Tourism GuideZhujiajiao Water Town
A classic canal town of bridges and white-walled houses, known as the 'Venice of Shanghai'.
Key Information
History
More than 1,700 years old
Bridges
36 ancient bridges; Fangsheng Bridge dates to 1571
Ticket Notes
Town free; paid sights about ¥20-30 each
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings to avoid crowds
About Zhujiajiao Water Town
Zhujiajiao is a 1,700-year-old water town about an hour from central Shanghai, crisscrossed by nine rivers and home to 36 ancient bridges. The five-arch Fangsheng Bridge, built in 1571, is the largest stone arch bridge in the region. Wandering the lanes reveals traditional houses, wooden boat rides, and local snacks such as zongzi and roasted pork. The town itself is free and open 24 hours, while individual sights like Kezhi Garden charge a small fee.
Things to Do
- Cross the five-arch Fangsheng Bridge
- built in 1571
- Take a traditional wooden boat ride along the canals
- Explore the 400-year-old Kezhi Garden
- Sample local snacks like zongzi and roasted pork on the old streets
- Visit the Yuanjin Buddhist temple by the water
- Photograph the canalside houses in early morning light