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Day Trip

Zhujiajiao Water Town & Tea Ceremony

6 Hours 4.7 (189 reviews) Private Tour Gondola Ride
From $75 / person
Book This Tour

Tour Overview

What's Included

Included

  • Air-conditioned private vehicle
  • English-speaking private guide
  • Round-trip high-speed train tickets (2nd class)
  • All entrance tickets for the day
  • Hotel pickup & drop-off
  • WiFi & bottled water
  • Professional photography tips
  • Travel liability insurance

Excluded

  • Dinner / additional meals
  • Tips for the guide
  • Personal shopping & expenses
  • Optional upgrades (rooftop drinks, extra activities)
  • Personal travel insurance

Just 45 minutes from downtown Shanghai lies a different world. Zhujiajiao, known as the "Venice of Shanghai," is a 1,700-year-old water town where ancient stone bridges arch over tranquil canals, traditional houses line narrow alleyways, and life moves at the pace of a gently rowed gondola.

This half-day escape combines the romance of the water town with a traditional tea ceremony led by a local tea master. It's the perfect antidote to Shanghai's urban energy — a peaceful journey into China's rich water town heritage.

Tour Highlights

🚣

Gondola Ride

Glide through ancient waterways in a traditional wooden boat, passing under stone bridges and past centuries-old residences.

🏡

Kezhi Garden

Explore a hidden Ming Dynasty scholar's garden with exquisite rockeries, pavilions, and a tranquil koi pond.

🫖

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Learn about Chinese tea culture from a master and sample premium oolong, green, and pu'er teas in a historic tea house.

🌉

Fangsheng Bridge

Walk across the iconic 5-arched stone bridge, the largest of its kind in Shanghai region, built in 1571.

🍲

Waterfront Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a family-run restaurant overlooking the canal, featuring local river fish and seasonal vegetables.

🎨

Local Crafts

Browse artisan shops selling hand-painted fans, embroidery, and traditional Chinese paintings along the ancient streets.

Full Itinerary

9:00 AM

Hotel Pickup

Your guide picks you up in a private vehicle and you head west out of the city towards the water town.

9:45 AM

Arrival at Zhujiajiao

Step back in time as you enter the ancient water town. Begin with a stroll along the canals, crossing the iconic Fangsheng Bridge.

10:15 AM

Gondola Ride

Board a traditional wooden boat for a 30-minute ride through the waterways. Your boatman will sing a local folk song as you glide under ancient bridges.

11:00 AM

Kezhi Garden

Explore this beautifully preserved Ming Dynasty garden, once the private retreat of a wealthy scholar. Perfect photo opportunities at every turn.

12:00 PM

Waterfront Lunch

Sit down at a family-run restaurant with canal views. Try local specialties like river shrimp, steamed white fish, and water spinach.

1:30 PM

Tea Ceremony

Visit a traditional tea house for a guided tea ceremony. Learn about the different types of Chinese tea, proper brewing techniques, and the philosophy of tea.

2:30 PM

Free Time & Shopping

Explore the ancient streets at your own pace. Browse for souvenirs — hand-painted fans, local tea, and traditional crafts.

3:30 PM

Return to Shanghai

Relax on the drive back to Shanghai with drop-off at your hotel around 4:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this Shanghai tour?

this tour covers Shanghai's highlights at a comfortable pace. The exact itinerary is flexible, and your private guide will tailor it to your interests and energy level.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, all our tours are private. You travel with your own group and a dedicated English-speaking guide — never shared with other travellers.

Can I customize the itinerary?

Absolutely. Every itinerary is fully customizable. Tell us what you most want to see, and we will adjust the tour to your preferences.

Does the price include hotel pickup?

For hotels in central Shanghai, door-to-door pickup and drop-off are typically included. Share your hotel details and we will confirm the exact arrangement.

How do I book and pay?

Booking is easy — message us on WhatsApp or email. For most tours no deposit is required and you can pay on the day, with no hidden fees.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Yes. We offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before your scheduled tour, and date or itinerary changes are always welcome.

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