Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tourist Zone

Really worth a trip from the city. Easy to travel with the metro, in about 1,5h and 15min. walk, or you can take boat from the metro station into the center of the ancient town. Such cute places and a little bit quieter than in the city. A lot of small ships and restaurants. If you have time, it's totally worth a visit.

The Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town is an important tourist destination, about one hour drive from Shanghai city. The Town was established nearly 1700 years ago, famous for stone bridges, waterways and Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. It's also called The "Venice of Shanghai". Its very enjoyable to spend time there, walking along the waterways, taking a boat cruise or relaxing with a cup of tea. Other places to visit is the landmark Kenzi garden established in 1912. It has a main hall, a garden, and an artificial hill. Fangsheng Bridge is another attraction, best among the 36 ancient stone bridges, It was built in 1812 and supposed to be the largest stone arch bridge in Shanghai. The Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town is so beautiful that one can easily spend an entire day there, but a minimum of three hours is needed to see it.

Zhujiajiao an ancient water town located in the Qingpu District on the outskirts of Shanghai, China. Often referred to as the "Venice of Shanghai," it is a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, canals, and stone bridges. Key Features and Attractions Canals and Bridges: The town is built around a network of canals, with over 36 ancient stone bridges still in use, including the iconic Fangsheng Bridge, a five-arch stone bridge that is a landmark of the town. Ancient History: Established about 1,700 years ago, the town has a rich history, with archaeological findings in the area dating back 5,000 years. Traditional Architecture: Visitors can explore numerous well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty-era houses and gardens. Boat Rides: Gondola-style boat rides along the canals offer a unique perspective of the town's charming streets and houses. Ke Zhi Yuan (Ke Family Garden): A large, traditional Chinese garden featuring a man-made hill, a pond, and various pavilions, offering a peaceful retreat. North Street (Bei Dajie): The main street is lined with ancient shops, restaurants, and tea houses, providing a vibrant glimpse into local life and commerce. Visiting Zhujiajiao is easily accessible from central Shanghai by bus or metro, making it a popular day-trip destination for those looking to experience the charm of an ancient Chinese water town without traveling far from the modern metropolis.

If you do not have time to visit Suzhou or Hangzhou, here is a great place to see the ancient town built along the intricate waterways. Shops are mostly the same as what you could find in a typical Chinese ancient town selling more or less the same items, so I would instead spend more time reading up the history behind the town. This is accessible from Shanghai city using Metro line 17. However, the journey could take roughly 1.5hr. So do plan your time and take into consideration the long travel time Visited on 2 January 2025, Thursday. No tickets required, free entry.

Review for Zhujiajiao ancient Water Town. To reach there you can take subway from Shanghai Hongqiao subway station. "Wonderful place! Zhujiajiao Water Town is incredibly well-preserved, with its ancient charm still intact. You'll love strolling along the canals, crossing the many bridges, and taking in the historic architecture. The old houses on the canal banks have been beautifully transformed into restaurants, shops, and local produce stores. A highlight is the ancient post office turned museum, where you can send letters to yourself or loved ones from special post boxes - they'll be mailed to you in a specific month of a future year of your choice! What a unique experience! Perfect for a relaxing day trip or a romantic getaway. Highly recommended!" 5/5 stars

It was a very old town but lots to see if you enjoy cultural stuff. With the clear blue skies, you will be able to capture awesome pictures with the boat and water. A cafe is there too for you to cool down but it is quite expensive. Overall it is quite an experience 😀😀😀👍👍👍

A great place to visit when in Shanghai - tourist friendly. We booked a guide to take us before heading to the airport and they took care of everything- tickets, transport and most importantly explaining to us the many special places. Rows of stalls offering snacks (many local cuisines) and souvenirs (including many antique shops and cat/dog cafes) on each side of the river banks. The boat ride (Additional fee) was great to orientate on arrival.

Fun but very crowded, many shops but my favorite was this man that can customize portraits or ur pets on glass