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SophiaMillerSingapore

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

Travel Guide to Dingshan Lake: Encounter the Lake and Mountain Scenery of Shanghai’s Backyard Garden 📍 Destination Overview Dingshan Lake is located at the border of Qingpu District, Shanghai, and Jiangsu Province. It is the largest natural freshwater lake in Shanghai and is known as the "Oriental Lake Geneva." The lake features clear water and is surrounded by green trees, combining the gentle charm of Jiangnan water towns with modern leisure comfort, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. 🚗 Transportation Guide Self-driving: About 1 hour from downtown Shanghai (recommended for convenient lake touring). Public transport: Take Metro Line 17 to "Oriental Land" station, then transfer to a bus or taxi (about 15 minutes). 🌿 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Dingshan Lake Wetland Park Features: Pristine wetland landscape, ideal for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. Activities: Rent a bike to ride along the lake and enjoy the refreshing breeze. 2. Oriental Land Features: Large youth activity base with a simulated aircraft carrier, camping area, and water activities. Recommended: A must-visit for family trips, offering kayaking, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. 3. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (Nearby) Features: Jiangnan water town charm, about 20 minutes by car from Dingshan Lake. Activities: Stroll ancient streets, try pressed pork, and ride a black-awning boat to experience the slow life. 4. Rainbow Bridge (Popular Check-in Spot) Features: Extra-long pedestrian bridge over the lake, stunning sunset views in the evening, perfect for photos. 🍽️ Food Recommendations Lake Fresh Seafood Feast: Don’t miss the river delicacies of Dingshan Lake, recommended dishes include silverfish scrambled eggs, whitefish, and snails. Recommended Restaurants: Lakeside farmhouses such as "Lake and Mountain Scenery Farmhouse." Zhujiajiao Snacks: Pressed pork, zongzi (rice dumplings), stinky tofu, and fried dough balls. 🏡 Accommodation Suggestions Luxury Resort: Shanghai Sun Island Resort Hotel (lake view rooms + hot springs). Cost-effective Choice: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town guesthouses (experience water town nightlife). Camping Enthusiasts: Oriental Land Camping Base (reservation required). 📌 Travel Tips Best Season: Spring and autumn (April-May, September-November), avoid the intense summer heat. Dress Code: Comfortable sports shoes + sun protection; bring a jacket as it can be windy by the lake. Tickets: Most attractions are free; Oriental Land ticket costs about 50 RMB per person. ✨ Itinerary Suggestions (1-2 Day Trips) One-day trip: Dingshan Lake cycling → Wetland Park stroll → Lunch in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town → Sunset at Rainbow Bridge. Two-day trip: Day 1 Oriental Land + camping; Day 2 Zhujiajiao Ancient Town + lake fresh seafood feast. 📷 The beauty of Dingshan Lake lies in its peacefulness and vitality coexisting. Whether you want to escape the city hustle or seek family fun, this place will satisfy you! 🌟 Follow me to unlock more off-the-beaten-path travel destinations! 🌍✈️

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Posted: Oct 22, 2025

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Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

4.5/54221 reviews | Boat tour

Shanghai

No. 9 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shanghai

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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

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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

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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

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