https://ph.trip.com/moments/detail/zhujiajiao-ancient-town-176-133011335
JanBernedetteSingapore
levelIconAn old horse knows the way

Timeless Canals & Summer Sun: A Summer Stroll Through Shanghai’s Water Town

#summervacay #travelshanghai #summerdestination #summerescapes #shanghai Under the golden glow of the summer sun, Zhujiajiao transforms into a living postcard—where cobblestone streets hum with crickets, and emerald canals shimmer like liquid jade. This 1,700-year-old "Venice of the East" feels even more magical in summer, when willow branches dip lazily into the water, and boatmen’s oars leave ripples that sparkle like scattered coins. Wander North Street, where the shade of ancient eaves offers respite from the heat, and the scent of sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves mingles with blooming lotuses. Cross the Fangsheng Bridge at golden hour, when the five stone arches glow warm against the sky, and watch locals fan themselves on stoops draped in scarlet lanterns. For the truest escape, glide by wooden boat past Ming-era houses, their wooden shutters thrown open to catch the breeze, while dragonflies dart over duckweed. Summer here is slow and syrupy—a time for your fav beverage at a waterside café while daydreaming about anything under the warm sun. As dusk falls, the canals turn to liquid gold, and the heat softens into balmy nights perfumed by jasmine. Zhujiajiao in summer isn’t just a place; it’s a sensory daydream, where history and humidity weave something unforgettable. Have you felt a water town's summer magic? Was it the dreamy views, the lazy boats, or the romantic old streets that stole your heart?
Posted: Jul 6, 2025
りろみち
1 person found this moment helpful
Submit
1
Mentioned in this post
Destination

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

588 attractions | 206 posts
China
Details
Related Trip Moments
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Shanghai’s Little Venice : Zhujiajiao

traveller-59
poi-tag-icon
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

One-day trip from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao

sireethorn200
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Location for renting ancient Chinese costumes in Zhujiajiao City 🌸🇨🇳

GMM’s diary
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Discover the Venice of Shanghai: Zhujiajiao day trip guide!

Caterina Fors
People's Park

I went to Shanghai to take these photos 🇨🇳

Caterina Fors
Fangsheng Bridge

Is Zhujiajiao Water Town Worth Visiting?

Cassakating
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Dressed in Chinese clothing in Zhujiajiao, a suburb of Shanghai.

Dada (DK)
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Wandered into Zhujiajiao ancient town 🛶

Lee Huan Chiao
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao 朱家角 - Shanghai ancient water town

Valentina Bee
Kezhi Garden

Kezhi Garden, 课植园, is a haven of peace and tranquility inside Zhujiajiao Old Town. I visited Zhujiajiao on Qingming Festival, and while most of the old town was packed, there were very few people inside the Kezhi Garden. Perhaps the nondescript entrance or the ¥20 admission kept visitors away, but for me it was a highlight of the whole trip. Built by the Ma family and dating in part to the Ming Dynasty, it includes classical gardens and buildings, a two storey library and a small farm, where the patriarch of the family encouraged his progeny to learn farming as well as scholarly activities so they would better understand the world and be able to enjoy the satisfaction of manual labour. The model farm was planted with bright yellow rapeseed and vegetables when I visited. Don't miss this hidden gem when visiting Zhujiajiao. #leaveyourmark #urbanexplorer #qingmingtravel #lightthecity #shanghai #garden #springflowers #peaceful #rest #historicallandmarks #classical #architecture

Stevebeck
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Imagine yourself in the old world of the 江湖, the lakes and rivers, as you stroll along the narrow lanes of Zhujiajiao in western Shanghai, or more authentically, ride a gondola up and down its peaceful water streets. With snack and souvenir shops wherever the eye can see, this is village seems thoroughly transformed into a tourist trap, but look more closely and you can see locals still hang their laundry outside their ancient houses and plant vegetables along the river. I went on a holiday so it was predictably crowded, but except for the bottleneck of the main bridge, it wasn't too bad. I recommend going on a weekday if possible though. The surrounding new town of Zhujiajiao has some more reasonbly priced food but otherwise has little of interest to visitors; just come for the old town. Zhujiajiao is very easily accessible by taking line 17 of the Shanghai Metro to the penultimate station. The scenic area is a short walk from the metro station, or you can take a boat. #LeaveYourMark #urbanexplorer #lightthecity #shanghai #tourist #boat #river #oldtown #historicallandmarks

Stevebeck
North Street

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town・A Long-lost Dream of Jiangnan Water Town

TravelwithAGE