Excursion The water town of zhujiajiao tour at Shanghai

Venture beyond the modern metropolis of Shanghai to discover one of East China's traditional waterside towns on this intriguing, full-day excursion. Situated beside the Dianshanhu Lake, Zhujiajiao illustrates the customs and culture of old-world China.

Zhujiajiao Water Town and its canals

Commencing your journey at the pier, travel by coach for approximately an hour and a half past rustic farms and rippling fields of rice to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town well-known throughout the country with a history of more than 1,700 years. Covering an area of 18 square miles (47 square kilometres), the little fan-shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the landscape of lakes and mountains. Endowed with another elegant name - Pearl Stream - the little town is the best-preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Unique old bridges across bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees, and houses with attached courtyards all transport people, who are living amidst the hustle and bustle of the modern big city, to a world full of antiquity, leisure and tranquillity.

Upon arrival in this small town, leisurely make your way along meandering streets and narrow alleyways on foot. Admire Zhujiajiao's numerous stone bridges and centuries-old buildings of white wall or black brick. Reminiscent of Venice's canals, local women display their wares from wooden boats bobbing in the water. Although this community boasts 36 moss-covered bridges, the most famous is the five-arched Fangsheng Bridge, a remnant of the Ming dynasty.

Daqing Youju post office and Tongtianhe Traditional Chinese Pharmacy

Continue your exploration at Daqing Youju, a post office that dates back to the Qing dynasty, the only remnant of its kind in East China. Visit the Tongtianhe Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, the largest in Zhujiajiao that accounted for almost half of the business scale of all pharmacies in the area in late Qing dynasty. For centuries, this Pharmacy has established its fame among the locals as it has adhered to the principle of 'Healing the Pain & Saving the Life' based on traditional Chinese ethics and medical culture. Today, the essence of traditional business and prescription practices as well as the original 'Shikumen'-style front gate and some of the old furniture have been well retained.

A traditional Chinese - style lunch

A traditional lunch of Chinese-style cuisine is served at a local restaurant.

Silk Factory

Following lunch, visit a silk factory where you have the opportunity of observing some of the ancient techniques in producing this elegant fabric. See the workers removing the fibres from cocoons before winding them onto spools. Later see how the fibres are woven into silk threads.

Re-board the coach for the return drive to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Zhujiajiao, Daqing Youju Post Office, Tongtianhe Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, Silk Factory

Note

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometres) with approximately 80 steps to climb. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Dress in casual layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. The order of sights visited may vary. Bring local currency for any purchases.