Zhujiajiao Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai

1. Start

   Shanghai Hotel Pickup & Transfer

   Begin with pickup from your Shanghai hotel and a private transfer to Zhujiajiao. The drive takes about one hour.

2. Stop 1

   Kezhi Garden

   Explore Zhujiajiao's largest and best-known private garden, where traditional Chinese garden design meets Western-style architecture. See ponds, pavilions, winding corridors, rockeries, lotus pools and a tall library tower that reflects the lifestyle of a wealthy family from the past.

3. Stop 2

   Hexin Garden

   Continue to a smaller and more intimate Jiangnan garden with bridges, clear ponds, bonsai trees, elegant pavilions and a distinctive waterside stage described in the tour information as the only one of its kind in Shanghai.

4. Stop 3

   Fangsheng Bridge

   Walk across Zhujiajiao's landmark five-arch stone bridge, built in 1571 during the Ming Dynasty. Its name means “releasing fish,” a reference to a traditional local practice, and the bridge offers wide views over the canals and old town.

5. Lunch

   Local Lunch at Your Own Expense

   Take a break for an authentic local lunch. Suggested local flavors from the tour plan include braised pork, river shrimp, steamed rice cakes and fresh snacks.

6. Stop 4

   North Street

   Walk along Zhujiajiao's main ancient street, lined with old shops, red lanterns, traditional food stalls, handmade crafts and local snacks.

7. Stop 5

   Qing Dynasty Post Office

   Visit a well-preserved historic post office from the Qing Dynasty, described in the tour information as one of the oldest surviving post offices in East China. Displays include old stamps, letters and vintage postal tools, and visitors can send a postcard with an old-style postmark.

8. Stop 6

   City God Temple

   Discover a 250-year-old Taoist temple with traditional architecture, an old opera stage, detailed wood carvings and a 340-year-old ginkgo tree, offering insight into Zhujiajiao's local beliefs and culture.

9. Stop 7

   Yuanjin Temple

   Visit a 680-year-old Buddhist temple beside the canal. From its high pavilion, enjoy a bird's-eye view across bridges, waterways and old houses.

10. Stop 8

    Traditional Rowboat Ride

    Slow down with a wooden rowboat ride through the canals, passing beneath stone bridges and alongside historic houses. The boat ride is not included in the tour price and is paid separately.

11. Finish

    Free Time & Return to Shanghai

    Enjoy free time for photos, shopping or riverside tea before the private drive back to Shanghai and drop-off at your hotel.

Please note: only the Kezhi Garden ticket is listed as included. Other entrance fees, lunch, tips and the rowboat ride are paid separately.