Zhujiajiao Water Town - The Closest Water Town to Shanghai
Zhujiajiao Water Town, often referred to as the Venice of Shanghai, is one of the top four ancient towns in Shanghai, conveniently located just about an hour’s drive away from the downtown area.
The town is renowned for its quaint stone bridges, calm waterways, time-worn houses, attractive willow trees, and winding stone streets. As the nearest popular ancient town to Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is well worth visiting.
Zhujiajiao Water Town Quick Facts
- Chinese: 朱家角 Zhūjiājiǎo
- Area:47 square kilometers
- History: Over 1,700 years old
- Opening Hours: 8:30-16:30
- Ticket: CNY80
- Recommended Visit Time: 3 hours
- Locations: Qingpu District, Shanghai City
Best Time to Visit Zhujiajiao Watertown
The best time to visit Zhujiajiao Water Town is spring and autumn. The weather in Shanghai is nice during these seasons, perfect for outdoor activities. In spring, the willows by the river in the ancient town grow new green leaves. Peach and apricot flowers also bloom one after another, adding a touch of romance to the town.
In autumn, you can enjoy the golden ginkgo leaves. It's better not to go to Zhujiajiao on weekends or Chinese public holidays. The place gets crowded during these times.
Why Visit Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Although the atmosphere in Zhujiajiao is different from Venice, it is known as the Venice of the East because of all the waterways going through the town. There are 36 old bridges and 9 streets lining the rivers. It is a pearl of southeast China.
- Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is the closest ancient town to the center of Shanghai. It is also the best-preserved Jiangnan water town in Shanghai.
- Over 1,000 well-preserved houses built in the Ming (1368–1644 AD) and Qing (1644–1912 AD) dynasties line the streets.
- Zhujiajiao was an important trading hub for the surrounding countryside, with many of the buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Goods and people were ferried on the small canals from house to house, passing under the 36 ancient stone bridges that are still used today by locals and tourists alike.
Zhujiajiao Ticket Price
The ticket for Zhujiajiao Water Town is a combo ticket. You need to visit several places together. The boat ride costs extra and is not included in the entrance fee. Each boat can hold only 6 people. If you want to return to the departure dock, you need to pay an extra CNY100 on top of the boat ticket.
Entrance Fee
| Site | Price |
|---|---|
| Kezhi Garden, Hexin Garden, Shanghai Helong Art Gallery, Yuanjin Temple, Chenghuang Temple | CNY80 |
| Kezhi Garden, Hexin Garden, Shanghai Helong Art Gallery | CNY60 |
Boat Ride Fee
| Boarding Point | Route | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kezhi Garden Dock | Kezhi Garden - North Street - Chenghuang Temple | CNY200 |
| Kezhi Garden - Fangsheng Bridge - North Street | CNY200 | |
| Kezhi Garden - Fangsheng Bridge - North Street - Chenghuang Temple | CNY300 | |
| Chenghuang Temple Dock | Chenghuang Temple - North Street - Kezhi Garden | CNY200 |
| Chenghuang Temple Fangsheng Bridge | CNY200 | |
| Chenghuang Temple - North Street - Fangsheng Bridge- Kezhi Garden | CNY300 | |
| North Street Dock | North Street - Fangsheng Bridge - Kezhi Garden | CNY200 |
| North Street - Fangsheng Bridge - Chenghuang Temple | CNY200 | |
| North Street - Fangsheng Bridge - Kezhi Garden - Chenghuang Temple | CNY300 |
Highlights of Zhujiajiao Water Town
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town has Shanghai's first Ming and Qing Dynasty Street, called North Street. It has been through a lot, but it still looks so authentic and is the liveliest old street in a Jiangnan town. The Fangsheng Bridge is the largest five-arch stone bridge in East China. It was built in the fifth year of the Longqing reign of the Ming Dynasty and is the biggest five-arch stone bridge in the Yangtze River Delta area.
Kezhi Garden is the largest private mansion in Shanghai that combines Chinese and Western styles. It shows the best of the rich families' buildings in Jiangnan. Also, there is the only remaining Qing Dynasty Post Office in East China, which has seen the changes of the town over time.
North Street
North Street is one of the best-preserved ancient streets with Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. The whole street is over two miles long. The most interesting part is the section from Fangsheng Bridge in the east to Meizhou Alley in the west, which is over three hundred meters long. Old houses are close together.
The buildings with white walls and grey tiles show the charm of a Jiangnan water town. Narrow alleys and stone paths twist and turn, connecting different parts. There are also many old shops along the street.
Fangsheng Bridge
Fangsheng Bridge goes across the Cao Gang River. It is the biggest, longest, and tallest five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai. It is called the No.1 Bridge in Shanghai. The bridge is 70.8 meters long. There are welcoming stone lions at the four corners of the bridge's top. The dragon gate stone has a beautiful carving of eight dragons playing with a pearl. There are 59 steps on the north side and 62 steps on the south side.
Kezhi Garden
Kezhi Garden is the largest garden-style building there. It was built in 1912 and took 15 years to finish. The name Kezhi means, while studying hard, don't forget to work in the fields. The garden has many different buildings, like the Hall for Welcoming Guests, the Banquet Hall, the Main Hall, the Xiaoyao Building, the Book City Building, the Moon-Viewing Building, and the Stage Building. There are over 200 rooms in total. It has the best of Jiangnan gardens. The environment is quiet and nice, and the scenery is very special.
Qing Dynasty Post Office
Qing Dynasty Post Office is the only remaining Daqing Post Office site in East China. It holds the memory of the town's postal development. The building has an old and elegant style. Inside, it shows the postal tools and work scenes of that time. Here, you can truly feel the postal culture of a hundred years ago. You can also buy commemorative postcards and stamps
Chenghuang Temple
Cheng Huang Temple, or City God Temple, is an important religious landmark in the ancient town. It has lots of worshippers, and the buildings look very old and simple. The temple honors the City God, and it's a key place for local people to pray and make offerings. Also, around the temple, there are many snack stalls and souvenir shops. The area is full of a strong, lively atmosphere.
How to Get to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Zhujiajiao is about 50 kilometers from the Bund. You can go there by taxi, bus, or subway.
From the City Center of Shanghai to Zhujiajiao
Take a taxi: It takes 70 minutes and costs CNY175.
By bus: There are buses from People's Square to Zhujiajiao every day. It takes 1 hour and costs CNY12. The buses from People's Square run from 6:00 to 23:00. The buses from Zhujiajiao run from 5:10 to 21:00.
By subway: Take Line 2 at Nanjing Road East Station to Hongqiao Railway Station, then change to Line 17 and get off at Zhujiajiao Station. Exit from Exit 5 and take Bus 1510 to Zhuhu Road Kezhiyuan Road Station. It takes 2 hours and costs CNY9.
From Pudong Airport to Zhujiajiao
Take a taxi: It is 83 kilometers and takes 90 minutes. It costs CNY300.
By subway: Take Line 2 at Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Railway Station, then change to Line 17 and get off at Zhujiajiao Station. Exit from Exit 5 and take Bus 1510 to Zhuhu Road Kezhiyuan Road Station. It takes 160 minutes and costs CNY12.
From Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal to Zhujiajiao
Take a taxi: It is 50 kilometers and takes 70 minutes. It costs CNY183.
By subway: Take Line 12 at the International Passenger Center to Xianning South Road Station, then change to Line 10 to Hongqiao Railway Station, and change to Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station. Exit from Exit 5 and take Bus 1510 to Zhuhu Road Kezhiyuan Road Station. It takes 2 hours and costs CNY9.
From Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal to Zhujiajiao
Take a taxi: It is 70 kilometers and takes 70 minutes. It costs CNY250.
By subway: Take Bus 29 at Wusongkou Road Baoyang Road Station to Baoyang Road Tongji Road Station, then change to Line 3 to Zhongshan Park Station, and Line 2 to Hongqiao Railway Station. Change to Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station. Exit from Exit 5 and take Bus 1510 to Zhuhu Road Kezhiyuan Road Station. It takes 3 hours and costs CNY13.
Plan a Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tour With Us
If you have about a 12-hour layover in Shanghai, consider taking a trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town. A private tour with China Travel is likely your best option, providing comprehensive services including sightseeing, meals, and transportation.
Your guide will ensure you maximize your time, picking you up from your specified location, whether it be the port or airport, and returning you to your preferred destination.
Contact us directly with your specific needs and requirements. Our advisors will help you arrange the most suitable tour.
Recommended tour:
1-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour from Shanghai
4-Day Shanghai Memories Including Zhujiajiao Town
Zhujiajiao Water Town Vs Tongli Water Town
Tongli Water Town is about 40 kilometers away from Zhujiajiao Water Town. Tongli is called the Oriental Venice. It is less commercial and has more of the old town charm. The ancient town is divided into 7 little islands by 15 small rivers. And 49 old bridges connect these islands. It’s just like the old poem says: Little bridges, flowing streams, and homes.
Tongli Water Town Quick Fact
- Opening Hours: 8:00-17:15
- Entrance Fee: CNY80
- Location: Wujing District, Suzhou City
Related Reading: Top water towns close to Shanghai, which one to visit?
Other Ancient Towns around Shanghai
You may get confused about which water town is the best to go to if you are the first time, so we list all the water towns with detailed information for your inspiration: