“A water town by Dianshan Lake with 36 ancient stone bridges, traditional houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and historical landmarks scattered throughout.”
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is located in Qingpu District in the southwestern part of Shanghai. Known as the “Pearl of the South Yangtze,” the town sits by Dianshan Lake and covers an area of 3.08 square kilometers. People began hosting countryside festivals here during the Song and Yuan dynasties, and the town was officially established during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty.
Recognized as one of Shanghai’s four famous historical and cultural towns in 1991, Zhujiajiao is also listed among the top 50 must-visit destinations in China for international visitors. With a well-preserved network of rivers and ancient piers, the town has winding lanes over 900 years old, flanked by thousands of ancient houses from the Ming and Qing eras.
The town features 36 traditional stone arch bridges, centuries-old streets, waterside pavilions, and lively river scenes. Notable specialties include:
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Rose-flavored fermented tofu
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Fried gluten puffs
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Black rice dumplings
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Leaf-wrapped pork
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Roasted soybeans
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Handcrafted wooden and stone carvings
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Traditional pork dumplings
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Freshwater crabs from Dianshan Lake (available in autumn)
Top attractions in Zhujiajiao include:
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Kezhi Garden: The largest private garden mansion in the town, blending Chinese and Western architecture
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Fangsheng Bridge: The largest five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai, measuring 70.8 meters long, 5.8 meters wide, and 7.4 meters high
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Great North Street: A 400-year-old historic shopping street with classic stores like Han Dalong Pickle Shop and the town’s oldest teahouse
How to Get There
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Metro:
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Take Shanghai Metro Line 17 from Hongqiao Railway Station
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Get off at Zhujiajiao Station and walk about 15–20 minutes to the town
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Express Bus:
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Take the Huzhu Express Line from People’s Square (Pu’an Road/Yan’an East Road), about 70–80 minutes
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Private car or taxi:
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Drive from central Shanghai takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic
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Tour package:
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Join a guided day tour with pickup and drop-off from hotels in Shanghai, often including entrance tickets and guide services
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Travel Tips
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Best time to visit is from September to November, especially during crab season
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven stone paths and bridges
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Bring a camera for capturing traditional architecture and river scenes
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Try local delicacies on Great North Street for an authentic experience
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Visit on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds
Admission Fee:
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Main town area: Free entry
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Kezhi Garden: About 40 RMB (Updated 2025)
Opening Hours:
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Open daily from 08:00 to 18:00
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Some attractions inside may close by 17:30