Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town: Family Travel Guide

Why Zhujiajiao is perfect for families:

- Relaxing pace: ditch the bustling city explorations for a leisurely meander along the streets or on a boat.

- Manageable size: Unlike sprawling cities, Zhujiajiao is a compact town and can be easily explored within 1 day.

- Kid-friendly activities: There are hidden alleyways to explore, leisurely boat rides, colourful shops and yummy local snacks to enjoy.

- Interesting finds: whether its the local food or interesting history, there is always something for the curious mind.

Zhujiajiao Tourism Area

@anniekatt

A historic watertown that's a 1 hour metro ride from Shanghai downtown, followed by 15mins walk into the heart of the watertown.

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Getting to Zhujiajiao

METRO

If you are staying in Pudong or Puxi, get the Metro to Shanghai Hongqiao station and then transfer to the 17 Line. Your exit station is at Zhujiajiao Station. From there is about a 15min walk to the Ancient Town. The Metro travel time is about 1 hour. It is usually less crowded earlier in the day (we traveled at around 9am) and easy to get a seat for the whole family. The journey is overground, so there are plenty of sights to see.

I would recommend taking the Metro as there is more space for restless kids. The journey is overground, so there is plenty to see both out the window and after you exit the station.

TAXI

A taxi can get you close to the heart of the Ancient Town or the Kezhi Garden with minimal walking. Travel time can be anywhere from 45mins to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and travelling during peak hours. Ask to be taken to the northern car park near Kezhi Garden.

What's in Zhujiajiao

Zhujiajiao is a quintessential water town because of its extensive network of waterways throughout the town. Centuries ago, it was the main mode of transport for trade and travel, and the canals are still in use - although mainly for taking travellers on a relaxing ride instead of ferrying goods. 

Alongside the canals, the buildings are built in the traditional Chinese style, with whitewashed walls and black tiled roofs. Many of the buildings have balconies overlooking the water or steps that lead to the water. They are residences, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle, but as you get closer to the centre of the town they turn into shops and restaurants.

Zhujiajiao has 36 bridges that connect the various parts of the town across the canals. These bridges, mainly made from stone, vary in shape, size and style. They are beautiful architectural sights from the Qing dynasty, adding to the charming water town atmosphere.

There is plenty to see if you choose to explore on foot. From historical buildings to local shops and cat cafes, there is much to discover as you wander around. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and have AliPay or WeChat Pay set up beforehand. The town is very popular for both local and international visitors, especially on weekends and public holidays, so try and visit during the weekday. The best time to be out and about is early morning or early evening / night. 

Discover Zhujiajiao

Historical sights

Qing Dynasty Post Office Former Site

@anniekatt

This is a well-preserved Qing era post office / museum / shop. You can buy postcards and mail them to yourself or family, with a local Qing stamp on them. The museum section features interesting artefacts and descriptions in Mandarin and English explaining the development of postal communication in China. Scavenger hunt: Look for the ancient post box guarded by a dragon.

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Chenghuang Temple Ticket Office

@anniekatt

This City God temple is dedicated to the local deity believed to protect the town. The temple offers a glimpse into the ancient Chinese ethnic religious cultures, with the Lord and Lady enshrined in the Main Hall. Walking along the wing rooms on either side, you will find more rooms dedicated to other deities. Scavenger hunt: Keep an eye out for the three treasures in the temple: the stage, the abacus and the 300 year old gingko tree.

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Fangsheng Bridge

@anniekatt

There are many old and beautiful bridges in Zhujiajiao, but the Fangsheng Bridge is the most iconic. It was built in the 17th century. The name translates to 'Releasing Life Bridge' because this was where Buddhists released captured animals. It is very popular with locals and tourists as they cross back and forth over the bridge. Scavenger hunt: Count the arches on this stone bridge - its the only bridge in Zhujiajiao with 5 arches.

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Hexinyuan

@anniekatt

A hidden garden right next to the popular Kezhi Garden. Hexinyuan is a very well-maintained garden filled with antique collections by a private collector. Scavenger hunt: Look for the many bonsai trees around the garden and the manor.

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Kezhi Garden Wharf

@anniekatt

A beautiful, serene garden that is a mix of Chinese and Western architecture. There are three parts to the garden: a residential hall, the garden area with pavilions and ponds, and the hill area. Be sure to visit the Moon View Pavilion on the rooftop for beautiful views of Zhujiajiao. Scavenger hunt: On ground, look for the water buffalo.

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Yuanjin Temple

@anniekatt

A small but old Buddhist temple from the mid-1300s. There are several inscriptions by great calligraphers and scholars around the temple. Scavenger hunt: Find the well with clear water. It's inscription says 'emerging moon'.

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Cultural experiences

1. Explore the canals of Zhujiajiao on a gondola. There are an options for a short trip along the main canal or longer trips throughout the town. Tickets can be bought at the following docks: Chenghuang (City God) Temple, Fangsheng Bridge or Kezhi Garden.

2. Try the local delights. Many of the restaurants have typical Shanghainese food with similar menus, so look for a restaurant that has good views from the balcony. Being along the waterways means that fresh fish is a speciality in almost all the restaurants. There is a constant supply of fish and eels in tanks, and you can pick your fish when you order. The mandarin fish in sweet and sour sauce was amazing.

If you prefer snacking and walking, try the pork belly wrapped in leaves and cooked in a dark sauce.

For the adventurous, look for the shop selling deep-fried scorpions / spiders / bugs on a stick.

Dragon's beard is like a chewier version of candy floss and comes in a variety of flavours including osmanthus (local flower) and rose (our favourite).

Food on a stick includes desserts - tanghulu made with Chinese hawthorn is the original tanghulu. It is not as sweet as the other fruits; if you are going for sweet try the strawberry tanghulu.

Red and green bean cakes are a local treat. Have them warm for the best taste.

Sugar painting, where liquid sugar is pulled into intricate designs of dragons and butterflies on a stick, is popular with young ones. 

3. Explore the shops. Beida Street and Dongjing Streets are narrow, well-preserved streets that offer a glimpse of what Zhujiajiao used to be 100 years ago. The buildings are close together, with shops on the ground floor and residences in the floor above. Walking along the winding streets, you can find spices, silks, biscuits, street foods, gift shops, wines, clothing and many other souvenirs.

Dongjing Street

@anniekatt

Narrow street with plenty of shops and street food stalls. Excellent local food, especially the bean cakes.

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Xijing Street

@anniekatt

Winding street along the water, with souvenir and food shops. Try the wontons for a quick snack.

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Caohe Street

@anniekatt

Picturesque street with a few coffeeshops where you can sit and relax while taking in the sights.

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Book a tour

Another way to get to know this little town better is to go on a private tour, which can be booked online and be tailored to your preferences.

Zhujiajiao offers a chance to step back in time and experience its peaceful beauty. Once you have soaked in the quiet vibes, you will feel energised to explore the big cities again. 

🧳 Be sure to save this guide to your Thatch library if you are planning a trip to Zhujiajiao!

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