Water Town in China
In China's water towns, there are small bridges, flowing rivers, and houses. Willows sway gently by the river. The houses have white walls and grey tiles. Boats move slowly through the water. People on the street speak in soft and gentle voices. When it rains, the water towns become beautiful and gentle. It's like they are covered with a thin layer of gauze.
Everything feels poetic and picturesque. Walking on the stone paths with an oil paper umbrella, you can feel the misty rain. Time seems to slow down, and the whole ancient town becomes lovely. It is worth visiting a water town.
Most Recommended Water Town Tours from Shanghai
The most recommended water towns are Zhujiajiao, Tongli, and Zhouzhuang.
Zhujiajiao is the closest to Shanghai, and it's very easy to get there by subway, bus, or taxi.
Tongli is not far from Shanghai either. It only takes 90 minutes by taxi. It has a high wetland coverage rate of 80%, and the ecological environment is good.
Zhouzhuang is known as the No. 1 water town in China, and most of its buildings still keep the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Zhujiajiao Day Tour from Shanghai
Fangsheng Bridge - Baoguo Temple - Qibao Old Town
- Known as Shanghai Venice
- The nearest water town to Shanghai
- Hollywood of the Shanghai suburbs
Price from US$
Zhouzhuang Tour from Shanghai
Zhougzhuang Museum - Zhenfeng Cultural Street - Twin Bridge
- One of the world's most beautiful towns to CNN.
- A Theatre Festival was held every year.
- 60% of the buildings have the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Price from US$
Suzhou and Tongli Water Town from Shanghai
Lingering Garden - Rickshaw Ride - Humble Administrator Garden - Tongli Water Town - Gondola Ride
- A rowed boat with the longest duration (30 mins)
- Tuisi Garden is the only World Cultural Heritage site among water towns.
- Walking over three bridges can bring peace and good luck.
Price from US$
Other Popular Water Town Day Trips
It's better to plan a day trip to the water town. You can enjoy the best parts of the water town without getting tired of seeing too many things. Also, try to avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays, like Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, and National Day. During these times, the scenic spots are crowded, which can affect your travel experience.
Wuzhen Water Town Day Trip from Shanghai
History|Theatre|Dye House
- Wuzhen has a history of over 1300 years.
- Keeps the styles of the late Qing Dynasty.
- Xizha has the real look of a water town.
Price from US$
Nanxun Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai
Original Style|Residential Buildings |Food Lover
- The wealthiest water town in the past.
- Nanxun pig's trotters are a must-eat during festivals and the signature dish in every restaurant.
Price from US$
Xitang Water Town Tour from Shanghai
Alley|Garden|Food Lover
- The filming locations for Mission: Impossible III.
- West Street is the busiest food street in Xitang. It has stinky tofu, tofu pudding, and wontons.
Price from US$
Half-Day Zhujiajiao Trip from Shanghai
Business Trip|Layover|Food Lover
- The food street is called North Street.
- There are buses and a subway to get to Zhujiajiao.
- The biggest five-arch bridge in Shanghai is Fangsheng Bridge.
Price from US$
Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Day Trip from Shanghai
Photography|Traditional Chinese Buildings|Kun Opera
- 14 bridges from 3 different dynasties.
- You can enter for free after buying a ticket once.
- Chinese photographers have created many works about the Double Bridge.
Price from US$
Tongli Ancient Town Day Tour from Suzhou
Photography|Tea Culture|Three Religions
- Walking along Three Bridges is on the intangible cultural heritage list of Wujiang District.
- National Geographic chose the most beautiful water town.
Price from US$
Exploring Shanghai and Surrounding Water Towns
While you visit the water towns, it's also good to explore the nearby cities. This way, you'll get a deeper impression of the Jiangnan area. The quiet water towns and the busy cities have very different flavors, and this difference will give you a big surprise in your travel experience.
4-Day Shanghai and Zhujiajiao Tour
- Day 1: Pick You Up
- Day 2:Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, Shanghai Tower
- Day 3:Zhujiajiao Water Town, Xintiandi
- Day 4: Shanghai Departure
Price from US$
4-Day Shanghai and Zhouzhuang Tour
- Day 1: Airport Pick Up and Transfer
- Day 2: The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower, Former French Concession
- Day 3: Shanghai to Zhouzhuang Water Town
- Day 4: Shanghai Departure
Price from US$
4-Day Hangzhou and Wuzhen Tour
- Day 1: Lingyin Temple, Flying Peak
- Day 2: West Lake, Hu Qingyu Hall
- Day 3: Wuzhen Water Town
- Day 4: Train to Shanghai
Price from US$
5-Day Shanghai and Suzhou Tongli Tour
- Day 1: Pick-Up
- Day 2: The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower
- Day 3: Tongli Water Town
- Day 4: Lingering Garden, Rickshaw Ride
- Day 5: Shanghai Airport Transfer
Price from US$
Differences Between Each Water Town
The water towns in the Jiangnan area are mostly in the Yangtze River Delta, and each town has its charm. Wuzhen is full of ancient charm, Xitang has small bridges and flowing water, Zhouzhuang is peaceful like a painting, and Tongli has a long-lasting flavor.
| Water Town | Location | Feature | Recommended Visit Time | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhujiajiao | Shanghai City | Hidden in the modern city | 3 hours | Crowded |
| Wuzhen | Tongxiang City | Boasts a rich culture | 1-2 day | Less Crowded |
| Zhouzhuang | Kunshan City | Best Water Town in China | 1-2 day | Most crowded |
| Tongli | Suzhou City | Eastern Venice | 3 hours | Crowded |
| Xitang | Jiaxing City | Original ancient town's style | 1 day | Less Crowded |
| Nanxun | Huzhou City | The wealthiest water town in the past | 1 day | Least Crowded |
Customize Your Water Town Tour
If you don't know which water town is right for you or when to go, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our experienced travel advisors will create a water town itinerary for you according to your hobby and tour time. They'll help you avoid the crowds and let you enjoy the local life. Patient guides and drivers will take you between the scenic spots and your hotel. All you need to do is enjoy your trip.
Qi from Shanghai
Qi, our private guide in Shanghai, was very good. She was very flexible to our needs, and changed a few things for us. Qi was charming and helpful and good to chat with.Also I’d like to acknowledge and recommend Vanessa from China Travel who worked with my wife to create a perfect 15 day China tour plan for us. Vanessa was very responsive and understood what we wanted. We had a private tour, and I know this can be expensive, but if you can afford it the private tour is well worth the money.
A Well Planned Trip to Shanghai
My wife and I took a 15 day tour of China; commencing 24/04/2025 and ending 08/05/2025 and of this, we spent 3 days in Shanghai; from 06/05/2025 to 08/05/2025. We thoroughly enjoyed our visits to the various historical sites in Shanghai of; The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, French Concession Region, Shanghai Tower and the one day shopping around the city; which were all planned exceptionally well. To our tour guide, Ms Kenny, thank you sincerely for looking after us really well and sharing your immense knowledge on the sites and locations around Shanghai. The facilities of the hotels and vehicles provided were also of high standard and we sincerely thank China Travel and Kenny for organizing and presenting us with fond memories China and Shanghai. Thank You.
Shanghai
Shanghai was the last part of our trip in China. We arrived late in the evening and our guide, Wini, waited to take us to the hotel. She was immediately very welcoming and friendly! In the next 2 days she made us appreciate the modern and ancient part of Shanghai, the beautiful ancient Chinese gardens of Souzhou and the romantic atmosphere of Tongli water village. She was very knowledgeable, professional and nice. We totally recommend visiting Shanghai with Wini!