🛶 Zhujiajiao Ancient Town – with its small bridges, flowing water, old ladies' zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and rowing boats, I found the water town of my Jiangnan dream in Shanghai 🌾
Nestled in the western suburbs of Shanghai, a bustling international metropolis, lies Zhujiajiao, an ancient town with a history spanning over a thousand years, often referred to as the "Venice of Shanghai." Here, the crowds of the Bund are absent, replaced by winding waterways, weathered stone bridges, Ming and Qing dynasty houses built along the water, and the aroma of steamed rice dumplings and braised pork wafting through the air. Stepping into Zhujiajiao is like stepping into a traditional Chinese ink painting, where time seems to slow down.
🌿 About this place: A thousand-year-old water town with nine streets and thirty-six bridges
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is located in Qingpu District, Shanghai, about a 1.5-hour drive from the city center. Founded during the Song and Yuan dynasties and officially established as a town during the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty, it boasts a history of over a thousand years. Spanning approximately 1.5 square kilometers, the town is woven together by nine long streets, thousands of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, and 36 ancient bridges, making it one of the best-preserved ancient water towns in the Jiangnan region of Shanghai.
The most famous features here are undoubtedly "one bridge, one street, one temple, one shrine, one hall, one museum, two gardens, three bays, and twenty-six alleys," each telling a story of this water town's past prosperity and tranquil daily life. The writer Sanmao lingered here, and the painter Chen Yifei drew inspiration from it for his depictions of the water town—the charm of Zhujiajiao can only be truly appreciated by experiencing it firsthand.
🚆 Transportation Guide: Super Convenient from City Center, Direct Subway Access
Getting to Zhujiajiao from downtown Shanghai is very convenient. Take Metro Line 17 directly:
🚇 Subway Route:
· Take Shanghai Metro Line 17 to "Zhujiajiao Station"
· Exit from Exit 1 and walk for about 10-15 minutes to reach the entrance of the ancient town.
· Driving Time: Approximately 40 minutes from Hongqiao Railway Station
🚌 Bus Route:
· Shanghai-Zhujiajiao Expressway: Approximately 1.5 hours from People's Square
· Multiple bus lines including Qingjin Line and Qingshang Line are available.
🚗 By Car:
· Approximately 1.5 hours from downtown Shanghai. Multiple parking lots are available around the ancient town.
🎫 Ancient Town Admission:
· Free admission to the ancient town.
· Combined Ticket for Attractions: Approximately 60 RMB, includes admission to attractions such as Kezhi Garden, the Qing Dynasty Post Office, and Yuanjin Temple (all subject to additional fees).
🏮 Must-Visit Attractions
🌉 Fang Sheng Bridge – Shanghai's First Bridge
A landmark of Zhujiajiao, built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it is Shanghai's longest, largest, and highest five-arch stone bridge, measuring 70.8 meters in length and 7.4 meters in height. Standing atop the bridge, one can enjoy panoramic views of the white-walled, black-tiled houses on both banks and the boats reflected in the water, making it the best spot for taking a breathtaking photo of Zhujiajiao.
🏡 Kezhi Garden – A Solemn and Elegant Private Garden
Also known as "Ma Family Garden," it is the largest private garden in Zhujiajiao, built in 1912, covering 96 acres. The garden's name signifies "cultivating while studying," and it blends the styles of Jiangnan gardens with Western architecture. The "Welcoming Hall," "Rice Fragrance Village," and "Gengdu Hall" within the garden are all worth exploring in detail.
📮 Qing Dynasty Post Office – A Living Fossil of a Century-Old Postal Service
Built during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty (1903), it is the only well-preserved Qing Dynasty post office site in East China. Here you can buy a postcard, have it stamped with the Qing Dynasty post office's vintage postmark, and send it to a friend far away or to yourself – a truly memorable experience.
⛩️ Yuanjin Temple – A Thousand-Year-Old Temple Built Along the River
Built during the Zhizheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1341), this temple enshrines Guanyin Bodhisattva and is one of the most popular temples in the ancient town. Climbing to the "Qinghua Pavilion" offers a panoramic view of the ancient town; in the early morning, the temple is shrouded in mist, creating a Zen-like atmosphere.
🎭 Hexin Garden – A Classical Jiangnan Garden
A small and exquisite Jiangnan garden, with pavilions, terraces, bridges, and flowing water, exuding classical charm. Perfect for quiet contemplation and enjoying the scenery, experiencing the slow pace of life in a water town.
🏛️ Wang Chang Memorial Hall – The Legendary Life of a Qing Dynasty Top Scholar
The former residence of Wang Chang, a renowned scholar and top scholar of the Qing Dynasty, the memorial hall displays his manuscripts, calligraphy works, and biographical information, suitable for travelers interested in history.
🌿 City God Temple – A Thriving Center of Faith
Built in the Ming Dynasty, the temple enshrines the City God of Qingpu. The architecture and carvings are exquisite, and the temple is a place of great religious activity, offering a glimpse into the local people's faith and life.
🏮 North Street – The Vibrant Atmosphere of a Ming and Qing Dynasty Street
The most bustling commercial street in the ancient town, nearly one kilometer long, lined with well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings. Numerous shops sell local specialties, handicrafts, and snacks. Here you can buy authentic Zhujiajiao Grandma's Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), braised pork, pickles, and other souvenirs.
🍽️ Must-Try Foods in Zhujiajiao
Food Recommendations Specialties
Grandma's Rice Dumplings (Zongzi): Along Beida Street. Freshly made and cooked to order. Soft and sticky glutinous rice with a hearty meat filling. A classic Zhujiajiao snack.
Braised Pork Belly (Zha Rou): Beida Street, near the Fang Sheng Bridge. Pork belly wrapped in lotus leaves and braised. Rich but not greasy.
Pickled Vegetables (Jiangcai): Pickled vegetables made with radish, cucumber, cowpeas, etc. A perfect balance of sweet and savory, ideal with porridge.
Steamed Whitebait (Qingzheng Baisiyu): Riverside restaurant. Wild fish from Dianshan Lake. Tender and fresh meat. Steaming best preserves its original flavor.
Fried Radish Dumplings (Youdunzi): Roadside stall. Fried snacks filled with shredded radish. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Sugar Lotus Root (Tangou): Dessert shop. Glutinous rice stuffed with lotus root, drizzled with osmanthus syrup. Sweet and soft.
Smoked Green Beans (Xiangqingdou): Specialty shop. Smoked snacks perfect with drinks.
📸 Photo Spots
Photo Spots Recommended Angles Best Time
Fang Sheng Bridge: Overlooking the riverbanks from the bridge top. Early morning or dusk
North Street Riverside Promenade: Take portraits under the promenade with the river as the background. Soft morning light.
Apart from the Qing Dynasty Post Office: Take photos with the vintage mailbox. Any time.
Kezhi Garden Water Pavilion: Use the pavilions and towers as a backdrop. Afternoon.
On a rowing boat: Sit at the bow with the old houses on both banks as a backdrop. All day.
Nighttime Lights: Reflections of the illuminated ancient town. After sunset.
🛶 Activities
🚣 Take a rowing boat tour of the water town
This is the most classic way to experience Zhujiajiao! The boatman rows slowly through the waterways, with white walls and black tiles, weeping willows and stone bridges flowing past. It's recommended to take a boat at dusk; the sunset on the water is as beautiful as a painting.
· Price: Approximately 150-200 RMB per boat (accommodates 4-6 people)
· Route: From Fang Sheng Bridge to Beidajie Water Lane, approximately 20-30 minutes
☕ Relax in a Riverside Teahouse
Find a riverside teahouse, order a pot of Longjing or Biluochun tea, along with some snacks, and watch the small boats come and go on the water, experiencing the slow pace of this water town. We recommend "Jiangnan No. 1 Teahouse," with its excellent location and best view of Fang Sheng Bridge.
🌙 Night Tour of the Ancient Town
After nightfall, the ancient town lights up with red lanterns, and the waterways are reflected with twinkling lights, a stark contrast to the daytime hustle and bustle. With fewer tourists at this time, you can better appreciate the tranquility and romance of this water town.
📍 Practical Information Summary
Project Information
Address: Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Transportation: Exit 1 of Zhujiajiao Station, Metro Line 17, 10-15 minute walk
Opening Hours: The ancient town is open all day; paid attractions are usually open from 9:00-17:00
Admission: The ancient town is free; a combined ticket for attractions is approximately 60 RMB.
Suggested Stay: Half a day (pure sightseeing) to a full day (including surrounding areas)
Best Season: Spring and autumn, pleasant weather; summer for lotus viewing; winter for a quieter atmosphere.