Zhujiajiao Water Town - a group of people walking down a street next to a river
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Zhujiajiao Water Town

4.6
·491k reviews·, China

A 1700-year-old water town near Shanghai, Zhujiajiao offers charming canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Zhujiajiao Water Town - a group of people walking down a street next to a river

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1700-year-old water town near Shanghai, Zhujiajiao offers charming canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This ancient water town is a must-visit for a glimpse into old China, just an hour from Shanghai!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Metro Line 17 is Key

Take Metro Line 17 directly to Zhujiajiao for an easy and affordable trip from Shanghai .

🛶 Boat Ride for Views

Don't miss the boat tour! It's a fantastic way to see the town's canals and bridges .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fangsheng Bridge

Fangsheng Bridge

Main canal area

An iconic, ancient stone bridge offering picturesque views of the water town. Perfect for photos!

Canal Boat Tour

Canal Boat Tour

Various boarding points

Glide through charming canals, under stone bridges, and past traditional houses. A must-do experience!

Traditional Tea Houses

Traditional Tea Houses

Along the canals

Step back in time and enjoy local tea in historic settings. A peaceful escape from the crowds.

Local Snacks

Local Snacks

Street vendors and shops

Savor authentic treats like lotus root and sticky rice dumplings. A delicious way to explore!

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Planning Your Visit

Getting There: Metro is Your Friend

Skip the traffic! Metro Line 17 is the most convenient and affordable way to reach Zhujiajiao from Shanghai, taking about an hour. While taxis are faster, they can be pricey and subject to congestion.TikTokReddit

Embrace the Boat Ride

A boat tour is highly recommended to truly experience the charm of this ancient water town. It offers a unique perspective of the canals and bridges, and is surprisingly affordable.TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Lanterns light up the town
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

perfect for a day trip in Shanghai!! 1 hours away by DIDI/ 2 hours by metro!! 📍ZHUJIAJIAO #fyp #tccinshanghai #shanghai #travel #china #fypシ゚ #travelchina #zhujiajiao #ancientwatertown #streetfood
@the.curatedclub
25.1K likes • 289.1K views

🎯 Metro Line 17 is Key

Take Metro Line 17 directly to Zhujiajiao for an easy and affordable trip from Shanghai.TikTokReddit

🛶 Boat Ride for Views

Don't miss the boat tour! It's a fantastic way to see the town's canals and bridges.TikTokInstagram

Just 1,5 hour from downtown Shanghai, this 1700-year-old water town is full of charming canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses. Don’t miss the iconic Fangsheng Bridge and local snacks like lotus root and sticky rice dumplings! Opening hours: all day Address: Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai How to get there: Take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then walk 15 minutes. Perfect...
art_kapnin
3.6K likes • 54.9K views
Don’t miss Zhujiajiao next time you are in Shanghai 🏮 One of the best preserved ancient water town dating back more than 1,700 years ago, 朱家角 Zhujiajiao truly transports you back to ancient China. Known as the Venice of the East or Pearl Stream, the town sits on the edge of the very modern Shanghai and is connected by 36 bridges which is what the town is most famous for. Other things the town ...
girlwiththeredbob
469 likes • 21.3K views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone paths, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Charm

The ancient bridges and canals are incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

🚤 Wandering Zhujiajiao… Shanghai’s hidden water town gem 💙 This place was recommended by @chinabridge_tour ✨ #Zhujiajiao #ShanghaiTravel #ChinaTravel #WaterTown #HiddenGems #TravelChina
ginnysidi
71 likes • 2.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Metro Line 17 is Key

Take Metro Line 17 directly to Zhujiajiao for an easy and affordable trip from Shanghai.TikTokReddit

🛶 Boat Ride for Views

Don't miss the boat tour! It's a fantastic way to see the town's canals and bridges.TikTokInstagram

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone paths, so wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Charm

The ancient bridges and canals are incredibly photogenic, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

💰 Budget-Friendly Snacks

Try local snacks like sticky rice dumplings for a cheap and tasty bite. :moneybag:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Zhujiajiao's picturesque canals, ancient bridges, and traditional architecture, offering a charming escape from Shanghai's hustle. The affordable boat rides and delicious local snacks are frequently highlighted as must-do experiences. Some find the town can get crowded, especially on weekends, and suggest visiting on weekdays for a more serene visit.

What People Like

Picturesque canals and bridges
Affordable boat rides
Traditional architecture

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest and most recommended way is to take Metro Line 17 directly to Zhujiajiao Station.TikTok This typically takes about an hour. While taxis are an option, they can be more expensive and subject to traffic delays.Reddit

For most travelers, the metro is the preferred option due to its affordability and predictability. Taxis can be faster if there's no traffic, but the metro avoids congestion issues.Reddit

By Metro Line 17, it takes approximately 1 hour. A taxi might be slightly faster in ideal conditions, but can take longer if there's traffic.TikTokReddit

Yes, you can drive, and private car rentals are available. However, parking can be challenging, and traffic can be a factor.Instagram

While buses exist, the metro is generally more convenient and faster for tourists traveling from central Shanghai.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The town itself is generally free to enter and wander. However, specific attractions within the town, like museums or gardens, may require separate tickets. Boat rides also have a fee.Instagram

Zhujiajiao is typically open all day, allowing visitors to explore its streets and canals at their leisure. However, individual shops and attractions will have their own operating hours.TikTok

Boat rides are quite affordable, often around $30 for a group of six people, making it a cost-effective way to see the town.Instagram

The main canals and streets are free to access. You only pay for specific attractions or activities like boat tours or museum entries.

Yes, the town is accessible at night, and it offers a different, magical ambiance when the lanterns are lit.

📸 📸 Photography

The Fangsheng Bridge offers iconic views. Wandering along the canals, crossing the many stone bridges, and capturing the traditional architecture are all great photo opportunities.TikTokInstagram

Late afternoons during the golden hour provide beautiful lighting. Evenings are also magical when the lanterns illuminate the town.

Drone usage is generally restricted in populated tourist areas to ensure safety and respect for visitors. It's best to check local regulations before flying.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide canal views and details of the architecture. A wide-angle lens can be great for the bridges.Instagram

Yes, boat tours offer unique perspectives for photography, but be mindful of movement and other passengers.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Don't miss local snacks like lotus root and sticky rice dumplings. Many small eateries offer traditional Chinese dishes.TikTokInstagram

Yes, you'll find numerous restaurants and small eateries offering a variety of local and Chinese cuisine along the canals and in the town's alleys.

While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian options like stir-fried vegetables or tofu dishes. It's advisable to ask.

Yes, there are several charming cafes where you can relax and enjoy a coffee while taking in the atmosphere.TikTok

Street snacks are very affordable. Restaurant prices vary, but you can find options to suit different budgets.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Zhujiajiao offers a delightful escape for families looking for a taste of traditional China. The boat rides are a definite highlight for children, providing an exciting way to see the town without too much walking.TikTokInstagram The narrow alleys and bridges can be fun to explore, but keep a close eye on little ones near the water. Trying local snacks like sticky rice dumplings is also a fun, interactive experience for kids. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds, making the experience more manageable with children.

💰 Budget Travelers

Zhujiajiao is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. The most cost-effective way to get there is by Metro Line 17.TikTokReddit Once in town, wandering the streets and admiring the architecture is free. Boat rides are surprisingly affordable, especially when shared with a group.Instagram For meals, opt for the numerous street food vendors selling delicious local snacks like sticky rice dumplings, which are both tasty and inexpensive.TikTok

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Zhujiajiao is a dream. The ancient stone bridges, particularly Fangsheng Bridge, offer iconic shots.TikTok The winding canals, traditional architecture, and reflections in the water create endless photographic opportunities. Golden hour in the late afternoon and the evening ambiance with lanterns provide stunning light. Consider a boat tour for unique angles and perspectives.Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Zhujiajiao: Getting Around

Zhujiajiao is best explored on foot and by boat. The town is a maze of narrow alleys, charming canals, and over 36 ancient stone bridges.Instagram Walking allows you to discover hidden courtyards and local life at your own pace. For a different perspective, a boat tour is highly recommended. These tours offer a relaxing way to see the town from its waterways, passing under picturesque bridges and alongside traditional houses.TikTokInstagram Many boat tours are quite affordable, making it an accessible experience for most visitors.

While the town is compact, comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the cobblestone paths and numerous bridges. Be prepared for some inclines and uneven surfaces. For those who prefer not to walk extensively, rickshaws are sometimes available, though they are more of a novelty and can be pricier than the boat tours. The Metro Line 17 is the primary mode of transport to reach Zhujiajiao from Shanghai, making the journey straightforward and efficient.TikTokReddit

A Glimpse into History and Culture

Zhujiajiao boasts a history spanning over 1,700 years, earning it the nickname 'Venice of the East'.Instagram As one of Shanghai's best-preserved ancient water towns, it offers a stark contrast to the city's modern skyline. The town's layout, with its network of canals and bridges, reflects traditional Chinese urban planning. Many of the traditional houses lining the canals are centuries old, some now converted into charming tea houses, artisan shops, or small museums.

Key historical landmarks include the Fangsheng Bridge, a five-arch stone bridge that is a symbol of the town, and various ancient temples and halls. Exploring these sites provides insight into the region's rich cultural heritage. The local snacks are also a part of the cultural experience, offering a taste of authentic Jiangnan cuisine.TikTokInstagram Engaging with these elements allows visitors to truly appreciate the enduring charm and historical significance of Zhujiajiao.

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