Hey everyone,
We’ll be staying in the Bund area and are planning to check out Zhujiajiao Water Town for the day. Any tips on how to visit on my own, or should I book a tour guide?
Hey there!
Zhujiajiao is super easy to visit on your own, no need for a tour guide if you don’t want one. From the Bund area, you can take Subway Line 17 straight to Zhujiajiao Station. Once you get off, it's just a short 15-minute walk to the North Gate or South Gate of the town. You can also take a bus or grab a quick taxi if you prefer.
Once you're there, just start exploring! You can visit Kezhi Garden (it's a cool mix of Chinese and Western architecture), stroll over Fangsheng Bridge for great views, and wander along North Street for some tasty local snacks like Zharou (stuffed pork) and Apo Zongzi (rice dumplings).
If you're in the mood for some peace and quiet, check out Donghu Street or Xijie Street—they’re way less crowded. You can also hop on a boat from Chenghuang Temple to cruise along the canals.
There are signs and maps around, so it’s pretty straightforward. But if you want to go deeper into the history of places like Kezhi Garden or explore some hidden alleys, a guide might be worth it (they’re around ¥100/hour).
Oh, and try to get there before 9:00 AM to miss the crowds, and comfy shoes are a must—those stone streets can get slippery!
Hope you have an awesome time in Zhujiajiao!