https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/shanghai-2-136912063?locale=en-NZ
ALYSSA BARRETTUnited States

Stroll through the deep alleys and rediscover the gentle and unhurried charm of Jiangnan along the waterways of western Shanghai

【3 days 2 nights, about 5800 RMB per person! Qingpu Guide: Water Town Charm × Natural Wildness】 Day 1: Take Metro Line 17 directly to Zhu Jia Jiao Station, check in at Sheraton Lake Dianchi or Anlu Hotel Zhu Jia Jiao (900 RMB/night × 2 = 1800 RMB). In the afternoon, stroll through Zhu Jia Jiao Ancient Town (free entry, some attractions combined ticket 60 RMB) — walk across Caogang Bridge, explore Kezhi Garden, take a ride on a black-awning boat, and check in at the "Venice of Shanghai." In the evening, taste cured meat, smoked green peas, and grandma’s zongzi by the Fangsheng Bridge. Day 2: Head to Oriental Land (ticket 50 RMB) — a huge youth base with cycling, boating, and a replica aircraft carrier, perfect for families. In the afternoon, visit Jinze Ancient Town (free) — a quiet, lesser-known "Jiangnan Bridge Town," with few people and beautiful scenery; must-see spots include Puji Bridge and Yingxiang Bridge. Stay at the same hotel; dinner recommended at the lakeside restaurant: steamed white fish and lotus root stewed with ribs. Day 3: Visit Shanghai Grand View Garden (ticket 50 RMB) — a classical garden built based on "Dream of the Red Chamber," enjoy autumn maples, stroll the winding corridors, and boat on Xiaoxiang Pavilion. Or choose a light hike on the ecological trail around Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Center to experience the blend of technology and nature. Before heading back, shop for souvenirs at Xiadu Town: Qingpu Liantang dried water bamboo, Baihe strawberry jam, and Songze cultural creations. 💰 Budget breakdown: Accommodation 1800 + Food 1400 + Transportation 300 (metro + taxi) + Attractions and experiences about 200 + Shopping reserve 2100 ≈ **5800 RMB** 📌 Tips: - Zhu Jia Jiao is crowded on weekends; early morning or evening visits are recommended; - Jinze Ancient Town has no commercial bustle, bringing your own snacks is more convenient; - Grand View Garden is large, wear comfortable shoes and allow 2 hours for touring. ⚠️ Warnings: ❌ Some "specialty teahouses" in the ancient towns have minimum spending requirements; ask before sitting down; ❌ Many "low-price one-day tours" around scenic spots include shopping stops; be cautious when booking tours. Three days and two nights, slow travel in Qingpu. Here, there is not only a thousand-year-old water town but also tens of thousands of acres of green lungs and poetic gardens. Come here, boat on the misty waves, stroll through deep alleys, and along the waterways of western Shanghai, rediscover the gentle and unhurried Jiangnan.
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Oct 16, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Shanghai Grand View Garden

4.6/53489 reviews | Themed exhibition halls
Shanghai
Book now for tomorrow
-9%
PHP 450.82
PHP 409.84
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Shanghai’s Hidden Gem - Zhujiajiao

bjy_715
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Encounter the Lake and Mountain Scenery of Shanghai’s Backyard Garden

SophiaMiller
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Unveiling Zhujiajiao! Unlock the Most Beautiful Check-in Spots in the Jiangnan Water Town

MysticRiver!42
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

A Stunning Night Tour Guide to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town—This Photo Spot Is Amazing!

Leo654~Miller
Shanghai Grand View Garden

Qingpu Wonderland Shanghai Grand View Garden Dream of the Red Chamber Real Scene Reproduction Photo Spot

RejuvenatingHolidays
Jinze Ancient Town

Qingpu Water Town Secret Guide

NomadicWanderer_44
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Who says Shanghai has no ancient towns? A 1-day travel guide to Zhujiajiao that feels amazing even on rainy days

vance_3647
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is one of Shanghai’s most famous water towns, known for its ancient bridges, small rivers, Ming and Qing architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Walking in is like returning to old Shanghai, with stone roads, white walls and black tiles, various small shops and teahouses along the river bank, suitable for you who like to slow down and take pictures. Plus, it’s a 5-minute walk from the metro station, which makes it perfect for a short day trip or a light weekend trip. Recommended tour routes: Entering from the main entrance of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Scenic Area (No. 555 Kezhiyuan Road), first walk across the Release Bridge, which is the landmark of Zhujiajiao. Continue along the waterfront, passing through North Avenue, where all kinds of snack bars, handicrafts, and antique shops are lined up. Remember to try the most famous old-fashioned rice dumplings and youth dumplings in the ancient town, as well as Cheung Kee Dumplings. Along the way, you can visit the Ke Botanical Garden, which is famous for its fake mountains and flowing water and garden layout. It has a large space and beautiful photos. After that, you can go to the Chenghuang Temple to feel the religious culture of old Shanghai. In addition to checking in, it is recommended to book a small boat ride (about 20 minutes), the scenery along the way is very open, you can enjoy the whole view of the ancient town from the water. Must-play check-in spots: Release Bridge: The most classic water town view, both during the day and the sunset is beautiful. Lesson Plant Garden: Classical garden design, beautiful background, suitable for taking ancient style photos. North Avenue: A street of snacks in the ancient town. If you like to take pictures of food, you must try it. Riverside Promenade: Take a boat ride/drink tea on the shore, look at the river view, and take lifestyle photos. City God Temple: Feel the religious architectural atmosphere of the ancient town. Attraction tips: 1. Weekdays are less crowded, weekends are recommended to arrive early in the morning to take photos without so many people. 2. Wear comfortable shoes, lots of stone roads to walk. 3. Lots of snack options, you can try different local snacks in small quantities. 4. Remember to prepare cash or Alipay, some small shops do not accept credit cards. 5. If you want to experience the boat tour, you can make a reservation at the entrance of the scenic spot in advance to avoid waiting on site. 6. Bring a camera or mobile phone charger, super many photo spots. Notes: - The scenic spot is open from 08:30-17:00. If you don’t want to play slower in a hurry, it is recommended to reserve at least half a day or more. - There are not many supermarkets around the ancient town, water and snacks are best bought before entering. - Certain alleys in the ancient town are narrower, beware of crowds on holidays. - In case of rain, remember to bring a raincoat or a small umbrella, the stone road will be slippery. Topic: #Zhujiajiao Half Day Tour #Shanghai Ancient Town #Water Village Photo #Shanghai Weekend Light Trip #Food Treasure Hunt

Huy_
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Chinese Venice is no worse than the original

Intravel39
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Step into Storybook Waterways at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town 🚤🌧️✨ Just a short train ride from Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town welcomes you with winding canals, stone bridges, and picturesque alleyways. It’s the perfect escape for those craving old-world vibes mixed with riverside scenery. Begin your day early to beat the crowds—grab a train out and transfer to the local boat for a classic entrance (but check the weather, as boats stop running when it rains!). Stroll through Kezhiyuan Road; the town is sprinkled with cafes and unique shops, though the restaurants are more about location than flavor, so aim for snacks rather than a sit-down meal. Must-dos include crossing the iconic Fangsheng Bridge, exploring the preserved old houses, and peeking into quirky alleyways. You’ll find the best insta-worthy shots along the canals, especially with a transparent umbrella on a drizzly day—the reflections are magical and the clear umbrella lets you capture the ambience (plus, a great hack for rainy photo ops!). Don’t forget to wander into hidden courtyards for unexpected photo gems. Visiting tips: Wear comfy shoes for slippery stone paths, especially after rain. Bring snacks to avoid the so-so restaurants. If rain’s in the forecast, check boat times and prep for on-foot exploring. Key precautions: Canal edges can be slick; keep an eye out if you’re busy snapping pics! #Shanghai #Zhujiajiao #AncientTown #Waterways #TravelTips

MeowChan
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Step Back in Time & Sip in Style at Zhujiajiao Ancient Town 🌊🏮 Wander the historic alleys of Zhujiajiao, a water town just outside Shanghai where tranquil canals meet lively shopping and cozy cafés. Start early to catch the magical morning light over the old stone bridges, weaving through narrow streets bursting with souvenirs, local spices, and sweet treats. Slip into a traditional costume for a playful photo op against rows of Ming- and Qing-dynasty buildings—these are the insta-worthy shots you want! Must-do: Watch local life unfold along the water from a riverside café (yes, you’ll find both Starbucks and McDonald’s—modern perks in an ancient setting). Try some handmade snacks from street vendors and browse quirky shops selling Chinese herbal teas and handwoven crafts. Top Photo Spots: Kezhi Garden’s pavilions, the iconic Fangsheng Bridge, and bustling alleys by the canal at sunrise—don’t skip a playful costume selfie to capture the town’s vibe. Practical Tips: Address is No. 555, Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai. Open daily from 08:30–17:00. Weekdays mean fewer crowds, so plan accordingly. Comfortable shoes are a must for those centuries-old cobblestones, and bring some cash as small vendors might not take cards. Precautions: Waterways can get slippery, especially after rain—watch your step and avoid open shoes. Zhujiajiao tends to fill up with tour groups after 11 AM, so aim to explore early for the best experience. #Shanghai #Zhujiajiao #WaterTown #HistoricChina #TravelTips

Simba 5
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Visit the ancient city of Zhujiajiao 🇨🇳

Sunny Day Station