Overview
Zhujiajiao, in Shanghai’s Qingpu district, is the best-preserved Jiangnan water town on the city’s doorstep — hence “the Venice of Shanghai”. Its history reaches back to the Three Kingdoms; the Ming- and Qing-era buildings are intact. Nine old streets wind along the canal and 36 old bridges cross it — the classic “little bridges, flowing water, households” scene. Entry to the town is free; a combined ticket covers a few small sights (Kezhi Garden / Hexin Garden / the Qing Post Office). Metro Line 17 runs straight to Zhujiajiao station, just an hour from central Shanghai — closer and easier than Zhouzhuang, Tongli or Xitang. Ideal for a half-day escape from the city.
Getting there
- Metro Line 17: Hongqiao Railway Station → Zhujiajiao, about 40 min (¥6). Then walk 15 min or bus 1510 to the old town.
- Huzhu express bus: People’s Square (Pu’an Rd) → Zhujiajiao, about 1 h (¥12).
- Self-drive: G50 exit at Zhujiajiao, then Zhuxi Road to the Kezhiyuan Road car park (≈¥20).
- Ride-hailing: about 45 km from People’s Square, ¥150–200.
See & do
- Fangsheng Bridge: East China’s largest five-arch stone bridge and the town’s emblem, built in the Ming. Great views along the Caogang River.
- Kezhi Garden (in combined ticket): a Chinese-Western private garden of 60,000 m² with a library and rice-scented village.
- Qing Post Office (combined ticket / ¥5 alone): the only surviving Qing-era post office in East China; you can send a postcard.
- North Street: Shanghai’s premier Ming-Qing long street, stone-paved, lined with old shops and snack stalls.
- Hexin Garden (combined ticket): Suzhou-style garden with delicate pavilions.
- Yuanjin Temple (¥10): a Ming temple dedicated to Mazu, on the Caogang River.
- Canal boats: Kezhi Garden pier → City God Temple pier, about 15 min, ¥30 pp.
Eat
- Zha rou (pork wrapped in reed leaves and slow-cooked): ¥8–10 a piece.
- Granny zongzi: handmade rice dumplings; egg-yolk pork is the favourite, ¥6–8.
- Smoked green beans: a salty, crunchy street snack, ≈¥10 a bag.
- Tofu pudding / fried radish cakes: everywhere on North Street, ≈¥5.
- Dianshan Lake river fish: whitefish, river shrimp, snails; riverside restaurants, ¥60–100 pp.
- Old-town teahouses: tea by the canal, ¥30–50 a pot.
Where to stay
Zhujiajiao is a day trip and rarely an overnight stop. If you do stay:
| Type | Notes | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Old-town guesthouse | Converted riverside house, atmospheric | ¥300–600 / night |
| Qingpu city hotels | Well equipped | ¥200–400 / night |
Practical tips
- Combined ticket: Kezhi Garden + Hexin Garden + Helong Art Museum, ¥60. Collect before 15:00 at the visitor centre (555 Kezhiyuan Rd).
- Avoid crowds: weekends and holidays are packed. Go on a weekday or arrive before 8:30 am.
- Photography: Fangsheng Bridge is best at sunrise/sunset; North Street is quiet before 9 am.
- Last metro: the last train from Zhujiajiao toward Hongqiao is 22:33.
- vs Zhouzhuang / Tongli: Zhujiajiao is about an hour closer and less commercialised — more original.
- Night visit: in summer the town lights up until 22:00 — lovely at dusk.
- Toilets: free public ones at the visitor centre and in Kezhi Garden.