Yan Zhou
I spent a full day in Zhujiajiao last autumn, and let me tell you, it’s more than just pretty canals. If you’re wondering what to do in Zhujiajiao water town, you’re in for a mix of serene boat rides, hidden temples, and street food that’ll make your taste buds dance. This place is about 40 kilometers from central Shanghai, but it feels worlds apart. I’ll walk you through everything from ticket prices to the best spots for photos, based on my own experience. Forget generic lists—here’s what actually matters when you visit.
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Canal Boat Rides: The Heart of Zhujiajiao
You can’t visit Zhujiajiao without getting on a boat. I mean, it’s a water town. The canals are the lifeline, and a boat ride gives you a perspective you won’t get from walking. I hopped on one near Fangsheng Bridge, and it was worth every yuan.
Where to Board and What to Expect
The main boarding point is at the north end of the town, close to the Kezhi Garden. Address: No. 1 Xihu Street, Zhujiajiao, Qingpu District, Shanghai. Boats operate from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Ticket price is 80 RMB per person for a 30-minute ride. They cram about six people into a wooden boat, so if you’re claustrophobic, maybe skip it. But the guide—a local who rows manually—points out old houses and shares stories. I found the afternoon light perfect for photos, but mornings are less crowded.
Fangsheng Bridge and Kezhi Garden
Fangsheng Bridge is iconic. It’s this stone arch bridge built in the Ming Dynasty, and from the top, you see canals weaving through. No ticket needed for the bridge itself. Kezhi Garden, right next to it, charges 20 RMB entry. Open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It’s a classical Chinese garden with ponds and pavilions. I spent an hour here, and the tranquility was a nice break from the tourist buzz. Pro tip: the garden gets packed after 10 AM, so go early.
During my boat ride, I noticed something most guides miss: the water level changes with the tide. The boatman said it affects the ride smoothness—low tide can make it bumpier. Ask about tide times if you’re sensitive to that.
Historical Sites and Temples
Zhujiajiao isn’t just scenery; it’s steeped in history. I visited two spots that stood out, and both are easy to miss if you’re not looking.
Yuanjin Buddhist Temple
Tucked away on a side street, Yuanjin Temple is a quiet gem. Address: 258 Caohe Road, Zhujiajiao. Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is 10 RMB. It’s a working temple, so you’ll see monks chanting. The architecture dates back to the Song Dynasty, and the incense scent is overwhelming in a good way. I spent 30 minutes here, and it felt peaceful compared to the main streets. Don’t expect fancy exhibits—it’s raw and authentic.
Zhujiajiao Post Office Museum
This one surprised me. It’s a small museum in an old post office building. Address: 2 Beidajie Street. Open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, closed on Mondays. Free entry. They have vintage stamps and telephones from the early 1900s. It’s quirky, but if you’re into history, it’s worth a quick look. I spent 15 minutes here—perfect for a rainy day.
Here’s a table summarizing key sites:
| Attraction | Address | Hours | Ticket Price (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fangsheng Bridge | Xihu Street area | Always open | Free |
| Kezhi Garden | Next to Fangsheng Bridge | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | 20 |
| Yuanjin Temple | 258 Caohe Road | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM | 10 |
| Post Office Museum | 2 Beidajie Street | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed Mon) | Free |
| Canal Boat Ride | North end near Kezhi Garden | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | 80 per person |
Local Food You Must Try
Food is a big part of the Zhujiajiao experience. I wandered the alleys and tried everything from sweet snacks to savory bites. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.
Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them
Zongzi – These are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. I found the best at a stall near the canal intersection on Beidajie Street. Price: 5 RMB each. They’re filled with pork or red bean—go for the pork if you’re hungry.
Fried Stinky Tofu – Yes, it smells, but taste it. There’s a vendor by Fangsheng Bridge who fries it fresh. 10 RMB for a plate. I thought it’d be gross, but it’s crispy and tangy.
Sweet Osmanthus Cake – A light dessert sold in many shops. I bought some from “Old Street Snacks” on Xijin Street. 15 RMB for a box. It’s floral and not too sweet.
For a sit-down meal, I ate at “Water Town Restaurant” on Zhongda Street. Address: 45 Zhongda Street. Open 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Their braised pork belly is famous—costs 60 RMB. Portions are huge, so share. The service was slow when I went, but the food made up for it.
Shopping for Souvenirs
Shopping in Zhujiajiao is about crafts and local products. I picked up a few things, and here’s what’s worth your money.
Hand-painted Fans – Sold in shops along the main canal. Price ranges from 30 to 100 RMB depending on size. I bought a small one for 40 RMB—it’s decorative, not practical for fanning.
Silk Scarves – There’s a store called “Silk Heritage” on Beidajie Street. Scarves start at 80 RMB. They feel luxurious, but check for authenticity; some are synthetic.
Local Tea – Green tea from the region is sold in many stalls. I got a pack for 50 RMB. It’s mild and refreshing. Avoid the overly packaged ones—they’re often overpriced.
Bargaining is common in smaller stalls. I managed to knock 10% off by being friendly. Don’t push too hard; these are local businesses.
A Perfect Day Trip Itinerary
Based on my visit, here’s how to spend a day in Zhujiajiao without rushing. This assumes you’re coming from Shanghai.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive early. Take the metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station—it’s about 1.5 hours from downtown Shanghai. Exit and walk 10 minutes to the town entrance. Start with Fangsheng Bridge and Kezhi Garden. The light is good for photos, and crowds are thin.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Head to “Water Town Restaurant” or grab street food. Try zongzi and fried tofu. Eat by the canal for views.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Take a canal boat ride from the north boarding point. After, visit Yuanjin Temple for some quiet time. Then, explore the Post Office Museum if you’re interested.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM): Shop for souvenirs along Beidajie Street. Pick up tea or a fan. I found prices drop a bit near closing time.
Evening: Most sites close by 5:30 PM, so head back to Shanghai. The last metro leaves around 10 PM, but I left by 6 PM to avoid rush hour.
Transportation tip: From Shanghai, you can also take bus Huzhu Special Line from People’s Square. It costs 12 RMB and takes 2 hours. I preferred the metro for reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zhujiajiao worth visiting for a day trip from Shanghai?
Absolutely, if you want a break from city chaos. It offers a glimpse into traditional water town life. But manage expectations—it’s touristy, so go on a weekday if possible. I found Sundays overly crowded.
How much does it cost to enter Zhujiajiao Water Town?
Entry to the town itself is free. You only pay for specific attractions like Kezhi Garden (20 RMB) or boat rides (80 RMB). Budget around 150-200 RMB per person for a full day including food and tickets.
What’s the best time of year to visit Zhujiajiao?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal. Weather is mild, and the canals are pleasant. I visited in October, and it was perfect—not too hot, with fewer mosquitoes. Summer can be humid and packed with tourists.
Can I visit Zhujiajiao with kids?
Yes, but keep an eye on them near the water. The boat rides are safe, but the streets are narrow and crowded. I saw families enjoying it, but bring snacks—kid-friendly food options are limited.
Are there any hidden gems in Zhujiajiao that most tourists miss?
Yuanjin Temple is often overlooked. Also, wander the side alleys north of the main canal—I found quiet tea houses and local homes. One alley had a tiny calligraphy shop where the owner let me try writing. It’s these spots that give a real feel of the place.
Information verified as of latest visit. Zhujiajiao is a living town, so details like ticket prices might change, but the essence remains. My biggest takeaway? Slow down. Don’t rush from site to site; sit by a canal, watch the boats, and soak in the history. It’s what makes the trip memorable.
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