao offers a refreshing escape from the city.
Zhujiajiao Water Town Facts
- Location: No.555, Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
- Distance from Shanghai City Center: 48 km
- Area: 49.8 square kilometers
- Age: over 1,700 years
- Popular activities: boating, walking, and photography
- Must sees: ancient buildings and bridges
- Open Hours: All day
- Tickets: CNY 60. Trip.com Discounts
- Best Seasons: All seasons, especially Spring and Autumn
- Suggested Visit Duration: half day to one day
Top Things to Do in Zhujiajiao Water Town
Zhujiajiao Water Town showcases Ming and Qing dynasty life through its 36 stone bridges and historic architecture. Visitors can explore cultural sites including “one bridge, one street, one temple, one hall, two gardens, three bays and twenty-six alleys.” The town delights food lovers with local specialties like rose-flavored bean curd and pork zongzi. Whether boating the canals or wandering ancient streets, this 1,700-year-old water town offers authentic glimpses into China’s past.
Visit Fangsheng Bridge
Fangsheng Bridge, built in 1571 during Ming Dynasty, is Zhujiajiao’s crown jewel – not just the largest of the town’s 36 ancient bridges, but also the longest, tallest and most impressive stone bridge in all of Shanghai. This 70-meter architectural marvel features five graceful arches adorned with intricate carvings of eight coiling dragons and four guardian lions. For the perfect view, take an 80 yuan boat tour. As the locals say: “You haven’t truly seen Zhujiajiao until you’ve experienced its bridges.”
Throughout the ancient town, you’ll discover various bridges with distinct styles beyond Fangsheng Bridge. For instance, the Lang Bridge (also called Huimin Bridge) stands as Zhujiajiao’s only wooden bridge and most distinctive structure. Another notable one is Tai’an Bridge – the town’s steepest single-arch stone bridge, which directly faces the historic Yuanjin Zen Temple.
Walk Along North Street – Ancient Street
Bei Dajie (North Street), Zhujiajiao’s best-preserved ancient street, showcases Qing Dynasty architecture along its 1-kilometer lane. This charming thoroughfare blends old-world charm with modern cafes and snack shops, where visitors can admire historic buildings, browse traditional stores, and sample local treats. The perfect place to experience Zhujiajiao’s unique mix of history and contemporary life.
Visit Kezhi Yuan
Kezhi Garden, Zhujiajiao’s largest classical garden built in 1912, offers visitors a peaceful retreat with beautiful scenery and quiet, secluded surroundings. This elegant garden consists of three main areas: a hall area, an artificial hill area, and a garden area. The artificial hill area features a five-story building with Moon View Pavilion, the tallest structure in old Zhujiajiao. Like other gardens in Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, Kezhi Garden was once owned by the Ma family, specifically by a former host named Ma Wenqin.
Go to Qing Dynasty Post Office
The Qing Dynasty Post Office on Xihu Street is China’s best-preserved from its era. Visitors can see fascinating exhibits including original bamboo letters and vintage Shanghai postcards, offering a glimpse into daily life centuries ago. This historic building stands as one of Zhujiajiao’s most authentic connections to the past.
See the Museums and Temples
For deep cultural insights, visit Zhujiajiao’s Cultural and Art Museum to see the town’s evolution through dynasties. The peaceful Yuanjin Zen Temple offers beautiful gardens, while the lively City God Temple showcases local religious traditions. Together they reveal the water town’s rich history and spiritual heritage.
How to get to Zhujiajiao Water Town From Shanghai Downtown?
By metro
Take Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then walk north for about 15 mins to the town.
By bus
Take Yangtze River Delta Demonstration Zone Line 7 at Oriental Land Metro Station and get off at Zhujiajiao Tourist Service Center Station.
How to get to Zhujiajiao Water Town From Pudong International Airport
From Pudong Airport, take a shuttle bus or Metro Line 2 to Hongqiao Airport, then transfer to Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station (2.5-hour trip). The route requires walking between stations at Hongqiao.
Zhujiajiao Water Town Tickets
Entrance fee
Book Now with Trip DiscountsWhile entrance to the water town itself is free, tickets are required to enter specific attractions and historic buildings. Below are some combo tickets:
- CNY80 for five scenic spots in the town: Kezhi Garden,The Garden of Inseparable Hearts “Hexinyuan”, Shanghai Helong Art Gallery, City God Temple, Yuanjin Buddhist Temple
- CNY60 for Kezhi Garden, The Garden of Inseparable Hearts “Hexinyuan”, Shanghai Helong Art Gallery
- Free for children below 1.3 meters (4.3 feet).
- Half price for seniors over 60.
- Opening hours: 8:30am-4:30pm
FAQs About Zhujiajiao Water Town
The tourist boat is not included in attraction tickets and costs between 30 and 50 yuan per person.
I’ve heard Hexianguan (荷鲜馆) is an excellent local restaurant in the water town, but I’m not sure if they can accommodate groups larger than 20 people.
To secure your tickets, book by 8:00 AM on your visit day at the latest – earlier reservations are recommended.