Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town (朱家角古镇) – Shanghai's Water Village

Zhujiajiao (朱家角, zhū jiā jiǎo) is the most accessible and beautiful of Shanghai's ancient water towns — a 1,700-year-old village of stone bridges, canary-yellow waterside houses, gondola-style rice boats, and winding stone-flagged lanes lined with food stalls and artisan shops. Located just 48 km west of central Shanghai, it is the perfect half-day or full-day escape from the city.

Highlights

Fangsheng Bridge (放生桥) – The largest and most photographed bridge in Shanghai's water towns; a 5-arch stone bridge spanning the Cao River, built in 1571 during the Ming Dynasty.
Kezhi Garden (课植园) – A classic Ming-style private garden with pavilions, rock formations, and lotus ponds.
Rice Boat (摇橹船) – Traditional wooden boats punted by local boatswomen weave through the canals, past white-walled houses with black tile roofs and laundry drying from bamboo poles.
Yuanjin Zen Temple (圆津禅院) – A beautifully preserved Buddhist monastery on the town's main canal.
North Street (北大街) – The oldest and most atmospheric of the town's shopping lanes, lined with Ming and Qing dynasty-era storefronts selling local specialties.

Food & Drink

Zhujiajiao is famous for its zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) — local shops fill the air with their aroma. Other must-tries include pork trotters braised in soy sauce, freshwater river shrimp, and wild lotus root. Enjoy a riverside meal at one of the waterfront restaurants overlooking the canals.

Getting to Zhujiajiao

By Bus – Bus No. 1001 from Shanghai Stadium (上海体育馆) departs hourly, journey about 1 hour, CNY 12.
By Private Car (recommended) – A private transfer from central Shanghai takes 45–60 minutes via the A9 expressway — the easiest way to travel with luggage or as a family.

Admission

Entry to the town is free; individual sites charge CNY 8–30 each
Combination scenic area ticket: CNY 80 (covers 5 major attractions)
Best time to visit: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November); avoid Golden Week holidays

Book a Zhujiajiao Day Tour

Shanghai Airport Transfer offers private day tour packages to Zhujiajiao with an English-speaking guide and private car. View day tour options →