This article covers the most worthwhile Jiangnan water towns around Shanghai, explaining which towns suit different travelers, what each place is known for, and how to plan an easy route.
A practical guide to the best ancient water towns around Shanghai, based on local expertise and practical tips from experienced guides. It compares Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen, Luzhi, Fengjing, Nanxun, Tongli, and Zhouzhuang by atmosphere, access, crowd levels, and trip style.
Shanghai is not only one of China's most modern international metropolises, but also an ideal starting point for exploring the ancient water towns of Jiangnan. For tourists, the ancient towns surrounding Shanghai offer a completely different travel experience—stone bridges, canals, white walls and black tiles, traditional houses, hand-rowed boats, and quiet old streets reveal a softer, more poetic side of China.
This guide will introduce you to some of the most worthwhile ancient towns around Shanghai, from Zhujiajiao, which is closest to Shanghai, to Nanxun, which has the deepest cultural heritage—and tell you which type of person each town is suitable for, how to enjoy them, and how to plan your route.
Quick Selection: How to Choose a Water Town or Ancient Town Around Shanghai?
If you want a relaxing half-day trip, choose Zhujiajiao. It's closest to Shanghai, easily accessible, and can be explored without a car.
If you want the most classic water town experience, choose Wuzhen. Beautiful scenery and renowned reputation, but requires more planning and is better suited for a full day trip or an overnight stay.
If you want the most pristine, uncommercialized water town experience, avoiding the crowds of Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang, choose Luzhi. With 2500 years of history, 41 ancient bridges, and still inhabited by locals, the main street is free.
If you want a water town that's "just right" – not crowded, moderately commercialized, with the Wu-Yue border river and abundant local cuisine, choose Fengjing. With 1500 years of history, 52 ancient bridges, a 268-meter-long covered corridor, and authentic local delicacies like braised pork hock and Shaoxing wine.
If you prefer a quieter, less commercialized place, choose Nanxun. Fewer tourists than Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang, but transportation is less convenient.
If you want to combine the water town and Suzhou gardens in one day, you can consider Tongli or Zhouzhuang.
I. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: The most convenient water town in Shanghai
Distance from downtown Shanghai: Approximately 1–1.5 hours by car
Recommended visit duration: Half-day or full-day tour
Suitable for: Tourists with limited time, families, seniors, children, and first-time visitors to water towns
Admission: Entry to the ancient town street is free; individual tickets or combined tickets can be purchased for internal attractions (such as Kezhi Garden, Yuanjin Temple, and the Qing Dynasty Post Office).
This water town, with a history of over 1700 years, is known as the "Venice of Shanghai." It features canals, stone bridges, narrow alleys, small shops, and traditional residences. While not the quietest or most secluded water town, it offers visitors a quick and convenient way to experience the charm of a Jiangnan water town.
Recommended experiences: Purchase tickets for a hand-rowed boat at the official pier; 200 RMB per boat (seats 6 people, shared boat 35-40 RMB per person). The boatwoman will sing Jiangnan folk songs while rowing. Local specialties include zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), braised pork, and begonia cake.
How to get there
If you are familiar with Shanghai's transportation system, you can choose to travel by subway and bus.
Subway (Highly Recommended): Take Shanghai Metro Line 17 to "Zhujiajiao Station".After exiting the station, it takes about 15–25 minutes to walk to the entrance of the ancient town.
Direct bus: There is a "Shanghai-Zhujiajiao Expressway" bus from People's Square directly to Zhujiajiao Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.
If you have sufficient funds, we also recommend taking a taxi/ride-hailing service: the journey from downtown Shanghai takes approximately 45–50 minutes and costs around 150–230 RMB. However, this is contingent on you being able to hail a taxi for the return trip.
If you want a comfortable travel experience, you can choose to hire a car. Hiring a car is also an excellent option if you are traveling with children or elderly tourists.
II. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: A classic representative of Jiangnan water towns
Distance from downtown Shanghai: Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car
Recommended tour duration: Full day tour
Suitable for: First-time visitors to experience the Jiangnan water towns, fans of classic routes, and photography enthusiasts
Tickets: 100 (half price on weekdays)
Zhouzhuang is one of China's most famous water towns. It boasts classic canals, stone bridges, old houses, and postcard-perfect scenery.It boasts a complete layout, abundant waterways, well-preserved ancient buildings, and a unique "visual memory point" that many other ancient towns lack – the Twin Bridges.
Key attractions: The two bridges (Shide Bridge and Yong'an Bridge) offer unique views from certain angles, with the arches and their reflections creating a distinctive composition. The hand-rowed boat experience is also a classic activity in Zhouzhuang.
How to get there
Fastest route (high-speed rail + taxi): Take the high-speed rail to Suzhou South Station, then take a taxi to Zhouzhuang (about 30 minutes). The total journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Do you need to hire a car? If you want to do a day trip directly from Shanghai, or if you want to combine Zhouzhuang with Suzhou or other nearby ancient towns, hiring a car will be very helpful.
III. Tongli Ancient Town: A quiet water town suitable for pairing with a trip to Suzhou.
Distance from Shanghai city center: Approximately 2 hours drive
Suggested visit duration: One day trip (can be combined with Suzhou)
Suitable for: Visitors who enjoy gardens and culture, those who want to combine their trip with a Suzhou itinerary, and those who prefer quiet ancient towns.
Ticket price: 100 RMB; valid for two days, single entry allowed for individual attractions inside.
Tongli is one of the most culturally rich ancient towns around Suzhou. What makes Tongli special is its gardens. While there are many ancient towns in Jiangnan, few possess truly classical gardens. Those who enjoy leisurely strolls and appreciating architectural details will find Tongli's atmosphere more appealing.
Key Highlights：
Tuisi Garden is the most important scenic spot in Tongli.The garden is not large, but its design is extremely ingenious—a pond is in the center, and the buildings are built around the water, offering beautiful views from any angle.
How to get there:
We recommend hiring a car for your trip.Tongli is quite far from Shanghai, and relying solely on public transportation is time-consuming (you'll need to take a taxi to the high-speed rail station, and then another taxi to Tongli，which could take 1.5-3 hours).
Hiring a car allows you to combine Tongli with attractions such as Suzhou's old town, the Humble Administrator's Garden, and Pingjiang Road, creating a more complete Jiangnan cultural route.
IV. Wuzhen: A high-quality water town suitable for an overnight stay.
Distance from downtown Shanghai: Approximately 2–2.5 hours by car
Suggested visit duration: Two days and one night (overnight stay strongly recommended)
Suitable for: Those seeking a high-quality experience, photography enthusiasts, night view lovers, families, and honeymooners
Tickets: East Gate 110 RMB, West Gate 150 RMB, East and West Gate combined ticket 190 RMB (valid for two days)
Wuzhen is one of the most famous water towns around Shanghai. It's larger and more refined than many other towns—it boasts ancient streets, canals, bridges, inns, museums, and captivating night views.
Wuzhen is divided into two main scenic areas: Dongzha (quieter and more traditional) and Xizha (more developed and with a more beautiful night view). For first-time visitors, Xizha is a better choice.
Key Highlights：
The night view of Xizha is Wuzhen's biggest attraction. The golden time for night photography is from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
A hand-rowed boat night cruise is a unique experience in Wuzhen. During the day, you see the architecture from the boat; at night, you see the light and shadow effects.
Wuzhen is also the permanent venue for the World Internet Conference. If you arrive in time, you can also catch a performance in Wuzhen.
How to get there
High-speed rail + taxi: Take the high-speed rail from Shanghai Hongqiao Station or Shanghai South Station to Tongxiang Station (about 40 minutes) or Huzhou Nanxun Station (about 1 hour), then take a taxi to Wuzhen (about 50 minutes from Tongxiang Station, about 30 minutes from Nanxun Station). The total journey takes about 2 hours.
If you plan to visit Wuzhen both ways, we recommend hiring a car.
Wuzhen is quite far from Shanghai, and public transportation usually requires a high-speed train followed by a taxi or bus transfer. Chartering a car offers door-to-door service, with a one-way trip of approximately 2 hours.
V. Xitang Ancient Town: Its night scene and local atmosphere are very distinctive.
Distance from downtown Shanghai: Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car
Suggested visit duration: One day trip or two days and one night
Suitable for: Young tourists, couples, photography enthusiasts, those who enjoy night views, and travelers who appreciate local life.
Tickets: 95 RMB. Entry after 4 PM allows free re-entry the following day.
Xitang is known for its covered walkways, bridges, canals, and a softer, more relaxed atmosphere. It's perfect for tourists who want the feel of an ancient town but don't just want to see the most famous sights.
Key Highlights：
The covered corridors are a symbol of Xitang.The covered walkways are built along the river, with shops on one side and the waterway on the other. You can walk along the covered walkways from the entrance of the ancient town to its depths, with the entire route sheltered from the sun and rain.
Stone bridges are also an important feature of Xitang. The Songzi Laifeng Bridge is the most famous of them—one side has steps, and the other a ramp; local legend says that walking on the steps results in a son, while walking on the ramp results in a daughter.
Xitang boasts a more vibrant nightlife than Wuzhen. The riverside bars and music venues stay open late, making Xitang a better fit for you if you enjoy a bit of socializing and entertainment during your trip.
How to get there：
If you have enough time and are familiar with China, you can take a bus to Xitang Ancient Town. The price is approximately 20 RMB and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
The high-speed rail plus bus takes 2.5 hours, so it is recommended to choose a chartered car. If you want to see the night view and return to Shanghai that same night, a chartered car is usually more comfortable.
VI. Nanxun Ancient Town: A quieter and more culturally rich ancient town in Jiangnan
Distance from Shanghai city center: Approximately 2–2.5 hours by car
Suggested visit duration: One day trip, or a two-day trip combined with Wuzhen
Suitable for: In-depth cultural travelers, architecture enthusiasts, those who prefer tranquility, and those who have already visited popular ancient towns.
Admission: Free entry to the ancient town streets; tickets are required for the main attractions.
Nanxun isn't as commercialized as Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen, but it boasts a rich cultural heritage. It features old buildings blending Chinese and Western styles, traditional courtyards, tranquil waterways, and a more authentic, lived-in atmosphere. For tourists who have already visited popular ancient towns or prefer a less crowded experience, Nanxun is an excellent alternative.
Key Highlights：
Xiaolianzhuang is the most famous private garden in Nanxun. Built in the late Qing Dynasty, it was the private garden of Liu Yong, the richest man in Nanxun.
Jiayetang Library is one of the most famous private libraries in modern China, with a collection of up to 600,000 volumes at its peak.
Baijianlou is a long corridor-style residential complex built along the river, about 400 meters long. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and is still well preserved.
Why is hiring a car suitable? Public transportation in Nanxun is not as convenient as in Zhujiajiao or other ancient towns in the Suzhou area. Hiring a car allows you to combine Nanxun and Wuzhen, creating a "classic + off-the-beaten-path" two-day itinerary.
Ⅶ. Luzhi Ancient Town: A more pristine ancient town option near Suzhou
Distance from downtown Shanghai: Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car
Suggested visit duration: Half a day to one day
Suitable for: Those who have already visited popular ancient towns, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic experience.
Tickets: The main street of the ancient town is free to enter all day; tickets are required for the main attractions.
Luzhi（甪直） Ancient Town is the same age as Suzhou Ancient City, boasting a history of over 2,500 years and is hailed as "China's No. 1 Water Town". It is considered one of the "Six Great Ancient Towns of Jiangnan" along with Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Xitang, Wuzhen, and Nanxun, but it is the one with the lowest level of commercialization and retains the most original ecological atmosphere.
Key Highlights：
The ancient bridge complex is the most precious cultural heritage of Luzhi. Among them, the most famous are Hefeng Bridge (Song Dynasty), Huanyu Bridge (Ming Dynasty), and Zhengyang Bridge (Qing Dynasty).
Baosheng Temple is another important attraction in Luzhi. It is a temple with a long history, and it houses Arhat statues created by Yang Huizhi, a master sculptor of the Tang Dynasty. Although it has been damaged, the remaining parts are still of great artistic value.
Pairing with Suzhou: Luzhi is closer to Suzhou city center than Tongli, making it ideal for a day trip combined with Suzhou gardens.
How to get there：
If you have enough time, you can choose to travel by high-speed rail + taxi/bus, which will take approximately 3 hours.Take the high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Kunshan South Station.
If you prefer a comfortable experience: a chartered car can take you directly from your Shanghai hotel to the entrance of the ancient town, saving you the hassle of transfers.
VIII. Fengjing Ancient Town: A lesser-known ancient town with a stronger local Shanghai feel
Distance from downtown Shanghai: Approximately 1.5 hours by car
Suggested visit duration: One day trip
Suitable for: Those who have already visited Zhujiajiao, those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations, and those seeking a quiet atmosphere
Admission: The main street of the ancient town is open to the public free of charge all day.
Fengjing is an ancient town in the southwest corner of Shanghai. It's not as famous as Zhujiajiao, and it attracts significantly fewer tourists. If you don't want to be squeezed into crowds for photos or pushed around in narrow old streets, Fengjing might be a better choice.
Key Highlights：
The core area of Fengjing Ancient Town consists of a main waterway and old streets along the river. There are several stone bridges over the waterway, some of which are quite old. The buildings on both banks were mostly built in the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period. Their white walls are slightly mottled due to their age, which makes them more charming than newly restored buildings.
There is a Ding Cong Art Museum in the ancient town; if you are interested in modern Chinese comics, you can visit it while you're there.
How to get there：
Fengjing Ancient Town is about 60-70 kilometers from Shanghai. Driving or hiring a car is the most convenient way to get there.
Recommended chartered car routes to ancient towns around Shanghai
The following six routes all start from major hotel areas in downtown Shanghai and are operated by chartered vehicle. Each route provides a core itinerary and a general order of visits; specific departure times can be adjusted flexibly based on traffic conditions and individual pace.
Route 1: Half-Day Ancient Town Tour of Shanghai (Zhujiajiao)
Suitable for tourists with limited time. Depart from Shanghai in the morning or at noon, arriving in Zhujiajiao in approximately 1–1.5 hours. Visit the Release Bridge, Beida Street, and Kezhi Garden. Have lunch by the river, experience the waterways by hand-rowed boat, and then return to Shanghai. The entire trip takes approximately 5–6 hours.
Route Two: Shanghai Classic Water Town Day Trip (Zhouzhuang)
Suitable for tourists who want to experience the most classic Jiangnan water town scenery. Depart early in the morning, aiming to arrive in Zhouzhuang before 9:30 AM. Visit the Twin Bridges, Zhang Hall, Shen Hall, and the Old Street. Have lunch in the ancient town, take a boat trip in the afternoon, and return to Shanghai in the evening. The entire trip takes approximately 10-11 hours; weekdays are recommended.
Route 3: Shanghai + Suzhou + Ancient Town Day Trip (Tongli or Luzhi)
Suitable for tourists who want to visit both Suzhou gardens and ancient water towns. In the morning, visit the Humble Administrator's Garden or Lion Grove Garden in Suzhou city. After lunch, drive to Tongli or Luzhi (approximately 30-40 minutes drive). Explore the ancient town in the afternoon and return to Shanghai in the evening. This itinerary is quite full and suitable for tourists with good stamina.
Route 4: Shanghai-Wuzhen Day Trip (Same-day Round Trip)
Suitable for tourists with limited time but who don't want to miss Wuzhen. Departure must be early in the morning (preferably before 7:00 AM), travel time approximately 2–2.5 hours. The entire d
Route 5: Shanghai-Wuzhen Two-Day Tour (Highly Recommended)
Depart from Shanghai in the morning of Day 1, check into a hotel within or near the Xizha Scenic Area. Explore Xizha's daytime attractions in the afternoon, and enjoy the night view and a night cruise in the evening. On Day 2, stroll through the quiet ancient town in the morning, visit the Mu Xin Art Museum or continue exploring Xizha in the morning, and check out in the afternoon to return to Shanghai. This is the best way to fully experience the essence of Wuzhen.
Route 6: Shanghai-Nanxun + Wuzhen Two-Day Tour (In-Depth Choice)
Depart from Nanxun in the morning of Day 1, visiting Xiaolianzhuang, Jiayetang Library, and Baijianlou. Drive to Wuzhen in the afternoon (approximately 1 hour), check into a hotel, and enjoy the night view of Xizha. Continue exploring Wuzhen Xizha in the morning of Day 2, and return to Shanghai in the afternoon. This route offers the most comprehensive experience of a quiet cultural ancient town and an exquisite classic water town in one trip.
Practical tips for visiting ancient towns around Shanghai
Regarding the schedule
If you have the flexibility to plan your trip, be sure to visit the old town on a weekday (Monday to Friday). Weekend visitor numbers are typically 3 to 5 times higher than weekdays.
Regarding weather and clothing
Seasonal Characteristics:
Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures with occasional light rain make this the most recommended season. However, the Qingming Festival holiday in early April can be very crowded.
Summer (June–September): Hot and humid, with temperatures reaching over 35°C in July and August. It's recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon, and relax in a teahouse at midday to escape the heat. The plum rain season in June brings heavy rainfall.
Autumn (September–November): Cool temperatures and stable weather make this one of the best seasons. Avoid visiting during the National Day holiday in October.
Winter (December–February): Lower temperatures (0–10°C), fewer tourists, giving the ancient town a serene and beautiful atmosphere. However, strong winds can occur along the river during cold snaps, so a thick coat is necessary.
Regarding dining:
Dining within the ancient town is an integral part of the water town experience. Almost every ancient town has riverside restaurants where you can sit and eat while watching the boats come and go. We recommend trying the following local dishes:
Steamed White Fish: Fresh river fish with tender flesh
River Shrimp: Small in size but sweet in flavor
Zha Rou (braised pork): Stewed pork wrapped in bamboo leaves, rich but not greasy (common in Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen)
Wadi Su (short, crispy pastry): A thin, crispy, savory pastry, perfect as a snack
Qian Shi Gao (芡实糕): A sweet cake made from the seeds of Qian Shi (芡实, a type of aquatic plant).
Other Useful Information
Power Outlets: China uses 220V voltage, and outlets are either two-prong flat (Type A) or two-prong round (Type C). Foreign devices usually require adapters, so it's recommended to prepare one in advance. Most guesthouses in the old town provide universal outlets, but it's best to bring your own adapter.
Recommended places to visit around Shanghai
If you are interested in the water towns of Jiangnan, please contact us and choose your favorite ancient town. We can customize a private car tour for you according to your schedule.
Recommended itinerary:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which water town is closest to Shanghai for a half-day trip?
Zhujiajiao is the most convenient choice for a half-day trip from Shanghai. It is close to the city, easy to reach without a car, and can be explored in a few hours on foot and by boat.
Which ancient town near Shanghai offers the most classic water town experience?
Wuzhen is the most classic and well-known Jiangnan water town in this guide. It is best planned as a full-day trip or an overnight stay because it requires more travel time than Zhujiajiao.
Where can I find a less commercialized water town near Shanghai?
Luzhi is recommended if you want a more pristine and less commercialized experience. It has about 2,500 years of history, 41 ancient bridges, and a free main street where local residents still live.
Which water town near Shanghai has fewer crowds but strong cultural heritage?
Nanxun is a good choice for travelers seeking a quieter atmosphere and deeper cultural heritage. It usually has fewer tourists than Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang, although transportation there is less convenient.
Which water town is best if I want food, bridges, and moderate crowds?
Fengjing is a balanced option with moderate commercialization and fewer crowds than the most famous towns. It has around 1,500 years of history, 52 ancient bridges, a 268-meter covered corridor, and is known for local dishes like braised pork hock and Shaoxing wine.
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