Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
This ancient water town is known as the “Venice of Shanghai”
Zhu Jia Jiao Ancient Town is one of Shanghai‘s four famous historical towns. It’s got over 1,700 years of history. This place is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing buildings, beautiful waterways, and lots of historical sites. It’s a great spot to walk around and enjoy the Jiangnan water town vibe. You can also learn about traditional Chinese culture and history here.
You can stroll on the stone-paved streets, check out the pretty brick-carved gates, and try some Shanghai local food. Main attractions include Fangsheng Bridge, Yuanjin Zen Temple, the Qing Post Office, Kezhiyuan, and Hexinyuan. The town is open all day, and you can get in for free. But some paid spots are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Table of Contents
Highlights
Fangsheng Bridge (Setting-fish-free Bridge) (Chinese name: 放生桥)
Fangsheng Bridge, also called Setting-Fish-Free Bridge, is the biggest and longest stone bridge in Shanghai. They call it “Shanghai’s First Bridge.” It’s 70.8 meters long and 5.8 meters wide, and the design is pretty neat.At the pier, you can get awesome panoramic views. When the sun sets, the water sparkles, and the lights on both sides create a great vibe.
The bridge still has the tradition of releasing fish on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month. On special days like Buddha’s birthday, lots of people come here to free fish and other small animals.
Yuanjin Zen Temple (圆津禅院)
Yuanjin Zen Temple is the most beautiful spot for photos in ZhuJiaJiao. The views here are wide open, with boats coming and going. This ancient temple has a history of over 680 years, built during the Yuan Dynasty (1341-1368). It’s a key cultural site in ZhuJiaJiao, perfect for understanding Chinese Buddhist culture and the lives of scholars during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Inside the temple, the Qinghua Pavilion is a great place to climb up and enjoy the view. Visitors can see the Twelve Sceneries of Zhu Creek and soak in the beautiful scenery of the Jiangnan water town.
Qing Dynasty Post Office (大清邮局)
The Qing Dynasty Post Office in ZhuJiaJiao is the only Qing-era post office site in East China, with a history of over 120 years. It dates back to 1896 when Emperor Guangxu approved the establishment of the Qing Postal Bureau, marking the birth of modern postal services in China. This building is not just a historical witness; it’s a cultural landmark in ZhuJiaJiao.
In 2022, this century-old post office underwent a complete upgrade and reopened. Inside, it retains its original Ming and Qing architectural style while adding modern elements. The main colors are blue from Qingpu fabric and green from the water transport post office, preserving the overall structure and original doors and windows. They also created spaces for coffee, cultural products, and galleries, giving the post office a diverse cultural function.
Ke Zhi Garden (课植园)
Ke Zhi Yuan is a manor-style private garden that started construction in the first year of the Republic of China (1912) and took 15 years to complete. The name “Ke Zhi” means “don’t forget to cultivate while studying,” showing the owner’s emphasis on education and agriculture.
The architectural style blends Chinese and Western elements. It features the delicate beauty of traditional Chinese gardens along with some Western architectural traits. Ke Zhi Yuan consists of three main areas: the hall area, the artificial mountain area, and the garden area, with over 200 buildings and living spaces.
Hexin Garden (和心园)
He Xin Garden is not just a private collection museum owned by Zhao Guoliang, a Chinese-American collector, but also a place that showcases his treasures in a private courtyard style. The garden is divided into several courtyards, each with its unique entrance.
The building components are made up of antiques and old items from the Ming and Qing dynasties that the owner collected from various places. This creates a rich cultural and historical atmosphere. The garden features a fish pond, a Qing dynasty stone ox, a Ming dynasty stone sheep, and a Yuan dynasty bluestone lion, all showcasing a wealth of historical significance.
Attraction Surprises
Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Boat Tour (朱家角古镇游船)
The boat ride costs 200 CNY (about 30 USD) per boat, and a boat can hold up to 6 people. You can share a boat with others. It’s best to go in the evening when it’s cool, and the ancient town lights up beautifully at night.
Popular Restaurants Near Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Fishing Water Home 渔水之家
White-cut chicken
White-cut chicken is a must-try in Zhujiajiao. Almost every restaurant has it. This place serves it with tender skin and juicy meat—definitely not dry. Dipping it in soy sauce is just perfect. The sauce soaks up the rich flavors of the chicken skin.
Wild vegetable and tofu soup
The wild vegetable and tofu soup is warm and not greasy at all. If you’re not into meaty broths, this is a great option.
Salted meat rice
The salted meat rice is the restaurant’s signature dish. It takes a bit longer to prepare, but it’s totally worth the wait. Each grain of rice is distinct and packed with flavor. You definitely need to give it a try!Address:
131 Xijing Street (near the main entrance of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town)
Hours:
Daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Average Spend:
86 CNY per person (about $12)
Hongde Lou · Homegrown Garden (Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Location) 弘德楼·自家菜园 (朱家角古镇店)
- Farmhouse Free-Range Eggs: This dish perfectly blends the fresh taste of silverfish with the rich flavor of free-range eggs. Silverfish are small and delicate, packed with protein and nutrients, while the farmhouse eggs bring a strong egg aroma and hearty texture.
Spicy Fried Eel Strips: Crispy and spicy, the eel is cut into even, fine strips, glistening with a rich brown color and a strong soy sauce aroma. A bite of the eel is tender and elastic, with no fishy taste at all. - Address:
35 Xijing Street, Zhujiajiao (Next to Gate 1 of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Parking Lot, beside Zhonglong Bridge)
Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Average Spend:
82 CNY per person (approximately 11 USD)
Practical Travel Tips
- Recommended visit time is about 5 hours. The night in Zhujiajiao is just as charming.
- Boat rides aren’t priced per person; it’s for the whole boat (200 CNY per boat, which can hold 6 people, little kids don’t count). If you don’t have enough people, you can wait and share a boat with other visitors.
- If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot in Zhujiajiao. But it’s better to park on the street about 700-800 meters away because it’s free and not far from the ancient town.
- After 8 PM, some shops will start closing, except for restaurants.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Open year-round from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with the latest ticket pickup time at 3:00 PM.
Admission
- 80 CNY (approximately $11)
How to Get to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
By Bus
- From downtown Shanghai, you can take several bus lines to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, like the Zhuxu Line, Shangzhu Line, and Qingfeng Line. All of these lines stop at the Zhujiajiao Bus Station.
By Subway
- The easiest way to reach Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is to take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station.
