Zhujiajiao Travel Guide
Release Life Bridge · North Street · Botanical Garden
Zhujiajiao is the most well-preserved ancient water town in Shanghai, with the old street stretching along both sides of the Caogang River. The five-arched stone bridge in the town, 'Fangsheng Bridge,' is the longest and largest stone arch bridge in the Shanghai area. The best view of the arcaded buildings on both sides of the river is from the top of the bridge.
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Destination Details
Zhujiajiao is located in Qingpu District and is the only ancient town in Shanghai listed as a "Chinese Historical and Cultural Town." It became a marketplace as early as the Song and Yuan Dynasties and prospered due to convenient water transport. Today, the town still retains its complete river-street layout.
Main Highlights
Fangsheng Bridge
Built in the Ming Dynasty, it is a five-arch stone bridge over seventy meters long, and it is the largest stone arch bridge remaining in Shanghai. The dragon gate stone carving in the center of the bridge is exquisitely crafted. The bridge has a steep and wide slope, and standing on top offers the best view—old houses, river piers, and pole boats on both sides are all in full view.
North Street and Kezhi Garden
North Street is the liveliest street in town, less than three meters wide, flanked by two-story old houses, earning it the nickname "Skyline Alley." Kezhi Garden is the largest private garden in town, half Chinese style and half Western style. The garden contains a study tower and rice paddies, a rare configuration in water town gardens.
Recommended Route
- Classic: Fangsheng Bridge → North Street → Kezhi Garden → Take a pole boat, about 3 hours.
- Combine with Oriental Land or Dianshan Lake for a one-day trip in Qingpu.
Practical Information
Direct access via Metro Line 17, about a 1-hour trip from downtown. Weekends and holidays are crowded, while weekdays are much quieter. Local snacks include pressed meat, zongzi (rice dumplings), and begonia cakes. The teahouses by the bridge are good for resting and watching the boats.
