Compared to Wuzhen, I prefer this ancient town, not just because it's free
Here's a carefully curated travel guide to Shanghai's Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, combining watertown charm, food recommendations and hidden experiences to help you easily explore this "Oriental Venice"! 🚣♀️🍃
I. Introduction to Zhujiajiao
Zhujiajiao is one of Shanghai's four historical and cultural towns with over 1,700 years of history, known as "Shanghai's Venice" ✨. Small bridges, flowing water, Ming and Qing dynasty streets, and gray-tiled buildings perfectly recreate the gentle atmosphere and vibrant life of a Jiangnan watertown. Key highlights:
- 🌉Fangsheng Bridge: Shanghai's first stone arch bridge, offering the best view overlooking Caogang River.
- 🏮North Street: "Shanghai's premier Ming-Qing dynasty street," a hundred-meter lane hiding authentic food and handicrafts.
- 🌸Ke Zhi Garden: A mix of Jiangnan garden style and Western architecture, with beautiful photo opportunities at every turn!
II. Transportation Guide
1️⃣ Public Transportation
- 🚇Take Metro Line 17 to "Zhujiajiao Station," exit from Gate 1 and transfer to bus route 1510 (2 stops)/or walk 20 minutes to reach the ancient town.
- 🚌Direct from downtown: Take the "Shanghai-Zhujiajiao Express" from People's Square, arriving in 1 hour (💰12 yuan).
2️⃣ Self-driving
- 🚗Navigate to "Zhujiajiao Ancient Town parking lot" - multiple parking lots at town entrances (💰20 yuan/day, arrive early on weekends to secure a spot!).
3️⃣ Boat Experience
- 🚤Hand-rowed boats: 80-150 yuan/boat (seats 6 people), travel through water alleys to experience "sailing on emerald waves."
III. Must-Visit Attractions
1️⃣ Fangsheng Bridge
- 🌅Visit at sunrise or sunset, when the river surface gleams golden - every casual photo looks like a Chinese ink painting! 📸
- ❗️You can buy fish fry to release at the bridge (10 yuan/bag), perfect for blessings and good fortune~ 🐟
2️⃣ Ke Zhi Garden
- 🎫Admission 20 yuan, featuring small bridges, opera stages, and a library - wear traditional Hanfu clothing for photos that transport you into a historical drama!
3️⃣ North Street
- 🍡Food lover's paradise! Zha meat, Grandma's zongzi, oil cakes... you won't be able to stop eating as you explore!
4️⃣ Yuanjin Zen Temple
- 🏯Riverside ancient temple, climb the tower for a panoramic view of the town, popular yet peaceful (admission 10 yuan).
5️⃣ Caogang River Night View
- 🌙When lanterns light up at night, stroll along the river or take a night boat tour for maximum atmosphere!
IV. Itinerary Suggestions
Classic One-Day Tour
- 🌞Morning: Fangsheng Bridge → North Street food tour → Photo session at Ke Zhi Garden
- 🍜Lunch: Riverside restaurant to try "Three White River Delicacies" (white fish, white shrimp, silver fish with eggs)
- 🌇Afternoon: Yuanjin Zen Temple → Zhaxi Dawa Tibetan Culture Experience Museum (free Thangka exhibition) → Boat ride
- 🌃Evening: Caogang River night view + bar street for drinks (recommended: "Tea Language Coffee" riverside viewing spot)
Two-Day In-Depth Experience
- Day 1: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town core area + overnight stay at a watertown guesthouse
- Day 2: Nearby attractions:
- 🚴♂️Cycle to "Oriental Green Boat" (5 kilometers from the ancient town, camping, boating)
- 🌳Qingpu Grand View Garden (Red Chamber Dream themed garden, admission 55 yuan)
V. Food Recommendations
1️⃣ Grandma's Zongzi
- 🍙Town specialty! Egg yolk meat zongzi and red bean zongzi are soft and fragrant, 5-8 yuan each, look for the established shops on North Street.
2️⃣ Dongtian Restaurant
- 🐟Riverside old restaurant, recommended dishes: steamed white fish, vegetable rings, average 80 yuan per person.
3️⃣ Zha Meat
- 🥩Pork belly tied with bamboo leaves, rich but not greasy, 10 yuan per piece - perfect for eating while walking!
4️⃣ Wang Jiazha Grandma's Teahouse
- 🫖Try a cup of smoked green bean tea (sweet and salty), paired with malt pancakes, and experience old Shanghai tea culture~
VI. Tickets and Opening Hours
- 🎫Admission: Ancient town is free, some attractions require tickets (Ke Zhi Garden 20 yuan, Zen Temple 10 yuan, etc.), combined ticket 80 yuan (includes 6 attractions).
- ⏰Opening hours: Ancient town open all day, internal attractions 8:30-16:30 (may close earlier in winter).
- 💡Money-saving tips: Half-price with student ID, free admission to some attractions for visitors over 60!
VII. Accommodation Suggestions
- 🏡Watertown guesthouses: "Jingting Guesthouse" (renovated Ming-Qing dynasty houses, river views from windows, fall asleep to the sound of oars).
- 🏨Boutique hotels: "Zhuli Jushe" (Japanese-style hot springs + Zen design, private hot spring with river views).
- 💰Budget options: Chain hotels outside the ancient town (like JI Hotel, Home Inn), clean and convenient.
VIII. Important Notes
1️⃣ 👟Wear flat shoes! The cobblestone paths are uneven, and high heels can easily cause ankle injuries.
2️⃣ 🚤Boat prices are negotiable! During non-holiday periods when there are fewer visitors, you can bargain for 60-80 yuan per boat.
3️⃣ 🚮Protect the watertown environment, don't throw trash into the waterways.
4️⃣ 📸Avoid peak crowds: Weekends/holidays are extremely crowded, better to visit on weekdays or arrive before 9 AM.
IX. Hidden Experiences
- 🎨Handicraft experiences: Try painting fans or making oil paper umbrellas on North Street (about 50 yuan per person, for unique souvenirs!).
- 🌿Morning stroll: The ancient town is quiet and empty from 7:00-8:30 AM, with rising smoke from kitchens - perfect time for photographers!
- 🛶Water market: Occasionally on weekend mornings, you might encounter rowing boats selling lotus roots and water chestnuts, experiencing authentic Jiangnan daily life.
✨Tip: Zhujiajiao is beautiful in all seasons — spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers lotus ponds, autumn features hairy crabs, and winter shows snowy charm. Just 1 hour from downtown Shanghai, it perfectly balances an escape from the hustle with convenient travel!
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