Shanghai Seven Treasure Town & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

Traveling from Shanghai into the quieter, more traditional water towns offers a welcome escape from the city’s bustling streets. This full-day tour takes you to two distinct towns—Zhujiajiao and Seven Treasure Town—each offering its own charm and stories. While the price of $217 per person might seem steep at first glance, it includes transportation, guiding, entrance fees, and a traditional Chinese lunch, making it a straightforward, stress-free way to experience these hidden gems.

We particularly appreciate how this tour balances historical insight with relaxing scenery, making it suitable for travelers who want a gentle, curated immersion into local culture. The knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport ensure you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll get a taste of both the classic water town atmosphere and the lively history of the local marketplace.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the tour is quite structured—if you’re hoping for a free-roaming exploration or to linger longer at certain spots, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Also, the tour isn’t designed for mobility-impaired travelers, since it involves walking and boat rides. This experience is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to these fascinating towns without the hassle of planning logistics themselves.

Who will love this?
Travelers eager to see authentic water towns with a knowledgeable guide, history buffs interested in Ming and Qing architecture, and those who enjoy a relaxed pace with cultural insights will find much to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic Water Town Experience: Visit Zhujiajiao and Seven Treasure Town to understand their unique histories and atmospheres.
• Comfortable, Guided Tour: Includes a professional guide, air-conditioned transport, and entrance fees—everything taken care of so you can focus on enjoying.
• Cultural and Historical Insights: Learn about the towns’ Ming and Qing-era architecture, waterway significance, and past marketplaces.
• Scenic & Relaxing: Enjoy gentle boat rides, traditional gardens, old streets, and charming bridges at your own pace.
• Flexible & Convenient: Perfect for travelers who prefer a curated, hassle-free day trip from Shanghai.
• Value for Money: Includes transport, guide, entrance fees, and a traditional Chinese lunch, making it a convenient all-in-one experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Why This Tour Stands Out

If you’re looking for a way to experience the traditional water towns near Shanghai without the fuss of organizing transportation and guides yourself, this tour offers a solid solution. It’s especially appealing for those wanting a balanced blend of history, scenery, and culture in a single day. You’ll visit two towns that are quite different yet equally captivating: Zhujiajiao, with its elegant waterways and Ming-Qing architecture, and Seven Treasure Town, a lively historical marketplace that once thrived as a trading hub.

What we love about this experience is the thoughtful itinerary that combines scenic walks, stories from an expert guide, and opportunities to take in the water views—plus a traditional Chinese lunch that adds flavor to the day. The reliable transportation and small-group quality promise a smooth, personal experience.

The only potential hitch? The schedule is fairly packed, so if you prefer to linger longer in one spot or explore on your own without a guide, this might feel a little rushed. But for most travelers, the structure ensures you see the highlights without missing out.

This tour is a perfect fit for those curious about China’s water towns, especially if you value ease and education over pure independence. It’s an excellent choice for families, first-timers, or anyone who appreciates a culturally rich yet relaxed day away from Shanghai’s energy.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Point and Pickup

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in downtown Shanghai at 8:30 AM. The tour provider, Joy China Tours, confirms your pickup time a day ahead, which helps ensure smooth coordination. This convenience is a significant advantage, saving you the hassle of finding a meeting spot or organizing your transport.

Drive to Zhujiajiao (1.5 hours)

The drive to Zhujiajiao offers a chance to settle in comfortably while the guide begins setting the scene. This water town, dating back to the Three Kingdoms era, is renowned for its classic bridges, old streets, and gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties. As you arrive, you’ll immediately notice the tranquility of the waterways and the traditional architecture.

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Exploring Zhujiajiao (3 hours)

This part of the tour is packed with options. The guide will take you on a guided walk through the town, highlighting landmarks like the Fangsheng Bridge—a beautiful arc bridge often featured in photos—and the Baoguo Temple, a serene spot with centuries of history. You’ll also see the Town God’s Temple, offering insight into local religious practices, and the Zhuxi Garden, where you can relax among elegant Chinese landscaping.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a boat ride along the river (at your own expense). Many reviews mention that the boat ride offers a unique perspective of the town’s waterways and bridges, making it a worthwhile addition if you’re ready for a gentle cruise.

During your time here, you can explore the narrow streets lined with shops selling local snacks, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the architecture transports you back in time, making it a highlight for history and culture lovers.

Lunch Break (not included)

Around midday, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a Chinese-style lunch—included in the tour price. This offers a glimpse into local cuisine, which many travelers find adds an authentic touch to their day. If you prefer to explore local eateries on your own or have dietary restrictions, you might consider bringing some snacks.

Moving to Seven Treasure Town (50-minute drive)

After lunch, the group departs for Seven Treasure Town, located in the Shanghai suburbs. This town, built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, served as a local marketplace for trading goods like cloth, yarn, and vegetables. It’s a lively place that showcases a different side of Chinese history—a bustling trading hub that hints at everyday life in ancient times.

Exploring Seven Treasure Town (3 hours)

Once there, you’ll wander through streets that once buzzed with commerce. The guide will introduce you to the town’s cultural atmosphere and explain its importance as a marketplace. You’ll see remnants of its past and get a sense of how local merchants traded goods, contributing to the region’s economy.

Unlike Zhujiajiao, which emphasizes water-based scenery, Seven Treasure Town focuses more on market scenes, traditional architecture, and local culture. It’s a good place to feel the everyday life of the people who once called this place home.

Return to Shanghai (50-minute drive)

The tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to downtown Shanghai, arriving around 5:00 PM. The entire day has been designed to give a well-rounded view of water towns with contrasting features, all without feeling hurried.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $217 covers everything you need for a smooth experience: hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, a private vehicle with a skilled driver, entrance tickets to attractions, and a traditional Chinese lunch. Fuel, tolls, and parking are included, so there are no hidden costs during the day.

However, personal expenses and optional activities, like the boat ride, are not included. Travelers should budget extra if they wish to take a boat or purchase souvenirs.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking quite a bit—through old streets, gardens, and markets.
• Be prepared for weather changes, especially in water towns where rain can be common. An umbrella or raincoat might come in handy.
• If you’re interested in the boat ride in Zhujiajiao, bring some cash for that extra experience.
• Bring your camera or phone to capture the charming bridges, old shops, and scenic waterways.
• Keep in mind this is a private, guided tour—so it’s suitable for those who prefer a personal touch and structured schedule.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Shanghai day trip to Zhujiajiao and Seven Treasure Town offers a well-organized way to see two very different water towns without the hassle of planning. You’ll visit a classic water town with historic bridges, serene gardens, and narrow waterways that whisper stories of old China. Then you’ll explore a former marketplace bustling with history, giving you a broader picture of regional life through the ages.

If you value guided insight, comfortable transport, and a curated experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a relaxed, educational day outside the city buzz. The included traditional lunch and entrance fees mean you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking in the scenery.

For those who want more freedom or extended exploration, the tight schedule might feel restrictive. But for most, it’s an excellent way to see, learn, and enjoy two of China’s iconic water towns in one convenient package.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
Pick-up is scheduled for 8:30 AM, but the guide will confirm the exact time one day in advance.

How long is the drive from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao?
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Zhujiajiao from downtown Shanghai.

Is the boat ride optional?
Yes, the boat ride in Zhujiajiao is at your own expense and not included in the tour price.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers hotel pick-up and drop-off in downtown Shanghai, an English-speaking guide, transportation, entrance tickets, and a Chinese-style lunch.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a guided tour, the schedule is fixed. You can, however, choose to spend more time at certain spots if you inform your guide.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour involves walking and boat rides, so consider your child’s mobility.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, along with weather-appropriate clothing and a camera.

Will I get enough time at each town?
Yes, the schedule is designed to give about three hours at each town, balancing sightseeing with a relaxed pace.

Are there any age or mobility restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to walking and boat rides.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers a practical, well-rounded glimpse into China’s water towns—perfect for travelers who want insightful stories, scenic views, and cultural richness without the stress of organizing it all themselves. Whether you’re enthralled by ancient bridges or the lively buzz of a historic marketplace, this day trip unlocks a side of China that’s both authentic and unforgettable.

You can check availability for your dates here: