Zhujiajiao Water Town: A Shanghai Day Trip

China's Ancient Watertown's | Shanghai's BEST Day Trip

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
China's Ancient Watertown's | Shanghai's BEST Day Trip
Eoin and Aisling2024-05-2624 min

Zhujiajiao is a place where ancient traditions merge beautifully with modern life. It's a quaint Watertown only a short 1hr metro ride away from Shanghai. Filled with twisting waterways, cobblestone streets, and curved rock bridges, where you'll find yourself fully immersed in a world of cute tea houses, centuries-old residences, and lively market stalls serving up some local delicacies, it's a living museum of Chinese culture, craftsmanship, and history dating back as far as the Ming Dynasty in the 1300s and is truly an enchanting, ancient gem nestled within China.

--- Eoin and Aisling
May 26, 2024, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction to Zhujiajiao
  2. 0:37Getting there from Shanghai
  3. 1:34Arrival and first impressions
  4. 2:04Exploring the town
  5. 3:46Ancient town and attractions
  6. 4:19Venice of Shanghai
  7. 7:35Portrait artists
  8. 12:12Local food: pork knuckle
  9. 14:35Boat ride experience
  10. 18:01Prince pork belly rice dumpling
  11. 20:41Insect street food

Eoin and Aisling explore Zhujiajiao, a stunning water town near Shanghai. Ancient charm, delicious food, and heartwarming local encounters create an unforgettable Chinese adventure.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Getting to Zhujiajiao from Shanghai is easy; take the metro, it's about an hour and 20-minute journey. (0:37)
  2. Tip 2Zhujiajiao is chosen for its accessibility by metro, unlike other water towns requiring multiple transfers. (2:16)
  3. Tip 3The ancient town is free to enter, but many attractions inside require tickets, like temples and museums. (3:46)
  4. Tip 4Boat rides are more expensive than expected, costing 200-300 Yuan per boat (up to six people). (14:44)
  5. Tip 5Allow 4-5 hours to explore the ancient town; optional attractions like museums and temples can add more time. (23:51)

Eoin and Aisling's Shanghai adventure extends beyond the city limits to Zhujiajiao, a charming water town. This captivating day trip offers a delightful contrast to the bustling metropolis, showcasing ancient traditions alongside modern life. Explore picturesque waterways, cobblestone streets, and historic bridges, all while indulging in local delicacies and unique cultural experiences. From navigating the metro to discovering hidden culinary gems and interacting with friendly locals, their journey is filled with unexpected delights and heartwarming moments.

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China's Ancient Watertown's | Shanghai's BEST Day Trip

This video follows Eoin And Aisling on a day trip from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao, a historic water town often called the "Venice of Shanghai." The journey begins with a convenient metro ride, showcasing the ease of access to this charming destination. Along the way, they sample traditional Chinese snacks, highlighting the local culinary scene. Upon arrival, they're greeted by a cool breeze and the picturesque beauty of Zhujiajiao's waterways and bridges. The town is described as a living museum, blending ancient traditions with modern life. Eoin And Aisling explore the town's narrow streets, filled with shops selling traditional items and local crafts. They interact with locals, including school children who compliment Aisling's beauty and engage in conversation. A visit to a local embroidery shop reveals intricate craftsmanship and artistic detail. The video also features encounters with unique creatures, such as kiss fish, and showcases the abundance of portrait artists in the area. Food plays a significant role, with Eoin And Aisling sampling various delights, including sugar donuts, pork chops, and a unique prince pork belly rice dumpling. The experience culminates with a discussion about the cost of boat rides and the overall charm of Zhujiajiao as a relaxing escape from the bustling city. Throughout the video, Eoin And Aisling share their personal experiences and observations, making the video a unique and engaging travelogue. The overall tone is conversational and informative, highlighting the beauty and cultural richness of Zhujiajiao and the ease of access from Shanghai. The video encourages viewers to consider this destination for a day trip, promising a memorable experience.

The accessibility of Zhujiajiao via metro is a key highlight, contrasting with the more complex travel arrangements required to reach other water towns. The video showcases the town's unique atmosphere, emphasizing its beauty and tranquility, which provides a welcome change of pace from the bustling city of Shanghai. The personal interactions with locals, particularly the school children, add a layer of authenticity and warmth to the narrative. The culinary experiences, featuring a variety of local snacks and dishes, provide a tantalizing glimpse into Zhujiajiao's gastronomic offerings.

The video's unique details include the discovery of kiss fish, the abundance of portrait artists, and the detailed descriptions of various food items. The emotional moments are evident in Eoin And Aisling's expressions of delight and wonder at the beauty of the town and the kindness of its people. The surprising discoveries include the affordability of certain food items and the unexpected encounter with the school children. The overall experience is presented as a blend of cultural immersion, personal discovery, and delightful culinary adventures, making Zhujiajiao a compelling destination for potential travelers.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the easiest way to get to Zhujiajiao from Shanghai?
A: Just take the metro, it's about an hour and 20 minutes.
Q: What's the ancient town like?
A: It's really beautiful, with lots of narrow paths, shops, and bridges. It's free to walk around, but some attractions inside cost money.
Q: What's the best way to get around the water town?
A: You can walk or take a boat. But the boats are expensive, so we just walked.
Q: What's the food like?
A: There's lots of delicious food, like sugar donuts, pork chops, and a prince pork belly rice dumpling!
Q: What was it like interacting with the locals?
A: The school kids were really cute and friendly. They kept complimenting Aisling!

Zhujiajiao Water Town: A Shanghai Day Trip

Discover Zhujiajiao, a charming ancient water town near Shanghai. Explore its waterways, bridges & markets, experiencing rich Chinese culture and history.

Zhujiajiao Water Town: Shanghai Day Trip Guide

Explore the enchanting Zhujiajiao water town, a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern life, just an hour's metro ride from Shanghai. Wander through twisting waterways, charming cobblestone streets, and picturesque bridges. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, discovering traditional tea houses, centuries-old homes, and bustling market stalls offering local delicacies. This living museum showcases Chinese craftsmanship and history dating back to the Ming Dynasty, a true hidden gem within China.

Attractions in this video: Ancient Town, Waterways, Bridges, Temples, Museums, Art Galleries, Gardens