Zhujiajiao, China: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Looking for a break from Shanghai's busy vibe? Head to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, just 50 km away. It offers a peek into China's past with its bridges, canals, and houses. It's a lot like Venice, but with traditional Chinese charm.

Zhujiajiao is perfect if you're short on time in Shanghai. It's in the Qingpu District and around for over 1,700 years. You can boat, walk, or take great photos here. It's a real treat for any visitor.

So, what's so special about Zhujiajiao? Let's see the top things you can do in this magical spot.

Key Takeaways

• Zhujiajiao is a 1,700-year-old water town near Shanghai, known for its well-preserved architecture and tranquil canals.
• Popular activities in Zhujiajiao include boating, walking, and photography, with must-see attractions like ancient bridges and buildings.
• Zhujiajiao is a great option for travelers with limited time in Shanghai, as it offers a glimpse into Chinese culture and history.
• The town's picturesque setting and similarity to Venice make it a unique and charming day trip or weekend getaway from the city.
• Visitors can explore Zhujiajiao's historic streets, gardens, and temples, as well as enjoy boat tours on the serene waterways.

Explore the Charming Ancient Water Town of Zhujiajiao

Just 50 km from downtown Shanghai's busy Bund lies the captivating Zhujiajiao ancient water town. It has over a 1,700-year history, with many of its buildings from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

Location and History

Zhujiajiao sits by the Dianpu River in the Qingpu District. This Shanghai water town has grown from a small village into a bustling place, all while keeping its Qing Dynasty architecture and canals.

Highlights of Zhujiajiao

Its ancient bridges, Chinese homes, and historic canals draw many visitors. Zhujiajiao is known as the "Venice of Shanghai." It offers a great way to dive into Chinese culture.

Best Time to Visit

Though beautiful, Zhujiajiao can be crowded on weekends and holidays. For a quieter visit, go on a weekday. This way, you can enjoy the Zhujiajiao ancient town without too many people around.

Stroll Along the Historic North Street

Among Zhujiajiao's nine old streets, North Street is the best preserved. It has buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasty eras. So, visitors can walk along this narrow street and see the ancient architecture.

Well-Preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty Architecture

Walking down North Street is like stepping back in time. Its well-preserved buildings are from the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Seeing these structures shows us a bit of Zhujiajiao ancient town's history and culture.

Shops, Restaurants, and Local Snacks

North Street has lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a great place to try local snacks and feel the history. You can find rice dumplings, sauced pig's feet, and many delicious cakes here. It makes for a tasty visit in this Shanghai water town.

Visit the Enchanting Kezhi Garden

Located in the northern part of the old district, Kezhi Garden is a Jiangnan-style haven established in 1912. It's crafted into two parts, Ke and Zhi Garden. This setup shows a belief in the balance gained from both study and farming.

Explore the Study and Farming Areas

Walking through Kezhi Garden, you'll find a perfect mix of scholarly and rural life. Ke Garden is quiet and suited for deep thought. Zhi Garden, on the other hand, showcases the area's traditional farming methods.

Architectural Gems: Wangyue Tower and Shucheng

Kezhi Garden boasts two architectural gems. The Wangyue Tower, with its pavilion-topped five stories, and Shucheng, which blends Chinese and Western styles. Classic poems from the Four Scholars of Jiangnan enhance the garden's cultural value.

Zhujiajiao, China: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Zhujiajiao is a well-known ancient water town near Shanghai. It's famous for its carefully kept Qing Dynasty architecture, lovely canals, and cultural highlights. You should wander down the historic North Street, visit the Kezhi Garden, see the Fangsheng Bridge, check out the Qing Dynasty Post Office, and visit the calm Yuanjin Buddhist Temple.

This beautiful Zhujiajiao ancient town lets you dive into Chinese culture and history. If you love architecture, taking photos, or just want peace away from busy Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is perfect for a day trip.

See the preserved Qing Dynasty architecture by the historic canals. Enjoy the Kezhi Garden, which is a mix of studying and agriculture in a Jiangnan style. Also, don't forget to visit the Fangsheng Bridge. It's Shanghai's biggest stone arch bridge.

Looking for culture or a peaceful break? Zhujiajiao has something for everyone. It's a special place among Shanghai water towns. So, make sure to visit and keep great memories of your trip to Zhujiajiao.

Admire the Iconic Fangsheng Bridge

Fangsheng Bridge is a key spot in Zhujiajiao, marking the biggest stone arch bridge in Shanghai. It was constructed in 1812. The bridge stretches over the Caogang River, featuring five arches. It’s 70 meters long and stands 5.8 meters tall.

Largest Stone Arch Bridge in Shanghai

This historic bridge shows off Qing Dynasty skills. Walking across, you're surrounded by beautiful Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings. This scene takes you on a trip back in time.

Photography Opportunities

Fangsheng Bridge is loved by photographers. It’s great for photos, with its old charm and calm water. It looks beautiful in all weather, from sunny days to misty mornings. This gives lots of chances for amazing photos.

Discover the Qing Dynasty Post Office

On Xihu Street, there's a well-preserved Qing Dynasty post office. It's considered one of the best-kept in China. This spot lets you look back at how postal services grew in China.

Well-Preserved Historical Landmark

The Qing Dynasty Post Office is a mark of the area's rich culture. Go inside to see neat rooms and detailed designs. It feels like you've traveled back to the Zhujiajiao of old times.

Exhibits and Antique Postcards

Walking in, you'll see a collection of cool exhibits. There are old postcards and letters, some on bamboo. They tell stories of the town's history and culture. It's like taking a step back to the Qing Dynasty era.

Experience the Serene Yuanjin Buddhist Temple

In Zhujiajiao's heart lies the serene Yuanjin Buddhist Temple. It's a peaceful sanctuary steeped in spiritual history. Built over 600 years ago during the Yuan Dynasty, this historic temple awaits your exploration.

Visit its halls and pavilions, including the beautiful Qinghua Pavilion.

Panoramic Views from Qinghua Pavilion

The Qinghua Pavilion offers breathtaking panoramas from the temple grounds. It's the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Zhujiajiao. As you climb its stairs, you'll see the town's canals, bridges, and architecture. This experience is both captivating and tranquil. It will leave a lasting impression on your visit.

Explore the City God Temple

The City God Temple in Zhujiajiao is a captivating site that reflects the area's rich history. When you enter, two striking stone lions are there to welcome you. They guard the temple's entrance, marking it as a sacred place.

Taoist Architecture and Stone Lions

The temple's design is impressive. It includes a special wall called a screen wall. This wall shows the famous "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea." This scene is vital in Taoism, representing deities traveling to meet the heavens.

Three Treasures: Drama Stage, Abacus, and Gingko Tree

In the heart of the temple, three precious items await. An old drama stage tells stories of the town's culture. A giant abacus shows the area's strong commercial past. And a hundred-year-old gingko tree adds a touch of nature, linking the present to Zhujiajiao's past.

This temple is an essential gem in Zhujiajiao. It gives a window into the area's Taoist history and the traditions that define it today.

Enjoy a Boat Tour on the Waterways

At Zhujiajiao, visitors can enjoy a calm boat tour. It lets you see the town's beautiful canals and waterways. These tours are about 30 minutes long.

You get to look at historic bridges and buildings. The boat can carry up to six people. This makes the trip comfortable and not too crowded.

These boat tours give a peaceful and close-up view of Zhujiajiao. You can see the charming Qing Dynasty buildings and natural views. It's perfect for a relaxing break or to learn about this ancient water town.

Conclusion

Zhujiajiao is a lovely ancient water town near Shanghai. It lets you dive deep into Chinese history and culture. You can see well-preserved places from the Qing Dynasty and take peaceful boat rides on the canals.

This town is great if you love history, or if you just want to relax. It has calm waterways, pretty bridges, and old Chinese homes. Walk around, try the local food, and enjoy the peace. A trip to Zhujiajiao will give you wonderful memories.

Why not plan a visit today? It's a perfect spot for experienced travelers or first-timers in China. So, pick up your camera and prepare to explore the endless charm of Zhujiajiao.