Yan Zhou
What's Inside
I've been leading tours to Zhujiajiao for over seven years. And honestly? The first time I went, I almost hated it. Crowded, overpriced snacks, and I had no clue where I was going. But after dozens of trips—and plenty of mistakes—I've cracked the code. Here is the real Zhujiajiao Water Town 1 day tour that actually works.
Why Zhujiajiao and Not the Others?
Shanghai has several water towns—Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, Tongli. Zhujiajiao is the closest (45–60 minutes from city center), cheapest (free entry to the town itself), and least commercialized if you know where to walk. Most tourists funnel into the north-south main street. I'll show you the real east side.
Getting There: The Fastest & Cheapest Ways
Forget expensive private tours. Here are three options I use with my clients:
| Method | Cost (one way) | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station | ¥6 (subway) + ¥2 (bus or boat) | 50 min from People's Square | Budget travelers, no traffic |
| Huzhu Express Bus (from People's Square) | ¥12 | 45 min (non-stop) | Solo travelers, direct route |
| Didi (ride-hailing) from Jing'an Temple | ¥100–130 | 35–50 min (depending on traffic) | Groups of 3+, comfort |
My pick: Metro Line 17. Exit from Exit 2, then take the free shuttle bus (line 1) to the south gate. The bus runs every 10 minutes. If you're feeling photogenic, walk 15 minutes along the river—you'll see the real life of locals fishing and washing clothes.
Tickets, Reservations, and Best Time to Visit
Entrance Fees
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water town area (free) | ¥0 | No ticket needed to walk the streets |
| Combined ticket (8 attractions) | ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors) | Includes Kezhi Garden, Yuanjin Buddhist Temple, and boat ride discount |
| Boat ride (gondola style) | ¥150 per boat (up to 6 people) | Buy at the dock near the south gate |
You need to reserve the combined ticket on the official WeChat mini-program (search "Zhujiajiao Ticket"). This is a pain for foreigners—the interface is only in Chinese. I always tell my clients: ask your hotel concierge to book it for you. Or just buy the ticket at the south gate ticket office (they accept cash and Alipay).
Best time: Weekdays before 10 AM or after 3 PM. Weekends? Avoid unless you enjoy shuffling behind a sea of umbrellas. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) have the best weather. Summer is hot and crowded; winter is quiet but cold—the canals might freeze!
My Exact 1-Day Itinerary (Step by Step)
This itinerary is designed to hit the highlights without rushing, with built-in escape routes for rain or exhaustion.
9:00 AM – Arrive at South Gate
Get off the metro, take the free bus or walk. Enter through the South Gate (less crowded than the main gate). Grab a coffee at Ming's Café (a tiny hole-in-the-wall with real espresso) before the crowds flood in.
9:30 AM – Explore the East Canals (Skip Kezhi Garden)
Turn left immediately after the south gate bridge. Walk along the eastern canal path. This is where I take all my private clients—there's no souvenir stalls, just old houses, washing hanging from windows, and grandmas making dumplings. Follow it to the Fangsheng Bridge, the largest stone bridge in the town. Climb to the top for a panoramic shot.
11:00 AM – Yuanjin Buddhist Temple
A peaceful temple with a 7-story pagoda. It's included in the combined ticket. You can climb to the top for a bird's-eye view. But honestly? If you're tired of temples, skip it and wander into the small alleys north of the temple—I found a hidden courtyard with a 300-year-old ginkgo tree there.
12:30 PM – Lunch at a Local's Home (Not a Restaurant!)
I always take groups to Aunt Li's Home Kitchen (no official name—look for a red lantern outside, address: 18 Dongjing Street). She runs a small dining room in her house. Try steamed white fish with ginger and stir-fried water greens. Cost: ¥60–80 per person. No English menu, but she'll point and smile. Cash only!
2:00 PM – Afternoon Boat Ride (The Short but Sweet Route)
Buy a boat ticket at the south gate dock. The standard route is 20 minutes through the main canal. But I prefer the shortcut route (ask for "short route" or just point at the smaller boats). It goes through a narrow canal under low bridges—you can almost touch the walls. Much more intimate. Price: ¥80 per boat (max 4).
3:00 PM – Kezhi Garden (If You Must) or Go Shopping
Kezhi Garden is the most famous garden in Zhujiajiao. It's a classic Jiangnan scholar's garden—rockeries, koi ponds. Nice but often packed. If you have energy, go. Otherwise, browse the Boat-shaped street (near the north gate) for handmade silk scarves and preserved plums. Bargain! Start at 50% of asking price.
4:30 PM – Sunset at the Water Stage
Head to the water stage (a small square by the north gate) where locals perform kunqu opera at 5 PM (weekends only). Even if you don't understand, the costumes and music are mesmerizing. Grab a seat at Tea Time teahouse next to the stage—¥30 for a pot of jasmine tea and you can watch for an hour.
6:00 PM – Dinner and Return
End the day with Zhujiajiao specialty: braised pork belly (dongpo rou) at Old Town Restaurant (22 North Street). The meat melts in your mouth. After dinner, take the metro back—the station is a 15-minute walk from the north gate.
Where to Eat: Real Food, Not Tourist Traps
I've had my share of terrible meals in Zhujiajiao. Avoid any restaurant on the main street that has a person shouting outside with a menu in five languages. Instead:
- Aunt Li's Home Kitchen – Address: 18 Dongjing Street. Google Maps rating: 4.6 (80 reviews). Cash only. My pick: steamed fish and bamboo shoots.
- Garden Teahouse – Address: 25 West Street. Good for a light lunch of wontons and green tea. ¥30 per person. They accept Alipay.
- Old Town Restaurant – Address: 22 North Street. Google Maps 4.4. Try the dongpo rou. Large portions, ¥80–120 per person.
FAQ: What Most Travelers Get Wrong
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. All prices and schedules based on personal visits; always confirm via official channels.
No comments yet.