Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride Shanghai

Zhujiajiao, the ancient water town

Zhujiajiao lies in the Qingpu district, roughly fifty kilometres west of central Shanghai, and has been a trading settlement for well over a thousand years. It grew rich in the Ming and Qing dynasties as a market town on the waterways, and many of its old wooden houses, stone bridges and canalside lanes survive. Travellers ask whether Zhujiajiao is worth visiting from Shanghai, and the answer is yes if you want a quiet, traditional contrast to the modern city.

Your guide explains how the canals were once the town's streets and why the bridges were built at their current spots. Because the day is private, you set the pace for photographs and rest stops, and the guide knows when the lanes are least busy.

Fangsheng Bridge and the stone bridges

The Fangsheng Bridge, built in the sixteenth century, is the longest and tallest stone bridge in the town, with five arches that rise high above the water. From its top you look down the main canal, past rows of old houses and moored boats, with a view that ranks among the best in Zhujiajiao.

There are several other bridges of different ages around the town, and your guide points out the best spots to cross and photograph them. Early morning is the best time of day to visit Zhujiajiao for calm light, while the afternoon brings more visitors and busier lanes. Ask your guide about the story of the bridge and why it was built to be so high.

Canal boat ride

The boat ride is the highlight for many guests. A traditional wooden boat takes you along the town's waterways, under the stone bridges and past the whitewashed houses, with the boatman steering slowly so you can watch life along the banks. The ticket is included in your tour.

The ride is an excellent way to see how the town is arranged, and it gives a different view from the lanes on foot. Take your camera, since the reflections of the bridges and the tiled roofs in the water are good subjects in any weather. Sit on the side with the best light and ask the boatman to slow down where you want to take a photograph.

The classical garden

Your tour includes entrance to a local classical garden, a compact retreat of ponds, covered corridors, pavilions and rockeries typical of southern Chinese garden design. The best-known garden in Zhujiajiao is Kezhi Garden, built in the early twentieth century by a local family, and gardens like it show how wealthy residents once lived by the water.

Spend time walking the paths slowly, since the layout is designed to reveal a new view at every turn. The garden is a restful place to stop between the busy lanes, and your guide explains the symbols and traditions behind the design. Opening hours vary by season, and your guide will plan the visit to suit the day.

Lanes, shops and a private day from Shanghai

The old streets of Zhujiajiao are lined with small shops, workshops and food stalls that sell local snacks and crafts. Food and drinks are not included, so you can try whatever appeals at your own cost. Your guide can suggest regional specialities and tell you which are worth trying.

The trip is private from start to finish, with a driver who collects you at the hotel and brings you back. If you are looking for a Shanghai day trip to a water town, this half-day is an easy choice, and the booking panel shows the available start times. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles. Bring cash for any small purchases.