Shanghai Self-Drive｜One-Day No-Turnback Route at Dianshan Lake (Tested)

1. 🌟 Highlights of the Trip
1. Connecting Two Ancient Towns: Zhujiajiao and Jinze, one commercial and one hidden gem; the former is full of local life, the latter preserves the original water town scenery.
2. Lakeside Scenic Belt: Includes popular landmarks like Rainbow Bridge and True Love Pier, combining lake views and wetland landscapes.
3. Cultural Easter Eggs: Interspersed with Dream of the Red Chamber-themed gardens and a millennium-old ancient temple, enriching the tour experience.

2. 🗓 Itinerary
1. 08:30-10:00 In-depth Tour of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Core Experience: Stroll along Fangsheng Bridge, visit Kezhi Garden (20 RMB entrance fee), take a hand-rowed boat (60 RMB/boat) through water alleys.
Food: Grandma’s rice dumplings, cured meat, candied lotus root (Beida Street "Handa Long Sauce Garden").
Special Tip: The ancient town is free to enter; internal small attractions have a combined ticket of 60 RMB, recommend choosing 1-2 key spots to visit.
2. 10:30-12:00 Light Experience at Oriental Land
Navigation: No. 6888 Huqingping Highway (3 km from Zhujiajiao, 10-minute drive).
Activities: Rent a bike for 1 hour (30 RMB/hour) to explore Wisdom Avenue, visit the replica aircraft carrier (boarding requires an additional 20 RMB).
Hidden Fun: The children’s playground near the south gate is great for parent-child interaction; the lawn is perfect for a short rest.
3. 12:30-13:30 Lakeside Lunch
Restaurants:
"Fisherman’s Wharf" inside Oriental Land (focus on lake fresh seafood, about 80 RMB per person).
"Maosen Pavilion" in Zhujiajiao (garden-style restaurant, river eel and braised pork).
Alternative: Bring your own picnic mat and enjoy a lakeside picnic at the Dianshan Lake West Bank Camping Site (navigate to "Dianshan Lake West Bank Camping Site").
4. 14:00-15:30 Lakeside Scenic Belt
True Love Pier (navigate to "Dianshan Lake True Love Pier").
Features: Lakeside boardwalk + white church building, perfect for artistic photos.
Stay Time: 30 minutes.
Rainbow Bridge (navigate to "Dianshan Lake Rainbow Bridge").
Features: 1.47 km long bridge, the bridge’s reflection on the lake at dusk looks like a rainbow.
Photo Tip: Shoot the full view from the railing at the middle of the bridge using a wide-angle lens.
5. 16:00-17:30 Leisure Time at Jinze Ancient Town
Navigation: Jinxi Road, Jinze Town, Qingpu District (15 km from Rainbow Bridge, 20-minute drive).
Must-See Spots:
Puji Bridge (Shanghai’s oldest stone arch bridge).
Yihao Zen Temple (millennium-old ginkgo tree and Yuan Dynasty murals).
Cultural Experience: Enjoy tea and listen to Ping Tan storytelling at "Wenqu Bookstore" (advance booking required).
6. 18:00 Return Trip
Route Options:
Huqingping Highway → Songze Elevated Road (no toll, 1-hour drive).
Huyu Expressway (30 RMB toll, 50-minute drive).

3. 🚗 Driving Tips
Parking Information:
Zhujiajiao: Xinfeng Road Parking Lot (10 RMB/day).
Oriental Land: Gate 1 Parking Lot (10 RMB/day).
Jinze Ancient Town: Jinxi Road Free Parking Lot.

4. Road Condition Tips:
Some sections of the Lakeside Avenue have no divider; be cautious of oncoming traffic.
Caibang Village section is one-way; enable "Truck Navigation" mode to avoid it.

5. 🍃 Seasonal Special Activities
Spring (March-May): Caibang Village (navigate to "Caibang Village") with rapeseed flower fields and peach blossoms.
Autumn (September-November): Baoguo Temple (navigate to "Baoguo Temple") with millennium-old ginkgo leaves covering the ground.
Winter (December-February): Oriental Land Ice and Snow Carnival (opens late December).