Zhujiajiao Water Town Guide

Zhujiajiao is a canal town on the western edge of Shanghai, and it is the easiest place to see the watery landscape that once covered the whole Yangtze delta. Its narrow canals, arched stone bridges and old wooden houses have survived for centuries, and it is just an hour from the city centre by metro. It is touristy, but it is also lovely, especially if you visit early or late in the day.

A town built on water

Settlement here is often said to go back more than a thousand years, and the town grew as a market place on the waterways. Canals were the roads, and boats carried rice, cloth and goods to and from the city. Many of the old shops and houses along the water date from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the layout of the canals and lanes has barely changed.

The bridges

The town is known for its many stone bridges, and local people often say there are thirty-six of them. The most famous is the Fangsheng Bridge, a graceful five-arched span from the sixteenth century, which is the longest and highest in town. Its name refers to the Buddhist tradition of releasing living creatures, and the view from the top over the canals and the tiled roofs is the classic postcard. Walk across at least one bridge for the view.

Boat rides

A ride on a small wooden boat, poled by a boatman, is a highlight for many visitors. Boats leave from several landings, and prices are usually per boat, not per person, with fixed tariffs for set routes. Look up the price at the ticket window before you board, and avoid agreeing to a private deal with touts. A short ride is enough, and the light on the water is best in the early morning or late afternoon.

Houses, gardens and the post office

Several historic sites deserve a look. A large private garden from the early twentieth century combines Chinese and Western touches. A temple stands near the water, and a Qing dynasty post office, one of the oldest in China, now holds a small museum. Some sites require tickets, and a combined ticket may be offered, so ask at the gate. Opening hours vary, so confirm ahead.

Food and snacks

The town is famous for its rice dumplings, wrapped in leaves and steamed, with sweet or savoury fillings. It is also known for a braised pork dish, served in rich sauce, and for freshwater fish and shrimp from the surrounding lakes. The lanes along the water are crowded with food stalls, and many are solid, though prices are higher than in the city. For a quieter meal, walk away from the main canal.

Beating the crowds

Zhujiajiao is extremely busy on weekends and public holidays, when the lanes can be shoulder to shoulder. Go on a weekday where possible, and arrive early, before about ten in the morning. Stay late, too, because the day-trippers thin out in the evening, and the lanterns and reflections are lovely. Wear flat shoes, because the stone paths are uneven and can be slippery.

Getting there

Metro line 17 runs to Zhujiajiao station, and from there it is a short walk or a quick taxi to the old town. The journey from the centre takes about an hour, with a change of lines, and it is an easy day out. A taxi or ride app is quicker but more expensive. Verify the last train back if you plan to stay late.

Pairing it well

Zhujiajiao is a solid half-day trip, and it is the easiest water town to reach. For a bigger canal experience, the city of Suzhou offers gardens, canals and silk, while Hangzhou has its famous lake. A river cruise in the city is a different kind of water day.

What to skip

You do not need to buy every ticket, and you can skip the busiest weekend afternoons. If you dislike crowds, choose a weekday morning or go to a quieter water town.