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