In a nutshell

A corner of peace and tranquillity away from Shanghai’s hectic rhythm: Zhujiajiao is an old riverside town that stills boasts architectural elements from century-old civilisations and provides views of striking beauty between its picturesque canals and narrow alleyways of rare Bohemian beauty.

Main stops

Kezhi Garden botanical gardens
Post office dating back to the Qing dynasty
Canal cruise
Traditional lunch
Bei Dajie Street: Free time and shopping

The programme

We leave the port behind us and get away from the hectic centre of Shanghai to reach the riverside town of Zhujiajiao, an ancient town that covers around 3 sq km in the Qingpu district. Numerous canals alternate with the busy town's alleyways popular not just with the tourists, but also with Shanghai residents who choose to come here to relax and spend some time away from the fast-paced metropolis.
We admire the ancient buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties along Xing Road as far as Kezhi Garden, a magnificent botanical garden that combines traditional architecture with western elements.
After the visit, we move on to the old post office dating back to the Qing dynasty, which is still perfectly preserved and used to host exhibitions and events.
We then get on a boat for a short cruise along the canals crossing the town overlooked by ancient stone bridges, some of which so narrow that can only be crossed on foot. The most famous is definitely Fangsheng Bridge, which is 70 metres long and supported by 5 symmetrical archways. It was commissioned in 1571 by monk Xingchao and was rebuilt in 1814. The central archway is decorated with a stone relief depicting eight dragons surrounding a pearl, while the side columns are sculpted with lions welcoming visitors with a smile.
We stop for a traditional lunch before enjoying a stroll and some shopping in Bei Dajie Street, Zhujiajiao’s main road.