Qingpu Water Town Secret Guide

Shanghai Qingpu Travel Guide

Qingpu District is located in the western part of Shanghai, where rivers and lakes intertwine, forming an important waterway in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region. It has created a unique water town landscape, like Shanghai’s hidden backyard garden. Now, follow this guide to explore the charm of Qingpu.

Itinerary

One-Day Tour

• Morning: Depart from downtown Shanghai and drive about 1 hour to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. Stroll along the bluestone paths, admire the Ming and Qing architecture, and experience the unique charm of the "Venice of Shanghai." Check in at Fangsheng Bridge, the longest, largest, and highest five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai; from the bridge, you can overlook the entire ancient town. Visit Beidajie, the busiest commercial street in the town, lined with shops selling distinctive handicrafts. You can also visit Kezhi Garden to appreciate the exquisite classical Jiangnan garden style.

• Noon: Taste local specialties in Zhujiajiao, such as the braised pork at Dongtian Restaurant, which is rich but not greasy and melts in your mouth; oil-braised water bamboo shoots, tender and refreshing, a Jiangnan water town specialty; and steamed white water fish, with delicate flesh and delicious flavor, a specialty of Dianshan Lake.

• Afternoon: Head to Qingxi Countryside Park, walk through the water forest, enjoy the unique scenery of pond cypress forests and wetlands, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. Then visit Jinze Ancient Town, which is more original and less crowded than Zhujiajiao, perfect for visitors who prefer quietness and want to experience a slower pace of life.

• Afternoon Tea: Taste Qingpu’s special snacks at Jinze Zhuangyuan Cake Shop. The Zhuangyuan cake is soft, sweet, and auspicious; malt flatbread is crispy outside and glutinous inside, sweet but not greasy—both are traditional Qingpu snacks.

• Evening: End a pleasant one-day tour of Qingpu and drive back to downtown Shanghai.

Two-Day Tour

Building on the one-day tour, on the second day you can visit Qingpu Ring City Water System Park. Walk along the Dianpu River, admire the ancient charm of Caotong Water City Gate, climb the tower to overlook the history of canal transport and modern prosperity; feel the lush greenery at Qingxi Garden and visit the Wanshou Ancient Pagoda; enjoy tea fragrance at Zhidao Academy · Dayin Bookstore. Shangda River is suitable for cycling and walking, with badminton courts, basketball courts, and other sports facilities along the way—perfect for a fun workout with friends. Xidaying Port is a "health and vitality corridor," Beitang Square is where basketball youths sweat it out, Nantang Square offers tent camping, and after nightfall, Xinya Square and Qiuwan Square have their own unique charm.

Transportation Guide

• Self-driving: Convenient and flexible, with easy parking at attractions and reasonable fees.

• Public Transport: Metro Line 17 goes directly to Zhujiajiao Station; some attractions nearby can be reached by taxi or shared bike.

Food Recommendations

Besides the previously mentioned dishes, Zhujiajiao zongzi (rice dumplings), smoked green peas, and amaranth cakes are also worth trying. The specialties of Jinze Ancient Town are not to be missed, allowing you to taste authentic Qingpu flavors.

Accommodation Suggestions

For a two-day trip, you can stay in a characteristic guesthouse in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to experience the peaceful water town nights; or choose hotels in Qingpu New Town or the Greater Hongqiao business district for convenient travel and shopping.

Travel Tips

• Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Qingpu, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. In spring (April to May), you can see rapeseed flowers; in autumn (November), you can enjoy the redwood forest in Qingxi Countryside Park.

• Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is free to enter; Kezhi Garden ticket is 20 RMB per person; Qingxi Countryside Park and Jinze Ancient Town are free. Some attractions may have discount promotions, so check in advance.