Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town: One of the Most Beautiful Ancient Towns in East China

Written by Clementine | Updated September 04,2025

Located in the south central of Qingpu District, Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town is 48 kilometers away from the downtown Shanghai and about 30 kilometers away from the Hongqiao International Airport.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town boasts a history of over 1700 years. With the convenient water and land transportation, it has always been one of the important market towns in the area of Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province and Shanghai. In 1991, Zhujiajiao was named one of the four famous historical and cultural towns (上海历史文化名镇) by the Shanghai government. In 2024, it was also selected as one of the “Top 10 Popular Ancient Towns for Inbound Tourists” by the China Tourism Academy.

The one-day Zhujiajiao Water Town tour from Shanghai is so popular, mainly due to its unique Jiangnan water town scenery, rich historical culture, and modern facilities. Nowadays, Zhujiajiao Water Town, also called as “Jiangnan Pearl” inlaid by Dianshan Lake, is one of the most well-known tourist destinations that attracts many tourists home and abroad to start Shanghai travel with its long history and rich tourism resources.‌

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• Facts about Zhujiajiao Water Town
• Top Attractions and Things to Do in Shanghai Zhujiajiao
• Zhujiajiao Hotels Recommended
• When is the Best Time to Visit Zhujiajiao?
• How to Get to Zhujiajiao Water Town?
• Attractions Nearby Zhujiajiao Water Town
• FAQs about Zhujiajiao Water Town
• Plan a Shanghai Tour with Zhujiajiao Water Town

Facts about Zhujiajiao Water Town

• Chinese Name:朱家角 (pronunciation: zhū jiā jiǎo)
• Address: 555, Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

Note: Zhujiajiao is located at the transportation hub of Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province and Shanghai, which connects with Kunshan in the north, Jiaxing in the south and Pingwang in the west.

• Opening Hours:all day

Scenic spot opening hours: 8:30~16:30

Reminder: The scenic spots in the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town are relatively scattered. It is recommended to visit before 15:00.

• Time Needed: 3 hours – 1 day
• Highlights:Know as “Shanghai Venice”, Zhujiajiao is the most well preserved ancient water town in the south of the Yangtze River in Shanghai, and One of The 50 Most Worthy Places For Foreigners in China.

Entrance Tickets

If you just want to wander around the Zhujiajiao Water Town, the entrance fee is not required, but it is necessary for you to buy tickets for each scenic spot inside. Here are four combo tickets for tourists to choose.

Top Attractions and Things to Do in Shanghai Zhujiajiao

The scenic area of Zhujiajiao Water Town covers an area of 3.08 square kilometers. The town has a network of rivers and ports, nine century-old streets winding along the river, thousands of Ming and Qing Dynasty architectures standing by the water, 36 bridges retaining their ancient style, and historic sites are scattered everywhere.

Zhujiajiao Natural Scenery

The most charming and beautiful natural scenery in the ancient town is the mountain and lake which show the characteristics of Jiangnan water town. The mountain, called Dianshan, although it is not high, enjoys a great reputation for the breathtaking view of sunset here. And the lake, called Dianshan Lake, covers an area of 62 square kilometers, which is as large as 11 West Lakes of Hangzhou.

Zhujiajiao Cultural Landscapes

The characteristic cultural landscapes of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town include: one bridge, one street, one Buddhist temple, one City God Temple, one Xi Clan’s Hall, a Wang Chang Memorial Hall, two gardens, three bays and twenty-six alleys.

The bridge called “Fangsheng Bridge”(放生桥) here is the largest five-hole stone arch bridge in East China. And the street, called Great North Street, is the No.1 street in Shanghai during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Still well-preserved through the vicissitudes of history, Great North Street has a reputation that “three miles long street with thousands of shops” to show the past prosperity of Zhujiajiao Water Town.

In addition, the well-known two gardens are Kezhi Garden (课植园) and Zhuxi Garden (珠溪园). The Kezhi Garden built in 1912 is an ancient and large one, which is the largest private manor combining Chinese and Western architectures in Shanghai. While the Zhuxi Garden (open for free now) is a modern and exquisite one and is also equipped with children’s playground, restaurant, tea house, shop for tourists. There are also the only remaining Post office of Qing Dynasty site in East China, and Handalong Jiangyuan, Tong Tian He Chinese Pharmacy, the First Jiangnan Teahouse and other century-old shops.

Zhujiajiao Food and Shopping

Visitors can taste many delicious food in Zhujiajiao Water Town, such as the rose-flavored fermented bean curd (toufu), dark-rice zongzi dumpling, roast soybeans, local freshwater crabs and so on, and also can buy some wood carving knit wares or stone carving as souvenirs.

Zhujiajiao Day Trip Route

Tourist Center -> Kezhi Garden -> The Garden of Inseparable Hearts (和心园) -> Kezhi Garden Wharf by boat -> North Street Wharf -> North Street -> Shanghai Helong Art Gallery (上海鹤龙美术馆) -> North Street -> Tai’an Bridge -> Caohe Street -> Yongfeng Bridge -> Donghu Street -> Yongfeng Bridge -> Xihu Street -> Post Office of Qing Dynasty -> Caohe Street -> Qijia Bridge -> Daxin Street -> Meizhou Road -> Ginkgo Tree Square -> Xinfeng Road -> Fangsheng Bridge -> Dongjing Street -> Apo Tea House -> Xijing Street -> Parking Lot (Tourist Center)

Zhujiajiao Boat Ride

Hand Boats

Only by taking a boat ride can one really fully understand the charm of Zhujiajiao, a water town in the south of the Yangtze River.

Wharf: North Street Wharf, Kezhi Garden Wharf, City God Temple Wharf

A boat ride through three scenic spots is priced at RMB 200 per boat, and four scenic spots is priced at RMB 300 per boat.

Tips: One way fee, up to six passengers per boat, inclusive of insurance.

Yachts

The water tourism sightseeing route of Dianshan Lake passes through Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, New Town and Oriental Land. Along the way, you can enjoy the original scenery of both banks, unique bridges and ancient buildings, as well as wild birds such as ducks and egrets, and directly reach the vast Dianshan Lake.

Wharf: No. 60 Dongjing Street

Price List

Dianshan Lake02　RMB 600/voyage 　crew 8 people　30 minutes round trip
Dianshan Lake03　RMB 400/voyage 　crew 5 people　30 minutes round trip

Keep Reading: The Most Famous 9 Water Towns in China

Zhujiajiao Hotels Recommended

You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Zhujiajiao at night, and then stay in one of the following hotels and BnBs:

• Citic Pacific Zhujiajiao Jinjiang Hotel(中信泰富朱家角锦江酒店): A luxury hotel with a total of 198 elegantly designed and scenic guest rooms and villas.

Address: No. 666 Zhuhu Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

• Zhujiajiao AhnLuh Hotel: Aluxury hotel with 35 row villa style rooms, an all-day restaurant, spa, etc.

Address: No. 505 Zhuhu Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

• Zhujiajiao Royal TulipGarden Hotel: With 189 luxurious guest rooms, it is an ideal residence for family and leisure travel.

Address: No. 79 Puxiang Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

• Shanghai Jing Yuan Hotel(景苑水庄酒店): over 140 guest rooms and 2 villas, providing excellent facilities and high-quality services.

Address: No. 300 Xijing Street, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

• Jingting Hotel(井亭民宿BnB): It was once a Yang clan’s ancient residence, built in the late 19^th  All guest rooms are newly renovated within the original building structure, giving people a unique feeling of combining antiquity and modernity.

Address: No. 56 Xijing Street, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

When is the Best Time to Visit Zhujiajiao?

The best time to visit Zhujiajiao Water Town is Spring and Autumn, because the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful during these two months. Visitors can take photos and wander in the breeze and sunshine leisurely.

Besides, it is recommended not to embark your Shanghai tours during the official holidays in China when almost all the tourist destinations are overcrowded, such as the Chinese New Year, Labor Day (May 1^st -3^rd), National Day (October 1^st-7^th), etc.

How to Get to Zhujiajiao Water Town?

Public Transportation from Shanghai

By Subway: Shanghai Metro Line 17

Take Metro Line 17 and get off at the Zhujiajiao Metro Station (Exit 1). Then you can choose to walk 20-30 minutes to Zhujiajiao Water Town (about 2 km away), or take Bus No. 1510 (Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tourist Line, operating hours 06:00-21:00) to reach the Tourist Center.

By Bus: Huzhu Express Line 

Shanghai People’s Square – Zhujiajiao Bus Station

Departures approximately every 60 minutes

Then at the Zhujiajiao Bus Station, take Zhujiajiao Bus No. 1, 2, Qingpu No. 29 and get off at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tourist Area.

Getting to Zhujiajiao Water Town from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Hongqiao Railway Station, then transfer Line 17 and get off at Zhujiajiao Metro Station.

By Driving

Drive on G50 Shanghai Chongqing Expressway directly to Zhujiajiao, and scenic parking is convenient.

Attractions Nearby Zhujiajiao Water Town

• Grand View Garden Shanghai(大观园): Located on the west side of Dianshan Lake, this large antique-style garden is built based on the Chinese classical novel “A Dream of Red Mansions”, allowing you to experience the charm of traditional Chinese garden art.
• Dianshan Lake(淀山湖): Located at the border of Qingpu District in Shanghai and Kunshan City in Suzhou, it is not only the largest freshwater lake in Shanghai, but also the source of the Huangpu River. Beautiful scenery, known as the “Lake Geneva of the East”.
• Oriental Land(东方绿舟): Known as the “Emerald Bay” in the western part of the Magic City – Shanghai, it is a comprehensive venue that integrates education, leisure, and entertainment, with rich facilities and activity areas, as well as diverse outdoor activities.

FAQs about Zhujiajiao Water Town

Is Zhujiajiao worth visiting?

Yes, it is. It’s an ideal day trip destination. As the best-preserved ancient water town near the Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao has won the name “Venice of Shanghai” with its irresistible charm and beauty. Taking a stroll in the town is, indeed, slowly step into the past of Shanghai while the old stories are being gradually whispered out by the bridges and riverside streets.

How big is Zhujiajiao Water Town?

Zhujiajiao occupies an area about 3.08 square kilometers. Inside the town, there are nine ancient streets, 36 bridges, and thousands of well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. So that if you want to take a full visit, be ready to spend around 3 hours to a whole day here.

What kind of local food can I try in Zhujiajiao Water Town?

Some of the most iconic local food includes: rose-flavored fermented bean curd, dark-rice zongzi dumplings, roasted soybeans, and freshwater crabs. You can hunt these authentic Jiangnan flavors in places like the old teahouses and food stalls along the riverside. Their delicate tastes will give you some of the best memories you can ever get in a journey.

Related reading: Top 10 Shanghai Dishes You Must Eat

Plan a Shanghai Tour with Zhujiajiao Water Town

If you want to have a visit to Zhujiajiao town and even pair it with a Shanghai tour, contact us now and let our local travel experts help you design a customized water town tour that’s fully based on your own interest, time, and budget. We’ll provide all kinds of guidance and handle everything like transport and ticket/hotel booking. Start planning your Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Water Town adventure today and discover the unique charm of China’s romantic water towns.