Private Tour
All-inclusive Half-day Private Tour To Zhujiajiao Water Town
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
What better way to explore one of the last remaining hidden sites—not yet touched by modernization—than by having an indigenous inhabitant tell you stories about the history and evolution of this great city. Escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai with a getaway to Zhujiajiao Water Town. Explore traditional architecture and take a relaxing boat ride through the waterways. This half-day tour includes pickup/drop off from any location in Shanghai and entrance fees,BOAT RIDE on the meandering canal, an authentic Shangese Lunch/dinner(Vegan option available).Choice of morning or afternoon departure to suit your schedule .Professional English-speaking guide for a unforgtable experience. Includes all entrance fees: No hidden extras Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your Shanghai hotel
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning or afternoon based on your preferred schedule. Transferred by comfortable vehicle to Zhujiajiao, a water town on the outskirts of Shanghai, and was established about 1,700 years ago. Upon arrival, stroll along the old street and traditional market where you will find many interesting vendors and local specialties. You will also find the best known stone bridges, built during Ming and Qing Dynasties. Take a relaxing boat ride in the canals, and your friendly guide will share with you the history and story of the area. We will also visit a traditional Chinese family garden to marvel the "Elaborate" lifestyle of old time China.After the tour, your guide will send you back to the hotel in Shanghai city.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Lunch or Dinner
All Admission
Gratuities For Guide
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
All-inclusive Half-day Private Tour To Zhujiajiao Water Town
Pickup included
Reviews
41 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Private Tour through Zhujiajiao
Judy M,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bill was our personal (three of us) guide through Zhujiajiao. He was excellent. Fluent English speaker, with no accent, which made easy to talk to him and understand his comments. Knowledgeable about the history and sites in the town. Tour included transportation via Didi (their Uber), private tour through the town, entry into a garden museum, boat ride, and a simple dumpling lunch, all for a reasonable price. What I liked best was that Bill was very communicative, via WeChat, before the tour so I could ask questions before the trip regarding precise details for pick up times, who to expect to pick us up, where, etc.. Originally we were suppose to meet with the driver at another hotel , but Bill willingly arranged for our pick-up at the hotel where we were staying. If you want a private, very good tour guide, who is personable, friendly, accommodating and professional, Bill is your guy! Great tour!
Solo Female Traveler experience
chelseacY1030QX,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zhujiajiao Water Town is the oldest populated territory in Shanghai. It was there before the British, French, and US built up that we think of when we think Shanghai. Bill told me the garden here is better than the popular Yu Garden, and told no lies! It was beautiful. I did a private half day tour of the water town. We started by taking a ferry into the town, strolled through the beautiful garden, had a light dinner, did some shopping, and went to a kitty cafe. Bill showed me things based on my interests, but told me he does other tours too. Costumed photo opportunities are also present in the water down so I imagine it is very popular in Shanghai. Bill was amazing and made me feel extremely comfortable and looked after. Even provided me a small yet very meaningful gift at the close of our tour. It was like I was traveling with my dad again. Very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Bill and see the town through the eyes of an expert!
Perfectly Organized Tour with Guide Bill
Kate J,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Bill led us on the All-inclusive Half-day Private Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town, and everything was perfectly organized. From the initial contact before the tour, through the transfer, to the tour itself – everything went smoothly and professionally. The tour was very interesting and gave us a chance to “peek into” rural life. The place is incredibly charming and full of history. The gardens are beautiful, and the small number of tourists allows you to truly feel the local atmosphere. The boat ride, reminiscent of a “little Venice,” was a wonderful experience, the lunch was delicious, and the evening walk through the local handicraft stalls had a unique charm. We sincerely recommend it! Kate & Dora
Half day tour
vic k,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Time well spent. Guide was excellent. He was informative and friendly. It was over an hour drive from central Shanghai. Once on site it was a different “world”.
Zhujiajiao Water Town & Shanghai Food Tour with Bill
SUZIE S,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked our tour for 8:30am to visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, an ancient village built partly on water, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The drive from our hotel took about one hour, and from the moment we met our tour guide Bill, we knew we were in good hands. Bill spoke very fluent English and was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging throughout the day. At Zhujiajiao, Bill walked us through the town’s rich history, explaining its heritage, architecture, and daily life. One of the absolute highlights was the boat cruise through the canals—peaceful, scenic, and a beautiful way to experience the town from the water. For lunch, Bill took us to a local spot serving dumpling soup, and honestly, it was the best dumplings we’ve ever had. The soup was inside the dumpling itself, perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour—simple, authentic, and unforgettable. After lunch, we wandered through the village market where we saw some truly unique local delicacies, including smoked frog, which is considered a specialty of the area. We also saw insects being dried and sold, something you don’t see every day (unfortunately, we didn’t manage to take photos). Once our village stroll ended, our DiDi arrived and dropped us off at People’s Square. This place was massive—easily four times the size of Chadstone—with stunning lights and a multi-level shopping complex. We explored for a couple of hours before meeting Bill again for the evening food tour. The food tour group included some fellow Melbournians: two sisters from Bentleigh and a guy from Carlton named Alex, which made the experience even more fun and social. Evening Food Tour Highlights: 1. First stop: A dumpling restaurant where dumplings were rolled and steamed fresh on the spot—absolutely delicious. 2. Second stop: A small local restaurant serving egg-free fried rice and fried dumplings, both packed with flavour. 3. Third stop: A noodle place featuring noodles with spices, pork, pork liver, pork intestine (revealed only after tasting!), pickles, tofu, and vegetables—an adventurous and authentic experience. 4. Final stop (dessert): Sticky blood rice pudding, a hot sweet rice drink, and another hot rice-based dessert mixed with tamarind—comforting, warming, and the perfect end to the night. 🌟 Final Thoughts This tour was the perfect combination of history, culture, local life, and incredible food. Bill was an outstanding guide who went above and beyond to make the day seamless and memorable. If you’re visiting Shanghai and want an authentic, well-paced, and deeply enjoyable experience, this tour—especially with Bill—is an absolute must-do.
Perfect Half-Day Tour with an Exceptional Guide
Logan D,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a wonderful 6-hour day trip with Bill, truly the ideal length for a half-day adventure. He arrived right on time, and from that moment the experience flowed effortlessly. Bill highlighted fantastic points of interest along the way, always offering to take photos and making sure my food, sightseeing, and tour preferences were taken into account. His attention to detail and warm personality made the day feel both personalized and easy. Highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to see the sights with comfort, convenience, and a great guide! Great for a solo traveler!
Amazing experience and great guide
rusty06,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went with my 22 yo daughter. Easy communication, pick up and a must do whilst in Shanghai. Bill’s knowledge and interest first rate.
Rumi
Anonymous,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Bill was very knowledgeable and spoke very good English. We had a great tour. I recommend this tour.
Had an amazing experience...
Sameer K,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an amazing experience with Bill. He's so friendly and easy to get along with. Showed us all around water town. Thanks for an amazing time Bill.
Amazing experience, Bill...
Joe S,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience, Bill was very knowledgeable and was welcoming. Would do again, best part was waking through the garden!
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