Zhujiajiao Water Town with Shanghai Highlights
Explore the amazing ancient Qing dynasty water town of Zhujiajiao and then back to Shanghai to enjoy three iconic sites: Tianzifang, East Nangjing Road, and Jade Buddha Temple.
- Private tour
- 8 Hours
- Starts ~9:00 AM, flexible
- English-speaking guide
Overview
- Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
- 16th-century Fangsheng Bridge
- Gondola ride
- Local delicacies
- Shanghai:
- Tianzifang in the French Concession
- East Nanjing Rd pedestrian street,
- Jade Buddha Temple and much more.
Your day with us
A typical day. It's your private tour, so we can change stops, timing and pace.
Start
Your guide meets you at your hotel or starting point, typically at 9:00 AM.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
Zhujiajiao is a water town just an hour outside of Shanghai. It was established about 1,700 years ago. It features 36 stone bridges and numerous rivers line Zhujiajiao, and many ancient buildings still line the riverbanks today. The many shops nestled into the historic buildings and stone streets lined are bustling with with food…
About Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
Gondola Ride
It's the perfect way to experience how local residents traveled for hundreds of years and get an insight into the movement of people and goods that made this little town so prosperous.
About Gondola Ride
Tianzifang (Former French Concession)
A maze of small walkways, unique coffee bars, shops, restaurants, punctuated with unique local Shikumen architecture. Enjoy lively people watching as you learn about colonial history of Shanghai.
About Tianzifang (Former French Concession)
East Nanjing Road
This is one of main shopping streets of Shanghai and is one of the world's busiest shopping streets. The street is cut off from cars and buses and made for pedestrians to stroll, browse and shop. You can find hundreds of shops and brands from all over the world as well as a wide range of food and restaurants. Great for shopping or just…
About East Nanjing Road
Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple was founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. These were a sitting Buddha (1.95 meters tall, 3 tons), and a smaller reclining Buddha representing the Buddha's death. The temple now also contains a much larger reclining Buddha made of marble, donated from Singapore.
About Jade Buddha TempleEnd
Your guide drops you back at your starting point, with time for other interests along the way if you want it.
The full day, in detail
- Relax on the 60-minute drive to the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao as you leave the metropolis and transition from urban to rural China. With centuries of history, Zhujiajiao is famous for its scenic bridges and charismatic alleyways as well as its local snacks and rice wine: it flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasty, and many of its weathered stone buildings date back to that era.
- As you walk along the narrow streets, you'll visit traditional buildings, old shops, and unique food and handicraft stalls. You'll be amazed at the ancient architecture, including the 16th-century Fangsheng Bridge with its five arches, and watery vistas. Along the way, you'll sample local delicacies such as zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), zharou (square bamboo-wrapped steamed pork), unique alcohols from the region and other snacks.
- Take to the river for a hand-poled gondola ride. It's the perfect way to experience how local residents traveled for hundreds of years and get an insight into the movement of people and goods that made this little town so prosperous. You can still see Zhujiajiao's inhabitants going about their business by the water.
- You'll have lunch nearby water at a classic, time-honored restaurant. Your guide will explain the details of local cuisine as you enjoy an authentic flavor while enjoying the picturesque water view. Or you may like to have the most famous-Soup Dumplings back in the city, our guide will show you how to eat it perfectly.
- After lunch, you'll travel back to Shanghai to take in some amazing cultural sites.
- Your first stop will be a visit to the famous Jade Buddha temple to learn about the history and tradition of Buddhism in this 100's year-old serene temple with beautiful jade Buddha's.
- You'll then visit the bustling Tianzifang arts and crafts enclave of the French Concession where you'll find a winding array of to boutique shops, bars and restaurants and many classic Shikumen-style buildings from the mid-19th century.
- From here you'll go to East Nanjing Road, the main shopping street of Shanghai and is one of the world's busiest shopping streets. The street is cut off from cars and buses and made for pedestrians to stroll, browse and shop. You can find hundreds of shops and brands from all over the world as well as a wide range of food and restaurants. Great for shopping or just people watching.
- You'll be back at your hotel (or your chosen downtown Shanghai destination) by 5:30pm, or eight hours after you began.
What's included
Included
- Awesome, experienced guide
- Premium car with driver
- All entrance fees, including traditional Gondola ride
- Local delicacies
Add to your tour
Optional extras. Tell us when you book, or add them later.
Acrobatic Show
Price on request
Details
This tour includes the option for a fantastic acrobatic show in the evening after your tour. This is the best show in China with a spectacular environment and features sophisticated athletic performers! A must see activity if you have time. Show starts 19:30 and ends at 21:00. Price shown here is for medium seats.
HuangPu River Cruise
Price on request
Details
Another option after your tour is to take an amazing river cruise on the HuangPu River. The perfect end to a great tour to see the spectacular views of Shanghai's skyline from both the East and West sides. Tours start every hour during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening and lasts for 1 hour. VIP seats allow you an upper view in front of the boat for guaranteed 360 degree views.
Photos
Meet our guides
Professional local guides who love sharing authentic China. Every one of us follows a code of conduct that puts you first: your interests, your pace, and no touristy shopping stops.
Meet the teamQuestions guests ask
Can we customize the tour?
Yes. Sites, start time, pickup location: just tell us what you'd like.
What if our plans change?
Cancel any time up to one day before your tour.
Will you take us shopping?
Only if you want to. Our guides follow a code of conduct: no touristy shopping stops.
Can children come?
Of course. Children aged 4 to 10 are $50 each.