Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao is a canal town in Qingpu District, on the outskirts of Shanghai, and one of the Jiangnan water towns within reach of the city by metro. It was established around 1,700 years ago, and archaeological finds in the area go back some 5,000 years. Because the town grew up around rivers and canals, much local transport was once by boat, and the old centre is still threaded with waterways crossed by 36 stone bridges.

The best known is Fangsheng Bridge, the longest, largest and highest five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai, often called the first bridge of Shanghai and a popular spot at sunset. Other crossings worth seeking out include Fuxing, Zhonghe and Chenghuangmiao bridges. On North Street, the Jiangnan No. 1 Tea House occupies a late Qing two-storey brick building and serves morning tea accompanied by Suzhou pingtan, a form of storytelling and ballad singing. The Zhujiajiao Post Office dates from 1903, and its Qing-style bronze postboxes still take letters.

Boat rides leave from near the tea house, and some trips serve afternoon tea and Jiangnan pastries on board. Kezhi Garden, a private garden with a zigzag bridge inspired by Yu Garden and a lion pavilion modelled on Suzhou's Lion Grove, holds evening visits with Kunqu opera performances. The Yuanjin Buddhist Temple is another sight in the old town. If you want to see the canals once the day-trippers leave, the town has many small bed and breakfasts.

Zhujiajiao suits families, couples and anyone wanting a break from the city's towers. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends and holidays. Allow most of a day if you want to include a boat ride, the garden and a long lunch.

The old town has nine streets running beside its rivers and thousands of buildings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it is rated a national AAAA tourist site. It lies west of Hongqiao Airport, close to the borders with Kunshan and Jiaxing.

Metro Line 17 runs to Zhujiajiao station, which is within walking distance of the old town. The Tourist Information Center is at No. 172 Xinfeng Road, and the Tourist Service Center at No. 555 Kezhiyuan Road. The visitor service line is +86 21 5924 0077, and service hours run from 8.30am to 5pm.