Venice Vibes in China: A Day Trip to Zhujiajiao

Hi, Zhujiajiao! Pleased to meet you!

Even before touching physical ground in China, there had been one thing on my bucket list that I was certainly going to go for: visit at least one of the magically appearing water towns located close to Shanghai! And not just any random water town, but specifically Zhujiajiao and Suzhou!

Why? Because a) I have only heard fabulous things about these two places, b) Suzhou used to be- and still is- one of plenty production sites operating for my former employer, so I was curious to learn more about it, c) both water towns were the closest ones to reach from Shanghai city centre and hence perfect for a day trip opportunity! So, why not give it a shot and go on an explorative adventure?!

Of course, Shanghai area has more wate town options so, so here the question is, what other water towns could you take into consideration? In fact, quite a few, all dependent on your flexibility and travel time at-hand. Next to Zhujiajiao and Suzhou, you might want to consider Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, Tongli, Xitang or even spend a night or two in Hangzhou.

As for me, I was more than satisfied focusing upon Zuhujiajiao and Suzhou. And whilst I talk about Suzhou in a separate article, let us now focus upon one out of four best-preserved water towns around Shanghai: Zhujiajiao.

A bit of Background

Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town formerly serving as a prosperous trading hub during both the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911). The town is especially famous for its plentiful stone bridges, narrow lanes and winding canal networks, which once were used as important transport routes, symbolising prosperity. The iconic bridges continue to play an important role up until today: 36 distinctive and old bridges can be found across Zhujiajiao, all different in form, size, shape and material (stone, wood or marble). It is said that if you have not come to see and walk across every single bridge, you have not truly seen and visited Zhujiajiao at all- so make it your goal to fulfil this ancient wisdom!

Next to bridges and waterways, Zhujiajiao covers over 10.000 well-preserved buildings from the period of the Three Kingdoms, whilst bustling markets and shaded riverside walks, lined with shade-providing willow trees, transform Zhujiajiao into a magically appearing- and attracting place, both for locals and tourists alike. Numerous historical sites, traditional gardens, temple premises, as well as leisure boat rides in small gondolas await to be discovered by you!

Zhujiajiao Highlights: A Guide to the Best Sights & Experiences

1. Fangsheng Bridge: ancient rainbow over the river

2. Bei Dajie (North Street): the heart of Zhujiajiao ancient town

3. Kezhi Yuan: emphasis on scholarly pursuits and agriculture

4. Yuan Jin Buddhist Temple

5. City God Temple: worshiping the deity of protection

6. Qing Dynasty Post Office: in the footsteps of the Qing Dynasty

7. Canal Boat Rides: seeing the ancient town from the water

   
   

Fangsheng Bridge: ancient rainbow over the river

Fangsheng Bridge, oftentimes referred to as "rainbow over the river" belongs to one of the oldest and most famous landmarks of the Zhujiajiao ancient town. Originally built by the monk Xingchao, in times of the Qing Dynasty in 1571, the bridge is characterised by a total of five arches with a gentle slope, making it the tallest, largest and longest of all stone bridges in Shanghai with a length of 70 meters. It hence is not only an architectural wonder whose style is rarely to be found outside of Zhujiajiao, likewise it obtains historical and cultural significance.

Standing in front of the bridge, you will notice four stone lions at each corner of the bridge. On top of Fangsheng, a stone tablet named "Dragon Gate Stone" features eight dragons circling around a shimmering pearl.

Fangsheng Bridge

Fangsheng can be translated into "releasing animals"; a merciful act local people believe in to find grace from Buddha. In ancient times, regular ceremonies of releasing animals, such as fish or turtles, had been part of buddhist practice to achieve spiritual services.

Crossing the bridge, you will be able to take magnificent pictures of the to-your-right & left-hand side extending water canals. I recommend coming early in the morning to enjoy a relatively mass-free bridge-crossing experience whilst being able to capture a deserted picture of stillness and beauty which Zhujiajiao has to offer.

Bei Dajie (North Street): the heart of Zhujiajiao ancient town

Bei Dajie, or Beida Street, is the central heart of Zhujiajiao ancient town. It covers a wide range of old buildings representative for the Ming and Qing Dynasty and belongs to one of the best-preserved areas of Zhujiajiao. With 1km in length, Bei Dajie features numerous traditional tea houses, smaller shops and local food stalls with traditional snacks, such as zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) or smoked fish, to stop at, sample and linger. Several narrow lanes, as well as old stone bridges will cross your path for one or the other detour.

Kezhi Yuan: emphasis on scholarly pursuits and agriculture

Out of several (private) imposing gardens established during the Ming and Qing Dynasty, Kezhi Garden is the largest manor-style one, counting to one of the largest gardens in southern China. Referred to as "Ma Family Garden", the garden complex has been named after its former owner, a local business man called Ma Wenqin. The word "ke" can be translated into "study", whereas "zhi" means "to plant". The word "yuan" means "garden". So altogether, we can derive a gardening area that was used for the studies of plants and agriculture in former times. Considering the size of the garden, which covers over 64.000 square meters, the existing delivers enough space to pursue this endeavour.

Over 200 rooms, including pavilions, halls, residences and a great botanical diversity are to be found within its premises. Buildings, such as the old library or the rice fragrant village echo the name and meaning of "Khezi".

In principal, Kezhi garden can be split into three main sections:

1. an artificial hill area containing a foursquare five-story building on which the diametric "Moon View Pavilion" stands; one of the tallest landmarks of Zhujiajiao, which offers fantastic panoramic view of the ancient town from the very top;

2. a gallery; and...

3. ...a park covering countless species of plants, ponds with koi fish, rockery areas, as well as old and distinctive stone bridges and/or stone formations.

   
   
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   
   
   

It is a beautiful & calming place that transfers tranquility and furthermore provides soothing shade during hot summer days due to densely grown plant areas.

To access the garden, you will need to purchase a ticket (around 60 - 80CNY). Combination tickets covering a wide range of further gardens and temples in Zhujiajiao, sometimes even integrating a short boat bide, can also be purchased, either at the tourist information centre or online.

To explore, walk and experience Kezhi Garden, you might want to consider 1 - 2 hours. A visit is definitely worth it!

Yuan Jin Buddhist Temple

Yuan Jin Temple, also known as "Temple of Goddess" is a serene Buddhist temple that has been established in 1341 during the Yuan Dynasty. The name "Temple of Goddess" derives from the inside featured statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, which you can see in the left-hand corner photo below.

The temples' lovely location directly next to the water, paired with a tranquil atmosphere, beautiful gardens, crafted halls, statues and traditional Chinese architecture make this spot a magnet for both locals and tourists. The temple grounds are often used for meditation and/or religious ceremonies, likewise they offer a peceful space and spiritual ambiance for both scholars and art lovers, just like in ancient times, when these temple grounds were used as hub for poetry salons and literary discussions. Especially attracting are the stunning views of the ancient water town from within its walls. Due to its distinctive three-story structure, Yuan Jin is visible from various parts of Zhujiajiao and a picturesque photo spot you might want to capture.

City God Temple: worshipping the deity of protection

Zhujiajiao City God Temple, also known as "Chenghuangmiao", is a rather small and unique Taoist temple premise in the heart of Zhujiajiao ancient town. It was built, as you can probably already derive from its name, for the deity of city god to protect both Zhujiajiao town and its inhabitants. On the inside you will find intricate wood carvings, beautifully decorated roofs with windings dragons and other mystical creatures, paintings and a stunning garden area with a pool and pavillons. To enter the premises, you need to pay a small admission of roughly 10CNY. The temple usually opens from 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Qing Dynasty Post Office: in the footsteps of the Qing Dynasty

The so called Qing Dynasty Post Office obtains its name for a very good reason: this old post office was originally established in 1903 and used to serve as one of the main post offices in the Shanghai area.

The interior combines a charming blend of well-maintained original structures with modern refurbishments. Thick brick walls with seemingly peeling paint, ornate stone carvings, intricate wooden details and a bronze dragon-winding post box from the Qing Dynasty on the outside of the entrance door (which is still in use by the way) make you feel like traveling back in time even prior to entering the building.

On the inside, you will find two levels to discover. The ground floor features a variety of souvenirs, including postcards, stamps or vintage notebooks and even provides a cute little terrace on which you can enjoy a cup of peripherally brewed hot coffee or tea next to the river.

The second floor features a small exhibition about the postal history of China, featuring a letter museum, multimedia living room, accompanied by exhibited contemporary artworks.

A lovely visit, I recommend integrating when coming to Zhujiajiao!

Canal Boat Rides: seeing the ancient town from the water

If you are tired of walking or simply would like to get a feeling of experiencing Venice-like gondola rides, then hopping onto a boat to see the ancient water town from the water might be a fantastic deal! Small gondolas operate from early midday to evening hours and usually provide space up to six people. You can choose between short and long trips: short trips usually last around 10 minutes with an average price of 80CNY per person, taking you back- and forth the main canal. Longer boat rides will charge up to 180CNY per person, though covering the entire ancient town. Small wooden ticket booth can be found at respective starting points.

Possible starting points are Fangsheng Bridge, Kezhi Yuan or the City God Temple.

Practical Information

Address: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai

How to get there: By metro: take line 17 towards Zhujiajiao Station (one stop prior to the last stop on the line) and walk approx. 15min north to town (most convenient way)

By bus: take the Yangtze River Delta Demonstration Zone Line 6  at Oriental Land metro station towards Zhujiajiao Water Town

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I appreciate your time and interest in reading my blog. Let me know whether you will/ have tried any of the above stated recommendations and feel free to add further suggestions to the list in the comment section below!