Zhujiajiao: Shanghai’s Venice
Zhujiajiao (朱家角) is Shanghai’s most accessible water town—a 400-year-old canal village of stone bridges, traditional buildings, and narrow waterways. It’s an easy day trip that feels like stepping back centuries.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|
| Location | Qingpu District, 30-48 km west of Shanghai |
| Transport | Metro Line 17 direct |
| Admission | Town free; attractions priced individually |
| Best Time | Early morning (avoid crowds) |
Getting There
By Metro (Recommended)
| Route | Duration | Cost |
|---|
| Hongqiao → Line 17 → Zhujiajiao | 37 min | ¥8 |
| People’s Square → Line 2 transfer → Line 17 | 60-90 min | ¥8 |
Detailed Route:
- Take Line 2 or Line 10 → Transfer at Hongqiao Railway Station
- Line 17 (toward Xichen)
- Exit at Zhujiajiao Station, Exit 1
- Walk 15-30 min or take local bus to town center
💡 Pro Tip: Metro is the cheapest and most convenient option. Trains run every 10 minutes.
Alternative Transport
| Method | From | Cost | Duration |
|---|
| Tourist bus | Shanghai Stadium | ¥12 | 60 min |
| Taxi/DiDi | City center | ¥150-200 | 45-60 min |
Day Itinerary
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
| Time | Location | Activity | Duration |
|---|
| 8:00 AM | Depart Shanghai | Metro Line 17 | 60-90 min |
| 9:30 AM | Zhujiajiao Station | Walk to town | 15 min |
| 10:00 AM | Town entrance | Enter (free) | - |
| 10:30 AM | Fangsheng Bridge | Photos | 30 min |
| 11:00 AM | Canal boat ride | Traditional boat | 30 min |
| 11:30 AM | Kezhi Garden | Garden tour | 45 min |
Afternoon (12:30 - 5:30 PM)
| Time | Location | Activity | Duration |
|---|
| 12:30 PM | Local restaurant | Lunch | 60 min |
| 1:30 PM | North Street walk | Shopping, snacks | 60 min |
| 2:30 PM | City God Temple | Taoist temple | 30 min |
| 3:00 PM | Post Office Museum | Send a postcard | 30 min |
| 3:30 PM | Canalside teahouse | Rest | 45 min |
| 4:15 PM | South Street walk | Quiet lanes | 45 min |
| 5:00 PM | Fangsheng Bridge sunset | Final photos | 30 min |
| 5:30 PM | Walk to metro | Departure | 20 min |
Evening (6:00 PM+)
| Time | Activity |
|---|
| 6:00 PM | Metro back to Shanghai |
| 7:30 PM | Arrive Shanghai, dinner |
Must-See Attractions
1. Fangsheng Bridge (放生桥) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Features | 5-arch stone bridge, built 1571 |
| Length | 72 meters |
| Photo tip | Shoot from southwest riverbank |
| Admission | Free |
💡 Pro Tip: Morning and golden hour light are best for photos!
2. Canal Boat Ride ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Price | ¥150/boat (seats 6 people) |
| Duration | ~20 minutes |
| Features | Traditional wooden boat through canals |
💡 Pro Tip: Cost per person is ¥25-40 if you share with other travelers.
3. Kezhi Garden (课植园) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Features | Town’s largest private garden |
| Architecture | Ming/Qing dynasty style |
| Admission | ¥10 |
| Time needed | 45-60 minutes |
4. City God Temple (城隍庙) ⭐⭐⭐
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Features | 400-year-old Taoist temple |
| Admission | ¥5 |
5. Post Office Museum ⭐⭐⭐
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Features | Qing dynasty post office |
| Admission | ¥5 |
| Activity | Send a postcard home! |
Local Food
Must-Try Items
| Food | Description | Price |
|---|
| Zongzi (粽子) | Sticky rice in lotus leaf | ¥5-15 |
| Zharou (扎肉) | Lotus-wrapped pork | ¥15-30 |
| River shrimp (河虾) | Fresh local catch | ¥50-80 |
| Huangjiu (黄酒) | Traditional rice wine | ¥10-20 |
Dining Tips
Riverside restaurants offer fresh local cuisine. Avoid obviously tourist-targeted places—venture into side lanes for better value and authenticity.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|
| Straw sandals | Handmade traditional | ¥30-50 |
| Traditional crafts | Embroidery, ceramics | Various |
| Dried fruits/snacks | Local specialties | ¥20-50 |
| Huangjiu | Rice wine bottles | ¥20-50 |
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Transport (round-trip) | ¥16 |
| Attraction admission | ¥20-30 |
| Boat ride (per person) | ¥25-40 |
| Food | ¥80-150 |
| Total | ¥150-250 |
Practical Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|
| Metro | Easiest and cheapest (¥8) |
| Atmosphere | Similar to visiting a historic village |
| Payment | Most places accept WeChat/Alipay |
| Time needed | Half-day tour popular with short-trip visitors |
What to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|
| Weekends/holidays | Extremely crowded |
| Rainy days | Stone paths get slippery |
| Peak summer (July-August) | Hot and humid |
| Chinese holidays | New Year, National Day, etc. |
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Rating | Notes |
|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Nice weather, flowers blooming |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cool and clear |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | ⭐⭐ | Hot and humid |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Quiet but cold |
Alternative: Qibao Ancient Town (七宝古镇)
Prefer something closer? Qibao is inside Shanghai proper:
| Comparison | Qibao | Zhujiajiao |
|---|
| Distance | Metro Line 9 | Metro Line 17 |
| Travel time | 30 min | 60-90 min |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Character | More commercial | More traditional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there English signage?
Major attractions have English signs. Restaurants mostly use Chinese menus—point and smile works fine.
How many hours do I need?
4-6 hours covers the highlights. Full day allows a relaxed pace with tea breaks.
Should I bring an umbrella?
In spring/fall, weather changes quickly. A compact umbrella is always wise.
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Admission prices and hours may vary.
