Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is located on the picturesque banks of Dian Shan Lake. Known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, this water town in Jiangnan was once famous for its textile industry. The town features an intricate layout with multiple streets, bends, corners, and alleys. Key attractions include Chenghuang Temple, Kezhi Garden, North Street, Yuanjin Zen Temple, and Fangsheng Bridge. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional boat ride on the canals. The town is characterized by its charming mix of historical architecture and scenic waterways.
Travel Information about Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: A combined ticket for 8 attractions and a boat ride costs 90 RMB for adults.
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Zhujiajiao. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the scenery is picturesque, ideal for appreciating the charm of the water town.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Located in the southern part of Qingpu District, adjacent to the Dian Shan Lake Scenic Area.
Transportation:
Subway: Take Line 17 and get off at Zhujiajiao Station; it’s a short walk from there.
Driving: From Yan’an Elevated Road, take G50 to the Zhujiajiao exit, then follow National Route 318 and turn onto Zhuxi Road upon reaching Zhujiajiao.
Attraction Rating
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic: ★★★★
- Unique: ★★★★
- Cultural: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★
Highlights of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Zhuxi Garden & Ancient Culture Exhibition Hall
Zhuxi Garden is located at the eastern end of the town, covering more than 30,000 square meters. The garden is shaded by trees, with a tranquil environment, clear lake water, and picturesque scenery, reflecting a classical artistic style. The garden features a harmonious arrangement of attractions including the Jinshi Pavilion, Qinghua Stone Pavilion, stone arch bridge, stone embankments, winding bridges, Nine-Dragon Fountain, rockeries, and long corridors.
The Ancient Culture Exhibition Hall is situated on the west side of the intersection between Meizhou Road and Xinfeng Road. The exhibition hall showcases important inventions of Shanghai’s early inhabitants, such as the earliest water wells, stone plows, and writing, as well as jade and pottery unearthed from the Shanghai area. Unique presentation techniques are used to contrast ancient Shanghai with modern Shanghai, highlighting the remarkable intelligence and boundless creativity of Shanghai’s early settlers.
Related Details:
- In the southern part of Zhuxi Garden, there is a children’s amusement area divided into land and water sections. On land, there are electric planes, a small electric train, and single and double-seat electric cars. On the water, visitors can enjoy double and four-person rowboats and electric boats. Each morning, elderly residents of the town can be seen practicing swordplay, martial arts, and leisurely chatting with their pet birds, creating a unique and charming scene.
- Zhuxi Garden also features a Zodiac Garden, which includes twelve stone sculptures representing the Chinese zodiac animals. The statues are crafted in a quaint and amusing style, each accompanied by an inscription describing the personality traits associated with that zodiac sign.
North Street
North Street, known as Shanghai’s premier Ming and Qing dynasty street, is the epitome of ancient architecture in the old town. Backed by the Caogang River and adjacent to the Fasheng Bridge, North Street has been a bustling commercial center for centuries, featuring tea houses, wine taverns, a variety of shops, and markets. It has remained a thriving hub of commerce through the ages.
Ancient Bridges
Over time, the town has constructed 36 different bridges. Among them, Fasheng Bridge is the first stone arch bridge in Shanghai and the largest five-arch stone bridge in the Jiangnan region. Its name, “Fasheng,” reflects its purpose of encouraging the release of live fish and turtles, as monks once decreed that only releasing creatures was allowed beneath the bridge, not net fishing.
Tai’an Bridge: Commonly known as Hejia Bridge, it is located in front of the Yuanjin Zen Temple. This single-arch stone bridge is notable for its steep incline, making it the steepest arch bridge in the town.
Huimin Bridge: Also known as Lang Bridge, it spans the city river of Zhujiajiao and is the only wooden bridge in the ancient town. Its unique wooden structure adds to its distinctiveness.
Yongfeng Bridge: Connecting the east and west of Zhujiajiao’s Lake Street, this bridge was built in the seventh year of the Ming Dynasty’s Tianqi period (1627). Although it appears ordinary and worn, it stands as a witness to the history of Zhujiajiao.
Ping’an Bridge (Qijia Bridge): Located at the entrance of Daxin Street, this bridge was built during the Ming Dynasty and features a mixed structure of brick, wood, and stone. Named Ping’an Bridge due to its location in Ping’an Lane, it is a testament to the town’s historical architecture.
Yuanjin Zen Temple & City God Temple
Yuanjin Zen Temple was established during the Yuan Dynasty’s Zhizheng period (1341–1368) and is located beside the Caogang River. It is one of the town’s renowned ancient temples, also known as the “Mother Goddess Temple” due to the statue of the Holy Mother of Chenzhou housed within. The temple’s structure is modest, with a limited number of meticulously carved and resplendent Buddhist statues, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence.
City God Temple is situated in the town center and serves as the Qingpu City God Palace, boasting a history of over 200 years. The temple features blue tiles and yellow walls, with upturned eaves, auspicious gourds, and flower-patterned long windows, presenting an ancient, incense-filled, and majestic ambiance. Among its highlights are the “Dougong Stage,” “Wooden Carved Beams,” and the now-discontinued “Central Hall Paintings,” collectively known as the “Three Treasures” of the City God Temple, which are considered quite rare.
Rich Local Life
Jingju Corner: In the town, there’s a Jingju (Peking Opera) enthusiasts’ group called “Yunsheng Society,” established in the 1930s. They frequently host performances, featuring both traditional opera and modern pieces like excerpts from “Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy” and “Sha Jia Bang.” If you’re interested in this traditional art form, it’s worth catching a show.
Singing Corner: Every day, singing enthusiasts gather at parks and bridgeheads to practice their vocal skills. If you rise early, you might enjoy listening to their performances.
Calligraphy and Painting Corner: Zhu Jia Jiao has a vibrant community of calligraphy and painting enthusiasts ranging from elderly individuals in their 80s to young children. They have formed informal groups to share their passion for writing and painting, creating a delightful and enriching experience. You can see their elegant work in local shops.
Fitness Corner: Several fitness spots are scattered throughout Zhu Jia Jiao, with the most notable being near the central garden. Every morning, locals gather to do leg kicks, martial arts, and morning exercises. Particularly striking are the elderly women performing graceful moves with wooden swords to traditional music, creating a captivating scene.
Early Tea Corner: It is a local custom to enjoy early tea in Zhu Jia Jiao. Even before the morning mist has lifted, new tea houses along Fangsheng Bridge and Caogang River are already bustling with cheerful chatter and filled with patrons. If you’re interested, it’s a great opportunity to experience the local tea culture.
Daqing Post Office
Located south of Chenghuang Temple on Caohua Road, the Daqing Post Office is the site of a post office established in the 19th century. Now functioning as a museum, it is divided into two floors. The first floor showcases the evolution of China’s postal system, while the second floor provides an introduction to the founding of the Daqing Post Office and features valuable original letters. Outside, you can find an old-fashioned postbox that is still in use today.
Kezhiyuan Garden
Kezhiyuan Garden, also known locally as “Ma’s Garden,” is the largest manor-style garden in the ancient town of Zhujiajiao, located at the northern end of Xijing Street. The estate covers approximately 53,000 square meters and is divided into three main areas: the Hall Area, the Rockery Area, and the Garden Area, with over 200 buildings.
The northern section is the Hall Area, which includes the main hall (Jiaoting Hall) and additional halls such as the Head Hall, Second Hall, Third Hall, and Reception Hall. The Second Hall is a two-story building with the upper floor serving as the living area for the Ma family. To the south lies the Rockery Area, featuring various scenic spots like the Singing Stage, Leisure Tower, Theater Hall, Lotus Pond, Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, Kezhiyuan Bridge, Fishing Platform, and Bat Pavilion. West of the Lotus Pond is the Garden Area, also known as Daoxiang Village, which includes several acres of diverse flowers and trees.
Related Details:
- Leisure Tower: Ascending to the top of the five-story Leisure Tower offers a panoramic view of the entire town, making it one of the best spots for photography.
- Stele Corridor: The Stele Corridor houses several valuable inscriptions, including “Plum Blossom Poems” written by the Ming Dynasty scholar Zhu Zhishan, as well as poetry stones by Wen Zhengming, Tang Yin, and Zhou Wenbin. The collection, which includes 12 stone carvings, is highly treasured.
Visitor Guide for Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Accommodation Options
The ancient town offers a variety of inns and guesthouses, most of which are converted from traditional houses, exuding a charming, old-world atmosphere.
Sifang Inn: Located in the serene courtyard behind the famous Handalong Sauce Garden, this inn features a tranquil environment with winding paths and complete facilities. Address: No. 16-17, Lane 195, Xinfeng Road.
Yinyi Hui Boutique Art Hotel: This hotel boasts a modern Chinese style interior that blends natural elements with various cultural and artistic influences. It is ideally situated, allowing guests to view the sunrise at Fangsheng Bridge in the morning. Address: No. 30, Lane 599, Keshiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Town.
Shanghai Zhujiajiao Anlu Hotel: Tucked away in a private and elegant setting, this hotel offers a peaceful and quiet environment. The interior design and furnishings reflect a classical style, making it an ideal place for relaxation and self-cultivation. Address: No. 505, Zhuhu Road, Zhujiajiao Town.
Food Options
Zhujiajiao, a quintessential water town, is renowned for its fresh river produce. It boasts nearly 60 varieties of freshwater fish, including fish, eels, loaches, turtles, river crabs, and shrimp, all readily available in local restaurants.
The town offers a variety of distinctive dishes. The eel noodles at Maolin Restaurant are particularly fragrant and delicious, leaving a lasting impression. The lamb noodles are rich and non-greasy, especially when paired with slightly spicy lamb blood soup. Seasonal snacks are plentiful, with specialties such as colorful glutinous rice balls, winter bamboo shoot and shrimp dumplings, thin-skinned pan-fried buns, fresh pork soup dumplings, chicken wontons, big baozi, and oil-fried meat dumplings available at local eateries like Jiangnan Tea House, Jiangnan No. 1 Restaurant, and Jiangnan Family.
Zhujiajiao’s water chestnuts are both tender and sweet, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival when they are widely sold on the streets. The water chestnuts are large, with thin skins and a sweet flavor, while the lotus roots are crispy and sweet, suitable for both raw and cooked dishes.