Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, located in the southwest of Qingpu District and adjacent to Dianshan Lake, is one of the four historical and cultural towns in Shanghai.
With its intricate water network, crisscrossing roads, and numerous scenic spots and cultural relics, it is known as the “Pearl of Jiangnan” nestled beside Dianshan Lake.
Much of Zhujiajiao’s captivating natural beauty comes from Dianshan Lake. Covering an area of 62 square kilometers, the eastern part of the lake is mostly within Zhujiajiao’s territory, equivalent to 11 times the size of Hangzhou’s West Lake.
Taking a boat ride on the lake, you’ll be immersed in the endless expanse of water and sky, with reeds swaying gently in the breeze and wild ducks and waterfowl startling into flight, instantly making you feel far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, relaxed and refreshed.
Apart from the natural scenery, what truly sets Zhujiajiao Ancient Town apart is its cultural landscape. The town is crisscrossed by rivers and canals, with nine long streets stretching along the waterways and thousands of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings standing by the water.
The town’s 36 ancient arched bridges retain their old-world charm, and historic sites and scenic spots can be found everywhere. Strolling through the town is an endlessly fascinating experience.
April is the most beautiful time of the year, and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is even more enchanting and graceful during this season. Follow our guide to embark on a delightful waterside journey in Jiangnan.
Recommended Itinerary
When visiting Zhujiajiao, a water town, taking a boat tour is an absolute must. Board a sculling boat and set off along the river in the morning light, watching the residential houses on both banks slowly recede.
The light black awning passes through thousand-year-old stone bridges, and various “internet-famous” delicacies can be found on every corner of the ancient town’s streets and alleys.
Freshly wrapped and sold by grannies, the meat zongzi is rich but not greasy; the fried pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; the stinky tofu is golden in color; and the oil-fried glutinous rice cakes are a sight to behold.
Itinerary
Ke Garden → Ke Garden Pier (take a boat) → North Street Pier (disembark) → Tai’an Bridge → Yuanjin Temple → City God Temple → Caohe Street → Qing Dynasty Post Office → North Street → Shanghai Handicraft Zhujiajiao Exhibition Hall → Shanghai Helong Art Museum → Fangsheng Bridge → Hexin Garden → Quanhua Watercolor Art Gallery
Ke Garden
Ke Garden, located on Xijing Street at the north end of Zhujiajiao, is the largest manor-style garden complex in the ancient town.
It incorporates the best features of Jiangnan garden architecture and demonstrates exquisite craftsmanship in its landscape design, making it a must-visit attraction when touring the ancient town.
Yuanjin Temple
Yuanjin Temple was first built during the Zhizheng years of the Yuan Dynasty (1341). The layout of the temple is compact, with only a few Buddha statues, but each one is intricately carved.
The temple’s Qinghua Pavilion is particularly famous, not only for being a place where renowned scholars and literati stored their treasured paintings and calligraphy but also for offering a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery along the Pearl Stream from its upper floor.
Throughout history, Yuanjin Temple has been an important storage site for cultural relics, attracting numerous famous scholars and artists, including Dong Qichang and Xu Ganxue, who visited the temple to appreciate its collections and leave their inscriptions.
City God Temple
Located in the center of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, the City God Temple has a history of over 200 years. Originally situated in Xuejia Creek in the south of the town, it was relocated to its current site in the 28th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1763).
Qing Dynasty Post Office
The Qing Dynasty Post Office in Zhujiajiao was established in 1903 and has a history of over 120 years. It is the only remaining old site of a Qing Dynasty post office in East China and one of the earliest postal institutions in Qingpu.
After recent renovations, the Qing Dynasty Post Office now features five functional areas: a cultural and creative zone, a letter museum, the Jiaoli Living Room, a leisure area, and a coffee area.
Shanghai Handicraft Zhujiajiao Exhibition Hall
The Shanghai Handicraft Zhujiajiao Exhibition Hall opened in 2006 and primarily showcases handicrafts from China and abroad that possess cultural value.
Shanghai Helong Art Museum
Shanghai Helong Art Museum is located on the bustling North Street of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and is one of the art museums in Shanghai with the largest collection of works by masters of the Shanghai School.
Fangsheng Bridge
Fangsheng Bridge is an iconic landmark of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and is the longest, largest, and tallest five-arch stone bridge in the Shanghai area.
Hexin Garden
Hexin Garden is a private museum with a rich collection. The garden houses more than 50 original inscribed stone carvings created by renowned modern masters of seal carving, including Wu Changshuo, Ye Ming, and Wu Yin, over a period of four years.
Quanhua Watercolor Art Gallery
Following the river, we finally arrive at the Quanhua Watercolor Art Gallery. The gallery is managed by the renowned elder generation watercolor painter Chen Xidan and is currently the only professional watercolor art gallery in China dedicated to collecting and exhibiting classic contemporary international and domestic watercolor paintings.
Zhujiajiao Cuisine
As a typical Jiangnan water town, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town naturally offers a series of must-try water town delicacies.
Smoked Green Beans
Smoked green beans, also known as “zhi” green beans, are a specialty snack in Zhujiajiao. Every autumn, when fresh green beans come into season, grannies begin to make “zhi” green beans. They select top-quality green beans, bamboo shoots, and spices, cook them thoroughly in a large pot, add their own secret seasonings, place them on a stove, set up a special rack, and slowly smoke them until dry.
Smoked green beans have a vibrant green color, are soft yet firm, and have a delicious flavor. Traditional smoked green beans come in both sweet and savory flavors, and now there are also spicy varieties, each with its own delightful taste. Holding a small handful of smoked green beans and eating them while strolling through the ancient town makes time pass leisurely.
Braised Pork
Rich and savory dishes are beloved by southerners, and the braised pork and soy sauce pork knuckle in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town are typical representatives of this style. Braised pork is a popular delicacy in Qingpu.
While in some places, the pork is tied with straw, in Zhujiajiao, it is wrapped in bamboo leaves. Zhujiajiao braised pork is made with skin-on, boneless leg meat, wrapped in bamboo leaves, then tied tightly before cooking.
Braised pork is more convenient to take home than aquatic products and is easy to reheat. When eaten hot, the rich fat roams freely in your mouth. Who can resist the temptation of a bite that bursts with juice and is fatty but not greasy?
Pickled Vegetables
“Zhujiajiao pickled vegetables” are a well-known Shanghai delicacy, famous for their unique flavor and traditional production techniques.
The pickled vegetables in Zhujiajiao are made from locally sourced fresh vegetables and carefully selected seasonings, meticulously processed and pickled.
These pickled vegetables are usually characterized by a salty, sour, and crisp taste, with a subtle sweetness and a playful hint of spiciness.
Various vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, and green beans, after being pickled, have a fresh and crisp texture and an enticing mouthfeel. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or accompaniment to rice, Zhujiajiao’s pickled vegetables can bring a delightful taste experience.
The charm of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town lies in its countless specialty foods, its natural scenery and local customs, its history and culture, and the magical allure of the ancient and modern blending together. Whether it’s your first visit or a reunion, each time, you can be healed by this ancient Jiangnan town.
Related Articles:
