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Explore the ancient bridges, take a boat ride along the waterways, visit the traditional tea houses, and stroll through the old streets to experience the local culture and shop for local handicrafts.
Zhujiajiao Town, located in Qingpu District, Shanghai, is adjacent to the Dianshan Lake Scenic Area. It boasts a wealth of tourism resources. The Shanghai Water Sports Stadium, located on the shores of Dianshan Lake, is an activity center featuring modern, international aquatic facilities. Oriental Land serves as an after-school camp for Shanghai youth. The Shanghai Sun Island International Club and the Shanghai International Golf and Country Club offer entertainment and tourism destinations integrating business, vacation, and leisure. The ancient town area boasts over 20 attractions, including Kezhi Garden and the Qing Dynasty Post Office.
Zhujiajiao, commonly known as "Jiaoli," is the closest Jiangnan water town to Shanghai and one of Shanghai's four renowned historical and cultural towns. The town's charming charm, with its flowing waters and small bridges, epitomizes the Jiangnan water towns. Its most famous feature is the Fangsheng Bridge, the largest five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai.
It belongs to the northern subtropical monsoon climate zone and has a typical maritime climate. It has distinct four seasons, abundant rainfall, a long frost-free period, and ample sunshine, making it suitable for travel year-round.
3 hours
free
08:30-16:30 (Inside attractions)
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town dates back over 1,700 years and is one of the oldest water towns in the region. It is famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture and its canals that have been central to its commerce and culture.
Zhujiajiao is located about 47 kilometers from central Shanghai. It can be reached by metro (Line 17, ending at Zhujiajiao Station), bus, or taxi. The town is also accessible by car or private transport.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is open all year round. The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild. Early mornings or weekdays are less crowded for a more peaceful experience.
Entry to the town is free, but there is a fee for certain attractions like the boat rides and specific historical sites. Tickets can be purchased onsite or in advance for boat tours or exhibitions.
Advance booking is recommended for boat tours and special exhibits, usually a day or two ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.
You can explore Zhujiajiao in about 3 to 4 hours, which will allow you to enjoy the waterways, historical sites, and shopping areas.
The must-see spots include the Fangsheng Bridge, Kezhi Garden, the ancient street filled with shops, and the waterway boat rides. The local temples and traditional tea houses are also popular attractions.
Guided tours in Chinese and English are available for a more immersive experience. Audio guides can also be rented at various locations throughout the town.
The best photography spots include the view from the bridges, particularly at sunset, and along the waterways where you can capture the reflections of ancient buildings.
Start with a boat ride along the canals, visit the local temples, explore Kezhi Garden, and end with a walk along the old street for shopping and local snacks.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town offers a beautiful night scene, with the streets and waterways lit up. Some special cultural performances and events are available during peak seasons.
Zhujiajiao can get quite crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
There are plenty of rest areas, public toilets, and water fountains throughout the town. Food options include traditional Chinese snacks, tea houses, and local restaurants. Shops sell local crafts, souvenirs, and snacks.
Most parts of Zhujiajiao are accessible, but some older areas have uneven pathways or stairs. The town is suitable for elderly visitors, though care should be taken around the waterways.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted, and cards are also commonly used. Cash is not required but can be useful for smaller vendors.
There are many local restaurants and cafes offering traditional Sichuan and Shanghai dishes. Popular options include riverside restaurants, tea houses, and snack stalls offering street food.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at many of the local restaurants, with a focus on traditional Chinese vegetarian dishes. Halal food options may be found in nearby areas but are less common in Zhujiajiao itself.
There are several hotels in and around Zhujiajiao, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Some boutique hotels and guesthouses offer a more traditional experience, such as Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Hotel.
Other nearby attractions include the Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Museum, Oriental Land, and the nearby Qibao Ancient Town, which can be combined for a full day trip.
Souvenir shops are plentiful, offering local handicrafts, silk products, tea, paper fans, and traditional Chinese paintings. Local snacks and dried goods are also popular purchases.
After visiting, taxis, private cars, or buses are available to return to central Shanghai. Metro Line 17 is also a convenient option for reaching other parts of Shanghai.
