Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Explore Tour in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao is a well known water town situated on the shore of brilliant Dianshan Lake, nestled against the boundless Nine Hills along Tour in China. Zhujiajiao, which is sometimes referred to as 'Zhuxi', is one of the four most famous cultural towns of Shanghai, and boasts a thousand years of history. It began as a small village during the Three Kingdoms Period (220 - 280), and developed into a bazaar during the Song (960 - 1297) and Yuan Dynasties (1271 - 1368). Owing to its booming businesses, more and more people took up residency until it finally developed into a town in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).

The ancient district of Zhujiajiao occupies about 3 sq. km, and exploring it thoroughly will take you about two hours - more if you reserve some time for some of the numerous teahouses, coffeehouses, bars and restaurants during travel to Shanghai. While a lot of streets have become very touristy, you may also find alleys which are still the home of local residents - mainly elderly people and even people of a slightly bohemian streak. Doors are often left ajar, and little distinction is made between the house and the alleyway as people go about their day. Having been a pretty sleepy town in the past, Zhujiajiao is now in a new era. In recent years, there has been an influx of tourists that stroll along the waterways and are the main source of income for the inhabitants. Some young bohemian people from Shanghai and elsewhere have settled in Zhujiajiao as well. As a result, the ancient quarter now sports a number of artsy bars, cafes and shops that make for great hideouts if you tire of the pushier merchants in the main streets.

Small gondolas can be seen everywhere in the town, and are a nice way to get a view of the town from the water. Each gondola can hold 6 people. There are two kinds of trip – short distance and long distance. The short distance trip take passengers up and down the main canal, and the price is 60 yuan/per boat. The Long distance cruise travel all over the town and back, and the price is 120 yuan/per boat. Tickets can be bought in the small wooden ticket booths. Boat trips on the lake are available. The ticket is around 40-60 yuan/erp person. The boats are available at No 60 Dongjing Street according to China tour guide.