a couple of boats that are sitting in the water
All attractions

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Shanghai, China
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a couple of boats that are sitting in the water

Photo by Alicja Ziajowska

Tucked away on the outskirts of the world’s largest city, Zhujiajiao Water Town invites visitors to slow down and wander back in time. Stone bridges arc gracefully over winding canals, willow branches droop into water, and traditional houses rest quietly behind weathered stone walls. Far from Shanghai’s flashing neon, Zhujiajiao offers a taste of a quieter, older China—one that rewards a traveler’s curiosity, sense of wonder, and good walking shoes.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
80 CNY

Contact Information

Location
Address
China, Shanghai, Qingpu District, Kezhiyuan Rd, 朱家角翔宁浜763号 邮政编码: 201713
Phone

Planning your visit

Planning a smooth trip to Zhujiajiao starts with getting a sense of the town’s rhythm and flow. Weekdays feel far calmer than bustling weekends, and the atmosphere shifts throughout the day—early morning streets echo footsteps, while afternoons fill with visitors. Located about an hour from downtown Shanghai by car or metro, the town is easy to reach but deserves unrushed exploration. Tickets for the main sights are affordable and easy to buy onsite, but patience may be needed on holiday weekends.

  • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather; early mornings beat both crowds and midday heat.
  • How to get there: Line 17 of the Shanghai Metro to Zhujiajiao Station, plus a short walk; taxis and buses also connect directly.
  • Accessibility: Flat paths allow strollers and wheelchairs in main areas, but ancient bridges have uneven steps; families and seniors move comfortably with planning.
  • Average visit duration: Three to five hours provides enough time to see key sights, ride a boat, and enjoy a local meal.

Must see stuff

Zhujiajiao’s canals and bridges headline every visitor’s photo album, but the town’s lively backstreets and lakeside parks hold their own riches. Life slows down along the main North Street, where wooden entryways reveal traditional teahouses and family-run shops. Don’t leave without stepping across the ancient Fangsheng Bridge, tracing the bankside lanes, or ducking inside one of the town’s honored temples. Smaller museums, quiet courtyards, and riverside gardens shelter hidden wonders for those who linger.

  • Key sights or features: Fangsheng Bridge (the grandest in town), Kezhi Garden (an elegant Qing dynasty mansion), and Yuanjin Buddhist Temple for quiet reflection.
  • Unique experiences: Bamboo-boat canal rides with local boatwomen; sipping tea at Bei Dajie’s riverside cafés; lantern-lit evening strolls along the water.
  • Photo-worthy locations: Stone arch bridges at sunset, narrow alleys lined with red lanterns, and the quietest canal corners near Xijing Street.
  • Cultural or historical facts: Zhujiajiao traces its roots back over 1,700 years. The town once served as a major rice and textile distribution hub for the region—evidence remains in canal-side warehouses and traditional shops on Xihu Street.

Tips for your visit

On sunny weekends, narrow lanes can fill quickly, turning tranquil alleys into rivers of visitors. For those eager to savor Zhujiajiao’s beauty, starting early or arriving late in the day pays off. The town is best explored on foot; comfortable shoes and bottled water make a difference. Cash and mobile payment apps both work at most snack stalls and boat ticket booths. Though tourist sites feel safe and welcoming, mind your step near slippery canal paths, especially after rain.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive before 10 am or after 4 pm; weekdays promise the quietest experience.
  • What to bring: Walking shoes, sun hat, refillable water bottle, and a camera for capturing canal life.
  • Local etiquette or rules: Respect local households by staying on marked paths; ask before photographing residents.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Ancient stone bridges can be steep or slick—walk carefully and hold railings if needed. Summers get hot and humid, so pack lightly and rest often.