Why Trust This Article?
- • Author: Hesham Al-Daaja (based in China since 2019)
- • Last updated: Aug 11, 2026
- • Based on direct field experience with Arab travelers and buyers
A Village Over 1,700 Years Old, an Hour From Shanghai
I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Zhujiajiao (朱家角) is a traditional water town about 46-48km west of downtown Shanghai, founded during the Han dynasty over 1,700 years ago. It's sometimes called "Shanghai's Venice" — a network of canals, 36 old stone bridges, and streets lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. The best nearby day trip if you want to escape the city's pace for a few hours.
Quick Answer
Zhujiajiao is a water town over 1,700 years old, an hour from Shanghai — a network of canals, 36 ancient stone bridges, and Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.
How Do You Get There? (Real Routes and Prices)
- Metro (cheapest): Metro Line 17 from Hongqiao Railway Station gets you to Zhujiajiao in about an hour, for ¥10-12.
- Taxi/Didi: around ¥200 from downtown Shanghai, roughly an hour (longer during rush hour).
- Huzhu Express bus: a budget option, but takes 1-2.5 hours.
- Private driver: the most comfortable option with family — drops you right at the village entrance with no hassle, and can continue on to Suzhou or Hangzhou the same day if you want.
How Much Are the Tickets?
Entry to the village itself is completely free. You only need a ticket if you want to enter specific sites inside it — ¥30 for four sites, or ¥60 for eight sites. For a boat ride: a short tour (about 10 minutes) is ¥80 per boat, and a longer tour is ¥150.
Zhujiajiao Quick Summary
- Distance: ~46-48km west of Shanghai, ~1 hour by car
- Village entry: free | specific sites: ¥30-60
- Boat ride: ¥80 (short) or ¥150 (long) per boat
- Fangsheng Bridge: Shanghai's largest five-arch stone bridge
Planning a Day Trip From Shanghai?
I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Message me on WhatsApp and I'll set up a private-driver day trip to Zhujiajiao, or visit the private driver service page.
