Zhujiajiao Ancient Town | Attractions, Food, Transport & Tickets Guide

If you're visiting Shanghai and feel like escaping the city buzz for a bit, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is definitely worth adding to your itinerary! 🏮 It's the perfect place to take a slow stroll, snap pretty photos, and soak up that classic Jiangnan water town vibe.

With over 1,000 years of history, Zhujiajiao is full of charming stone bridges, old-school streets, and traditional buildings lining the canals. I love how peaceful it feels watching little boats glide along the water while wandering through the narrow lanes. And of course, you can't leave without trying some local Shanghai snacks! 😋

First time visiting Zhujiajiao? Save this guide! ✨ I've put together everything you need to plan your trip, from ticket prices and opening hours to must-visit attractions, local food, transport options, and nearby hotel deals. This way, you can plan your Shanghai day trip without the last-minute hassle!

🎟️ Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tickets

💡 Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is FREE to enter! So, if you just want to wander around the old streets, take photos of the ancient bridges, and snack your way through this charming water town, you don't have to spend much at all 😍 But if you'd like to explore the gardens, enjoy a boat ride, or arrange your transport in advance, you can check out the tickets and packages on Trip.com. It's a handy way to plan your visit without too much hassle!

⚠️ Prices are for reference only and may change. Check the Trip.com listing for the latest prices, ticket conditions, group size and available dates before booking.

🚣 Want to Enjoy a Boat Ride? Book in Advance!

When I visit a water town like Zhujiajiao, I'd definitely make time for a boat ride! 🛶 Sitting back as the boat glides along the canals, with traditional houses and ancient stone bridges on both sides, is such a lovely way to take in the scenery.

There are Line A and Line B options, with boarding points including 📍Kezhi Garden Pier, 📍City God Temple Pier and 📍North Street Pier. Just remember to check the route and boarding location before booking so you won't end up at the wrong pier!

🎫 More Zhujiajiao Tour Packages on Trip.com

Besides individual attraction tickets and boat rides, you can also look for day tours, private group tours and other travel packages on Trip.com. If it's your first time visiting Zhujiajiao, booking a package that covers transport and sightseeing can make planning much easier.

🕛 Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Opening Hours

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is open all day, so you can plan your visit around your own schedule.

⚠️ Just keep in mind that some paid attractions, such as gardens and art galleries, have their own opening hours and last admission times. If there's a particular spot you don't want to miss, check its opening hours before heading over to avoid a wasted trip!

💡 My tip: I'd recommend visiting during the day so you have enough time to explore the gardens, try local snacks, enjoy a boat ride, and snap plenty of photos.

📍 Must-Visit Attractions in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

🌉 Fangsheng Bridge

When it comes to Zhujiajiao, Fangsheng Bridge is a must-see! 🌉 This iconic five-arched stone bridge stretches across the Caogang River and is one of the town's most recognisable landmarks.

Take your time walking across the bridge and enjoy the view of traditional houses, peaceful canals, and little boats drifting along the water. It's also a lovely spot for photos if you want to capture that classic Jiangnan water town vibe.

🏮 North Street

Once you're in Zhujiajiao, I'd recommend starting with a stroll along North Street. This charming old street is lined with traditional buildings, little shops, and plenty of local snacks, making it a fun place to explore at your own pace.

Don't just walk straight through! Pop into the shops that catch your eye, browse for unique souvenirs, and grab some local treats whenever something looks tempting. 😋 It's the kind of place where you can easily spend more time than planned, especially if you love food and old-town photography.

🌿 Kezhi Garden

Fancy a quieter spot away from the busy streets? Head to Kezhi Garden, a traditional Chinese garden with beautiful courtyards, pavilions, and landscaped scenery. 🌿

I love how different the atmosphere is here compared with the lively shops along North Street. It's a nice place to slow down, admire the traditional architecture, and take photos with a classic Chinese-style backdrop. If you're planning to visit, remember that Kezhi Garden requires a ticket, so check whether a combo ticket is available before you go.

📮 Great Qing Post Office

For something a little different, make a stop at the Great Qing Post Office. 📮 This historic site offers a glimpse into postal services during the Qing Dynasty, adding a bit of history to your water town adventure.

If you're interested in old buildings and local heritage, it's worth including in your walking route. You can explore it along the way while wandering through the nearby streets and canals, so there's no need to make a separate trip just to visit.

🏯 City God Temple

Want to see another side of Zhujiajiao beyond its bridges and canals? Drop by the City God Temple to discover more about the town's traditional religious culture and local history. 🙏

It's a good stop if you enjoy exploring cultural landmarks and seeing traditional Chinese architecture up close. You can easily combine it with a walk around the nearby old streets. Just remember to respect the temple's customs and keep your voice down while visiting.

🚣 Caogang River Cruise

If your feet are getting tired from walking, hop aboard a traditional-style boat and enjoy Zhujiajiao from the water. As you glide along the river, you'll get lovely views of the old houses, stone bridges, and canals from a different angle. It's a relaxing way to experience the town, especially on a pleasant day when you can snap some beautiful photos along the way. 📸

Depending on your ticket and route, boarding points may include 📍Kezhi Garden Pier, 📍City God Temple Pier, and 📍North Street Pier. Check the available routes, departure points, and ticket prices before booking so you can plan your boat ride more easily.

🍡 Must-Try Foods in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

1. 🍙 Grandma's Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings)

When it comes to traditional snacks, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are a must-try! You'll find different fillings, including savoury pork, pork with salted egg yolk, and sweet red bean paste.

The savoury versions are especially satisfying, with soft, sticky rice packed with flavour and wrapped in fragrant bamboo leaves. If you're not sure which one to choose, I'd start with the classic fresh pork zongzi or the salted egg yolk version.

2. 🥩 Braised Pork (Zha Rou)

If you love rich, savoury flavours, look out for zha rou, a traditional braised pork dish often associated with Jiangnan cuisine. The pork is slow-cooked until tender, giving it a deep reddish-brown colour and a deliciously savoury flavour.

It's a good choice if you're looking for something more filling than street snacks. I'd pair it with a bowl of rice for a satisfying meal, especially if you need a break from all that walking!

3. 🌸 Begonia Cake (Haitang Gao)

Keep an eye out for Haitang Gao, a traditional Chinese pastry named after the begonia flower because of its shape. 🌸 It's commonly made with a soft, cake-like batter and a sweet filling, often red bean paste.

The outside is lightly crisp while the inside is soft and sweet, making it a lovely little treat to enjoy as you wander along the old streets. If you spot a stall making them fresh, I'd say get one while it's still warm!

4. 🥮 You Dun Zi (Deep-Fried Radish Fritters)

Try you dun zi, a traditional Chinese street snack made by frying batter with shredded radish until golden brown. The outside is crispy, while the radish filling inside is soft and slightly sweet.

They're especially tempting when freshly fried, so if you see a stall preparing a fresh batch, you know what to do! 😋 Just let it cool for a bit before taking your first bite, as the filling can be very hot.

5. 🍯 Sweet Glutinous Rice Lotus Root

For something sweet and chewy, look for glutinous rice-stuffed lotus root, a classic Jiangnan-style dessert. It's made by filling lotus root with glutinous rice and cooking it with sugar until tender and sweet.

Once sliced, the lotus root has a lovely chewy texture with sticky rice packed inside. If you enjoy traditional Chinese desserts, this is a nice treat to try after sampling a few savoury snacks.

6. 🫛 Smoked Green Beans

Want to try something a little different? Look out for smoked green beans, a snack known for its distinctive smoky and savoury flavour.

They're a nice option if you prefer something less sweet, and some shops may sell them in packaged form, making them easy to bring home as souvenirs. My suggestion? Try a small portion first, as the seasoning and texture can vary between shops. You might just discover a new favourite snack!

🚇 How to Get to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town?

🚇 Take the Metro

If you're starting from downtown Shanghai, taking the metro is a convenient option, especially if you want to avoid traffic jams. You can travel to ✅Hongqiao Railway Station and transfer to 📍Shanghai Metro Line 17, then get off at 📍Zhujiajiao Station.

Once you arrive, you'll still need to walk or take local transport to reach the ancient town, as the metro station isn't right inside the scenic area.

💡 My tip: If you'd rather save your energy for exploring the old streets, check the latest local shuttle bus arrangements, including the 1510 bus, before setting off. Also, allow some extra time for the journey from the station to the ancient town entrance.

🚌 Take the Bus

Another option is the ✅Hu-Zhu High-Speed Express, which connects central Shanghai with the Zhujiajiao area. One suggested departure point is around Pu'an Road and Jinling Road, near People's Square, with the bus heading towards Zhujiajiao Bus Station.

This can be a good alternative if you're staying near the departure point and prefer not to make multiple metro transfers. Just remember that travel time depends on traffic, so check the latest bus schedule and boarding location before leaving. 🚌

🚗 Take a Taxi or Book a Private Transfer

Travelling with family, a group of friends, or little ones? A taxi or private transfer may be the more comfortable choice. 🚗 You won't have to worry about changing metro lines or carrying your bags between stations, and you can head straight towards Zhujiajiao.

🏨 [Claim Offer] Recommended Hotels near Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

💡 Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Travel Tips

📱 Quick Tip: Get Your China eSIM Ready Before Your Trip!

Don't forget to sort out your China eSIM before leaving! Whether you're checking maps, figuring out transport, hunting for local snacks, or sharing those pretty water town photos, having mobile data makes everything so much easier. I'd recommend getting your China eSIM on Trip.com before your trip, so you can get connected without the hassle of looking for Wi-Fi when you arrive. ✨