Zhujiajiao Water Town from Shanghai
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Canals and quaint laneways fill the water town of Zhujiajiao. Situated on the outskirts of Shanghai the town is a popular tourist destination that has, for the most part, resisted overdevelopment.
Zhujiajiao Water Town from Shanghai: (Jump To)
Everything we did while in Zhujiajiao was completely free. Some places in the town have a small fee for touring, but we managed to avoid any admission fees. Additionally, the food and shopping here were slightly more affordable than inside Shanghai.
How To Get To Zhujiajiao From Shanghai on The Subway
You can reach the ancient water town via subway reasonably easily. Google Maps is blocked by the Chinese government so navigation throughout China presents an extra challenge for foreigners. Fortunately, the Shanghai Metro is easy to navigate and covers an extensive web of the city. It’s the second-largest subway system by length in the World.
Zhujiajiao is the second-to-last stop on the 17 line, which is an extension of the 10 line. So, if you’re in central Shanghai grab the 10 line toward Hongqiao Railway Station. Take heed, some 10-line trains do not go to Hongqiao Railway Station, instead, they turn off and go to Hangzhong Rd. The Hongqiao airport terminals are also on this line. If you’re on a train going to the airport you’re on the right train.
Subway Directions To Zhujiajiao
In central Shanghai board a 10-line train toward Hongqiao Railway Station.
At Hongqiao Railway Station Transfer to a 17-line train.
Note that sometimes the 10-train just becomes the 17-train, meaning you won’t have to swap trains. English language announcements will make you aware of this.
Continue on the 17-line train until you reach Zhujiajiao station.
Once you reach the Hongqiao Railway Station at the end of the 10 line you will either continue on the same train, which becomes a 17-line train or you will have to do a quick transfer to a 17-line train. Continue on the 17-line train until you reach Zhujiajiao station.
From the station, you’ll need to walk about twenty minutes to the historic water town. There were some bicycle taxis near the station that offered to take us. You could also take a traditional taxi. The walk isn’t particularly scenic, so you won’t miss anything.
What To See in Zhujiajiao
This one-day Zhujiajiao itinerary will help you plan your day trip from Shanghai. A trip to Zhujiajiao from Shanghai can easily be enjoyed in a half day too.
The city is filled with small stone bridges crossing canals. The most famous is Fangsheng Bridge. It’s a stone-arched bridge that crosses the Dianpu River. The bridge was built in 1571 and translates to Free Live Bridge.
If you’d like a relaxing way to see all the bridges and canals you can hire a gondola that will take you on the grand tour for about 90 minutes. Tickets can be purchased near the Fangsheng Bridge. You’ll see all the boats docked near the ticket booths. They also offer a 10-minute “short trip” if you live for the IG boat selfie.
We chose to walk. After crossing the bridge a canal is lined with tourist-oriented shops and dining. I loved shopping in this area. These shops were not the standard tourist shop junk. Each shop was unique and authentic. You can find calligraphy art, silk, fans, metal art and tools, and so much good food. We walked both sides of the canal on Dongjing and Xijing Streets.
Crossing back over the bridge, on North Street, you will find a narrow alley packed with food stalls in an open market setting. As you continue walking the alley opens up. The shops become larger and more sit-down restaurants and coffee shops appear, many with seating on the canal.
We crossed the canal and followed Xihu Street all the way back to Zhuxi Road then back to the Zhujiajiao metro station. We spent about three total hours exploring the little Venice of China before heading back into the city. It ended up being one of my favorite parts of our Shanghai trip.
What To See in Zhujiajiao
Fangsheng Bridge and other bridges over the Dianpu River
Dongjing and Xijing Streets along the canal
Food Alleys near North Street
