Stroll through the deep alleys and rediscover the gentle and unhurried charm of Jiangnan along the waterways of western Shanghai

【3 days 2 nights, about 5800 RMB per person! Qingpu Guide: Water Town Charm × Natural Wildness】

Day 1: Take Metro Line 17 directly to Zhu Jia Jiao Station, check in at Sheraton Lake Dianchi or Anlu Hotel Zhu Jia Jiao (900 RMB/night × 2 = 1800 RMB). In the afternoon, stroll through Zhu Jia Jiao Ancient Town (free entry, some attractions combined ticket 60 RMB) — walk across Caogang Bridge, explore Kezhi Garden, take a ride on a black-awning boat, and check in at the "Venice of Shanghai." In the evening, taste cured meat, smoked green peas, and grandma’s zongzi by the Fangsheng Bridge.

Day 2: Head to Oriental Land (ticket 50 RMB) — a huge youth base with cycling, boating, and a replica aircraft carrier, perfect for families. In the afternoon, visit Jinze Ancient Town (free) — a quiet, lesser-known "Jiangnan Bridge Town," with few people and beautiful scenery; must-see spots include Puji Bridge and Yingxiang Bridge. Stay at the same hotel; dinner recommended at the lakeside restaurant: steamed white fish and lotus root stewed with ribs.

Day 3: Visit Shanghai Grand View Garden (ticket 50 RMB) — a classical garden built based on "Dream of the Red Chamber," enjoy autumn maples, stroll the winding corridors, and boat on Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Or choose a light hike on the ecological trail around Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Center to experience the blend of technology and nature. Before heading back, shop for souvenirs at Xiadu Town: Qingpu Liantang dried water bamboo, Baihe strawberry jam, and Songze cultural creations.

💰 Budget breakdown:
Accommodation 1800 + Food 1400 + Transportation 300 (metro + taxi) + Attractions and experiences about 200 + Shopping reserve 2100 ≈ **5800 RMB**

📌 Tips:
- Zhu Jia Jiao is crowded on weekends; early morning or evening visits are recommended;
- Jinze Ancient Town has no commercial bustle, bringing your own snacks is more convenient;
- Grand View Garden is large, wear comfortable shoes and allow 2 hours for touring.

⚠️ Warnings:
❌ Some "specialty teahouses" in the ancient towns have minimum spending requirements; ask before sitting down;
❌ Many "low-price one-day tours" around scenic spots include shopping stops; be cautious when booking tours.

Three days and two nights, slow travel in Qingpu. Here, there is not only a thousand-year-old water town but also tens of thousands of acres of green lungs and poetic gardens. Come here, boat on the misty waves, stroll through deep alleys, and along the waterways of western Shanghai, rediscover the gentle and unhurried Jiangnan.

Post by ALYSSA BARRETT | Oct 16, 2025