Zhujiajiao
朱家角
Shanghai's most famous water town, Zhujiajiao retains the charm of a traditional riverside settlement with stone bridges, ancient buildings, and local markets within easy reach of the city. Its narrow alleyways and waterside teahouses offer an authentic escape from urban Shanghai.
Things to do
- Fangsheng Bridge — Walk across this iconic five-arch stone bridge dating to the Ming Dynasty, the most photographed landmark in Zhujiajiao offering views of the ancient town and waterways.
- Boat ride through waterways — Take a traditional wooden boat through the town's narrow canals lined with overhanging eaves and reflective water, the best way to experience the water town atmosphere.
- Kezhi Garden — Explore this classical private garden with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds that exemplify Ming and Qing dynasty landscape design.
- Zhujiajiao Ancient Town exploration — Wander the narrow stone-paved alleyways lined with restored Ming and Qing buildings housing shops, galleries, and teahouses.
- Local teahouse experience — Sit in a traditional waterside teahouse sipping jasmine or oolong tea while watching daily life unfold on the water and streets below.
- Luo Maodu antique market — Browse stalls selling genuine and reproduction antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and collectibles in this bustling market area.
Food to try
- Zhujiajiao water town zongzi — Sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves with savory fillings of pork and salted egg yolk, a signature local specialty.
- Fresh river fish — Local freshwater fish prepared simply grilled or steamed to highlight the delicate flavor of fish caught from the nearby waterways.
- Oil-fried dough sticks with soy milk — Crispy youtiao dunked in warm, silky soy milk for a classic breakfast eaten at small vendors throughout the town.
- Shrimp and pork wontons in broth — Delicate hand-folded wontons filled with local shrimp and pork, served in clear broth at family-run noodle shops.
- Osmanthus cake — Sweet pastry flavored with fragrant osmanthus flowers, a regional delicacy reflecting the town's traditional confectionery heritage.
Local customs & good to know
- Visit early morning or weekday — Arrive before 9 AM or on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and experience the town as locals do, with fewer tour groups.
- Respect the residential nature — Remember locals still live and work in the ancient buildings; keep noise low, ask permission before photographing people, and patronize family-run shops to support the community.
- Bring cash for small vendors — Many traditional shops, teahouses, and food stalls operate on cash-only basis, so withdraw yuan before exploring the narrow alleys.
- Wear comfortable shoes — The entire town is traversed on uneven stone pavements and narrow alleys with steps; sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential for safe exploration.