Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: A Day Trip to Shanghai’s Timeless Water Town

Zhujiajiao, the ‘Pearl of Jiangnan’ in Qingpu, Shanghai, only an hour's drive from the city, is the most well-preserved thousand-year-old water town in Shanghai. It is the best-preserved thousand-year-old water town in Shanghai, with its winding green stone roads, Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, and 36 ancient bridges crossed by sculling boats, as if time had stopped here. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a photography enthusiast, you'll find something to enjoy here. Today's guide will take you on a ‘one-day journey’!

Origin: The village was established in the Three Kingdoms period, became a ‘giant town in Jiangnan’ in the Ming Dynasty due to the flourishing water transport, and was crowded with merchants and traders in the Qing Dynasty, and has preserved the North Main Street, which is ‘three miles long, with thousands of shops’.

Landmark: Shanghai's longest ancient bridge, the ‘Release Bridge’ (built in 1571), combines Buddhist release culture and architectural aesthetics.

Culture: The city is home to a number of non-genetic heritage sites such as Tianshan Song and Boat Fist, as well as a paper-cutting and straw-knitting market on the first Saturday of every month.

Sunrise at Zaishengqiao: arrive before 6:30am to capture the reflection of the stone bridge in the morning mist, the best place to get the best shot is on the third floor of the ‘First Tea House of Jiangnan’ on the west side of the bridge.

Explore North Street: Shanghai's ‘First Street of Ming and Qing Dynasty’, the narrow alley is only 3 metres wide, visit the century-old shop ‘Han Dalong Sauce Garden’ and try Panama Gold Medal Sauce.

Lesson Planting Garden: a private garden combining Chinese and Western elements, with Kunqu performances available for booking on Wednesday/Saturday afternoons (this attraction is included in the joint ticket).
Handicraft Workshop: Experience pottery making at the ‘No.1 Tea House in Jiangnan’ (RMB 98/time), and have your work mailed home.
Afternoon Tea on Yuanbao Boat: Take a 45-minute boat ride across the ancient bridges on a wooden boat with water town specialities.

Sculling boat night tour: charter a boat (200-300RMB/6 people) to listen to the boatwoman sing ‘Song of the Four Seasons’ in Wu, and lanterns reflecting the river.
Xijing Street Bar: the waterfront cafe transformed into a bistro, recommended ‘Jingting B&B’ terrace, overlooking the ancient town at night.Sculling boat night tour: charter a boat (200-300RMB/6 people) to listen to the boatwoman sing ‘Song of the Four Seasons’ in Wu, and lanterns reflecting the river.
Xijing Street Bar: the waterfront cafe transformed into a bistro, recommended ‘Jingting B&B’ terrace, overlooking the ancient town at night.

Granny's Rice Dumplings: The most authentic rice dumplings are made by an 80-year-old granny at No. 308 Beidajie, with a limited number of 200 rice dumplings made with egg yolk and meat/day.

Braised Pork: The pork is tied up with dumpling leaves and is fat but not greasy, originating from the ‘wisdom of sharing meat’ during the intellectual youth era.

Wu Zifang Stinky Beancurd: A stall by the Fansheng Bridge, it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with a sweet and spicy sauce (RMB 10/pc).

Smoked Green Beans: Smoked along the street stalls, green and fragrant, 20 RMB/bag.

Gorgonzola cake: purple yam, osmanthus flower and many other flavours, recommended by Zhu Shi Da Jie cultural and creative shop, exquisite packaging.

Metro: Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, transfer to Bus No. 1510 at Exit 1 and stop at ‘Zhuhu Road’ (5 minutes walk).

By car: Get off at Zhujiajiao Exit of G50 Expressway, and navigate to ‘Zunzhiyuan Parking Lot’ (RMB 8/hour).

Cruise: Dianshan Lake Pier to the ancient town (RMB 60/person), 40 minutes by water to enjoy the lake view.

• Free area: the streets of the ancient town, the release of the bridge, North Street.
• Combined ticket recommendation: 80 RMB including Class Plantation, Daqing Post Office and other attractions, suitable for in-depth tour.
• Concessions: Half price for students/seniors over 60 years old, free for children under 1.3 metres.

Avoid crowds: Weekend crowds are heavy, it is recommended to arrive before 7:00 on weekdays, or after 16:00 night tour.

Hidden opportunity: Da Qing Post Office first floor terrace overlooking the Cao Gang River, less people and beautiful scenery.

Guide to preventing pitfalls: the price of meat is about 15 yuan per piece, over 20 yuan can cut the price; be wary of ‘free tour guide’ sales pitch.

🛶Zhujiajiao is a living history book—its misty mornings, bustling markets, and lantern-lit nights whisper tales of Jiangnan. Rent a boat, taste a grandma’s zongzi, and let the water town’s rhythm slow your soul.