Tour Overview
Escape the city and discover the enchanting Zhujiajiao Water Town — often called the "Venice of Shanghai" — on this immersive tour that combines the beauty of ancient canals with a unique hands-on craft experience.
This is more than just a sightseeing trip. In addition to exploring the 1,700-year-old water town with its stone bridges, narrow alleyways, and canals, you'll also participate in a traditional craft workshop. Choose from rice wine making, bamboo weaving, or traditional pastry making — and take home your own handmade creation!
Tour Highlights
🚤
Gondola Ride
Glide along ancient canals in a traditional wooden boat, passing under stone bridges and between historic buildings.
🏯
Zhujiajiao Old Town
Explore narrow alleyways, ancient temples, and the famous Fangsheng Bridge — the largest stone bridge in the water town.
🎨
Hands-On Craft Workshop
Choose from rice wine making, bamboo weaving, or traditional pastry making. A local artisan will guide you step by step.
🍜
Waterfront Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the canals, featuring fresh water town specialties.
📸
Kezhi Garden
Visit a hidden Ming Dynasty garden within the water town, with beautiful ponds, pavilions, and ancient rockeries.
🛍️
Local Market
Browse the town's shops and stalls selling local handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs — perfect for gifts.
Full Itinerary
9:00 AM
Hotel Pickup
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Enjoy a comfortable 40-minute drive to Zhujiajiao through the Shanghai countryside.
10:00 AM
Gondola Ride & Water Town Exploration
Start your visit with a traditional gondola ride through the ancient canals. Afterward, explore the charming streets, cross the iconic Fangsheng Bridge, and visit the Kezhi Garden and Zhujiajiao Temple.
12:00 PM
Waterfront Lunch
Enjoy a delicious local lunch at a restaurant overlooking the water. Specialties include river fish, bamboo shoots, and Zhujiajiao rice wine.
1:30 PM
Craft Workshop (Choose One)
Option A — Rice Wine Making: Visit a traditional rice wine workshop where you'll learn the fermentation process and bottle your own batch to take home.
Option B — Bamboo Weaving: Work with a local artisan to weave a small basket or mat from bamboo — a sustainable and beautiful souvenir.
Option C — Traditional Pastry Making: Learn to make Zhujiajiao's famous sweet pastries, then enjoy them fresh from the oven.
3:30 PM
Free Time & Market Visit
Enjoy free time to explore the town at your own pace. Browse the local market for handicrafts, sample street food, or simply relax by the canals.
4:30 PM
Return to Hotel
Your driver will take you back to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon with your handmade souvenir.
What's Included
Included
- Private English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private air-conditioned car
- Gondola boat ride
- Craft workshop (rice wine, bamboo weaving, or pastry)
- All entrance fees (Kezhi Garden, temple)
- Authentic local lunch
- Your handmade craft to take home
- Bottled water
Excluded
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra snacks)
- Additional craft items beyond the included workshop
Important Information
Walking Level
Moderate. Comfortable shoes recommended. The water town has stone streets and bridges.
Best Time
Zhujiajiao is beautiful year-round. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Weather
The tour operates in all weather. Bring an umbrella in summer and a coat in winter.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. 100% refund guaranteed.
Most Popular
8 Hours
Foodie
4 Hours
Day Trip
8 Hours