2 Days Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour: From Urban Cityscape to Jiangnan Waterway

Today you will spend the whole day feeling the perfect blend of the West and East in this “Paris of the East” by visiting brilliant museums, traditional Chinese-style gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.

First, head to Shanghai Museum, one of the four major museums in China, for an awe-inspiring visit to view the finest collection of art and learn about profound Chinese history. Built in the shape of an ancient bronze cooking vessel called a ding, Shanghai Museum has a round top and a square base, symbolizing “round sky, square earth”. It contains 120,000 cultural relics which showcase incredible artifacts of Chinese art throughout 5000 years’ history. Immerse yourselves in the Exhibition Hall of Bronze and Ceramic to appreciate the elaborate bronzes and exquisite artifacts. You won’t miss the chance to enjoy the Top 10 treasures in the Shanghai Museum, such as such as the Dake Ding (大克鼎a bronze food vessel over 3,000 years old), the Chime Bells of Jinhousu (晋侯苏钟ancient musical instrument,1046 BC - 771 BC).

Next, move to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai, where you can appreciate the beauty of a Jiangnan water town ! Yu Garden was a private garden of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of over 460 years, was built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan (潘允端) for his father to enjoy his retired life. You will see the winding paths and changing scenery, the plants and ponds, the brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings in the garden, all designed with great craftsmanship. On the way to Yu Garden, you will pass by the iconic Jiuqu Bridge (九曲桥Nine-Bend Bridge/Zigzag Causeway) and the Huxin Pavilion (湖心亭Mid-lake Pavilion, built in the Qing Dynasty, 1616-1912). According to Chinese Fengshui, the zigzag causeway is designed to thwart spirits, who can only journey in straight lines. As you enter Yu Garden, you can explore various beautifully crafted dragons hidden in the buildings, count them, and learn more about the Chinese dragon totem from your guide.

Later, explore Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Market) outside Yu Garden which is a vibrant Shanghai Old Street where you can try Shanghai’s local snacks such as Xiaolongbao (Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant小笼包), Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Fried Dumplings生煎包), Soup Dumplings (灌汤包), and Won-ton Soup (上海馄饨). You can also buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks for souvenirs here.

After lunch, you can take a walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund, which is less than a 2 km walk. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai, known as the "Number One Commercial Street in China". It serves as a window to Shanghai's openness to the world and a paradise for shoppers from both domestic and international locations. Nanjing Road is the perfect place to experience century-old Chinese time-honored shops. Walking from Nanjing Road East to the Bund, you will have the feeling of traveling back to the 1930s and 1940s. As the Top 1 Place to Visit on the Shanghai Bucket List, the Bund is the best spot to view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a symbol of Shanghai) and the three skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Located on the bank of the Huangpu River and renowned as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings representing various international architectural styles. Since 1844 (Qing Dynasty), foreign banks, trading companies, clubs, and newspapers have gathered here, showcasing the former glory of the "Wall Street of the Far East" (远东华尔街).

After the Bund tour, you will reach Jinling East Road to board a public ferry to cross the Huangpu River, transferring you from Old Shanghai Town to Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Then, you will take a walk to the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower. It features a dramatic 120-degree twist from its base to its peak. Take the world's fastest lifts (traveling at 64km/h) to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" located on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground level. Here, you'll have the unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai and also look down upon the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a cultural landmark of Shanghai), Jin Mao Tower (a traditional Chinese pagoda-like structure with a modern style) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (the third tallest building in China and the fifth tallest in the world). From Shanghai Tower, you can also get a bird's eye view of the Bund and the Nanjing Road you had just visited before from another side of the Huangpu River.

Options for Shanghai Evening Tour:

Shanghai Acrobat Evening Show (19:30- 21:00, 1.5 hours)
The Shanghai Acrobatic Show is a beloved and enchanting evening delight for tourists visiting Shanghai. This captivating spectacle is brought to life by the renowned Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. Prepare to be amazed as the show unfolds with a breathtaking blend of acrobatics, graceful dance, rib-tickling comedy, mystifying magic, and awe-inspiring displays of aerial strength. Through this extraordinary showcase, the essence of Shanghai's rich cultural heritage is beautifully honored, transporting you to a world of wonder and marvel.

After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby and prepare to drive away from the bustling city of Shanghai to the peaceful Zhujiajiao Water Town, located about 48 kilometers away.

Recognized as the most well-preserved ancient water town around Shanghai, Zhujiajiao presents the quintessential features of Jiangnan's water village - "ancient bridges, beautiful waterways, and traditional architecture" (小桥、流水、人家). It is often referred to as "Shanghai's Venice" and is listed as one of the 50 most worthwhile places in China for foreigners to visit. The tranquil and serene atmosphere of Zhujiajiao stands in vivid contrast to the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. Here, time seems to slow its hurried pace, and you'll feel as if you've stepped into an old-world China.

Zhujiajiao's historical roots stretch back over 1,700 years, and its intricate network of canals once served as the lifeblood of trade. Small boats and barges once ferried goods through these canals, connecting communities and sustaining livelihoods. Today, the town still preserves many ancient bridges, temples, traditional houses, and historical relics. It has also attracted many artists to settle here, opening small folk art galleries that line the cobblestone streets, such as the Shanghai Handicraft Exhibition Hall, Quanhua Watercolor Art Gallery, and Shanghai Helong Art Gallery.

Your guide will lead you down these winding lanes as you take in the well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architectures, traditional residences, and local shops selling handicrafts and snacks. Among North Street is the best-preserved ancient street in this town.

The town is spread across a network of rivers and canals, with numerous bridges linking different sections. You'll cross some of the town's 36 stone bridges, each with its unique design and history. The most famous among them is the Fangsheng Bridge, which is the largest stone arch bridge in Shanghai, adorned with intricate carvings and ornamental designs.

You will also visit a few gardens, such as the Kezhi Garden and Hexin Garden, where you can admire the beauty of traditional Chinese landscapes. The Helong Art Museum is another highlight, renowned for its extensive collection of works by Shanghai-style (Haipai) masters.

Optional  Activity: A rowing boat ride along the canals is a must-do activity in Zhujiajiao. As you glide through the water, you'll pass under historic stone bridges and by charming traditional houses with white walls and black-tiled roofs. The boat rides offer an opportunity for some great photography and a chance to see the town from a unique perspective.

Don't forget to try some local food while you're here. Whether it's a steamed bun from a street vendor or a cup of traditional Chinese tea in a centuries-old teahouse, the flavors are sure to be as memorable as the scenery.

After the water town tour, your guide will accompany you to the airport or train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Shanghai tour. We are always dedicated to serving you and look forward to welcoming you again for your future trips in China/Asia.