6 Best Shanghai Water Towns: Which One to Visit?

Escape the Shanghai skyscrapers for the "Venice of the East." With over half a dozen ancient water towns within a 2-hour radius, choosing the right one is key to your trip. This guide compares the top Shanghai water towns by travel time, atmosphere, and must-see attractions to help you book the perfect day trip.

Top Water Towns in Shanghai

Not sure which water town to visit near Shanghai? Each one is a bit different. Some are easy to reach. Some are quieter. Some have big old houses. Some have tasty snacks.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao is the most famous water town near Shanghai. It is over 1,700 years old. Here, you will see 36 old stone bridges crossing clear canals. You can ride a small wooden boat under the bridges and watch white houses with black roofs along the water.

The old streets have many shops selling handmade fans, silk scarves, and local snacks. You can try sticky rice dumplings, fresh river shrimps, and sweet lotus root here. It is a good place to enjoy old China while staying close to Shanghai.

How to Get to Zhujiajiao?

What to Do in Zhujiajiao?

Take a boat ride

Ride a small wooden boat along the canals. You will pass under old stone bridges and see white houses along the water. It’s a peaceful way to see the town.

Walk on the old bridges

Zhujiajiao has 36 stone bridges. The most famous is Fangsheng Bridge, where you can take photos and watch boats pass under you.

Visit Kezhi Garden

This is a traditional garden with pavilions, towers, and a small lake. It shows the style of old Jiangnan gardens and is a quiet place to walk.

See local temples

If you like culture, you can visit City God Temple or Yuanjin Buddhist Temple to see old architecture and local worship culture.

👍Best photography spots: Fangsheng Bridge, canals, ancient streets, riverside views

What to Eat in Zhujiajiao?

• Dried fruit & meat snacks on Bei Da Jie (North Main Street): You can nibble dried persimmons, apricots, plums. Try zharou (braised pork). Prices under ¥20 (~S$3.90).
• Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings): Wrapped in bamboo leaves with pork or red bean. Great snack for ¥7–42 (~S$1.40–8.20).
• Stinky tofu: Crispy, juicy stinky tofu served with sauce. About ¥10 (~S$2) at Wuzifang Stinky Tofu stall.
• Mung bean soup & xiaolongbao: Great for a cool drink and small dumplings to warm up. Around ¥20 (~S$3.90) per item.
• Traditional sweets: Snowflake biscuits, green bean cake, dragon’s beard candy, about ¥10–20 (~S$2–3.90).

Fengjing Water Town

Fengjing is a quiet water town about 57-60 km southwest of Shanghai. It is famous for its old stone bridges and peaceful canals. The town has many traditional houses and old temples. You can also find beautiful art galleries showing local paintings and crafts.

Fengjing is less crowded than Zhujiajiao, so it’s great if you want a calm day trip. Walking around, you can enjoy local culture, watch artisans at work, and taste fresh snacks from small stalls.

How to Get to Fengjing?

What to Do in Fengjing?

Walk across old stone bridges

Fengjing has many beautiful stone bridges that cross its peaceful canals. Take your time and enjoy the views.

Visit traditional houses and temples

Explore the old houses with classic Jiangnan style and stop by temples like the Fengjing City God Temple to learn local culture.

Check out local art galleries

Fengjing is known for its artists and painters. Visit small galleries and shops where you can see and buy local art.

Enjoy a boat ride on the canals

Take a gentle boat ride to see the town from the water and relax as you float past willow trees and white walls.

👍Best photography spots: Three Bridges, old houses, quiet canals, traditional lanes

What to Eat in Fengjing?

• Ding Hoof (braised pork knuckle): Tender and sweet, a local favorite. Prices around ¥30–50 (~S$6–10).
• Yellow Wine: Traditional local rice wine, perfect for tasting. About ¥15 (~S$3).
• Dried Tofu: Smoked or stir-fried, flavorful snack. Around ¥10–20 (~S$2–4).
• Scholar’s Cake: Steamed rice cake, a sweet treat for good luck. About ¥5–10 (~S$1–2).
• Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings): Wrapped in bamboo leaves with various fillings, popular during festivals. Prices ¥10–30 (~S$2–6).

Xinchang Water Town

Xinchang is a quiet and less crowded water town about 35-40 km southeast of Shanghai. It’s known for its peaceful canals, old bridges, and local markets. Unlike the more touristy towns, Xinchang feels more like a real village where you can see local life up close.

You can walk along calm waterways, visit small temples, and enjoy fresh local snacks. It’s a great spot if you want to escape the crowds and relax in nature.

How to Get to Xinchang?

What to Do in Xinchang?

Stroll along quiet canals

Walk by calm waterways lined with old houses and willow trees. It’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Visit ancient bridges

See beautiful stone bridges like the Xinchang Bridge, great for photos and soaking in the calm vibe.

Explore local markets

Check out small markets where locals sell fresh produce, snacks, and handmade goods.

👍Best photography spots: Ancient streets, stone bridges, riverside buildings

What to Eat in Xinchang?

• Sticky rice dumplings (Zongzi): Wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with meat or sweet beans. Prices around ¥10–30 (~S$2–6).
• Fresh river fish: Often steamed or fried, served in local restaurants. Prices around ¥50–80 (~S$10–16) per dish.
• Local tofu snacks: Soft or fried tofu with flavorful sauces, about ¥10–20 (~S$2–4).
• Steamed buns (Baozi): Filled with pork or vegetables, great for a quick snack. About ¥5–10 (~S$1–2).
• Sweet rice cakes: Traditional desserts, soft and mildly sweet. Prices around ¥8–15 (~S$1.50–3).

Qibao Water Town

Qibao is a small, old water town just about 20 km from Shanghai city center. It’s easy to get to and not too crowded, so you can enjoy walking around its narrow streets and canals without feeling rushed.

The town has a cool mix of old buildings, local shops, and tasty street food. It’s a great spot if you want a quick escape from the city and to see some real local life.

How to Get to Qibao?

What to Do in Qibao?

Wander through old streets

Stroll down the narrow lanes filled with colorful shops, cozy tea houses, and buzzing street food stalls. It’s the perfect place to soak in the local vibe and maybe find some cute souvenirs.

Visit the Qibao Museum

Step inside to learn about Qibao’s 1,700-1,800 years history and see some cool artefacts.

Take a boat ride on the canals

Hop on a wooden boat and glide quietly along the canals. You’ll get a fresh perspective of the town’s old bridges and white-walled houses.

👍Best photography spots: Qibao Old Street, stone bridges, lantern-lit alleys

What to Eat in Qibao?

• Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings): Wrapped in bamboo leaves with pork or sweet red bean. Prices about ¥10–30 (~S$2–6).
• Stinky tofu: Crispy outside, soft inside, with a strong aroma. Around ¥10 (~S$2).
• Qibao rice cakes: Soft and sweet, these traditional treats are a local specialty. About ¥8–15 (~S$1.50–3).
• Sweet Osmanthus jelly: Light and fragrant, a refreshing dessert. Prices ¥5–10 (~S$1–2).
• Glutinous rice balls (Tangyuan): Served in sweet soup. Prices about ¥8–15 (~S$1.50–3).

Nanxun Water Town

Nanxun is a quiet and charming water town a bit outside Shanghai, in Zhejiang Province. It’s known for its old buildings, peaceful canals, and fewer tourists compared to other water towns.

Walking around Nanxun feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see beautiful bridges, classic Jiangnan-style houses, and enjoy a calm, slow pace away from the crowds.

How to Get to Nanxun?

What to Do in Nanxun?

Stroll along the canals

The calm waterways here are lined with willow trees and ancient stone bridges. Walking by the water feels like stepping into a painting.

Explore grand old mansions and gardens

Nanxun is famous for its well-preserved traditional houses and beautiful gardens. Don’t miss places like the Liu’s Manor and the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming.

Visit local museums

Learn about Nanxun’s silk trade past and local culture at small but interesting museums scattered around town.

👍Best photography spots: Xiaolian Manor, Baijianlou historic houses, canals

What to Eat in Nanxun?

• Nanxun-style steamed buns: Soft and fluffy buns filled with pork or veggies. Prices around ¥5–10 (~S$1–2).
• Fresh river fish: Often steamed or braised with light sauces. Usually ¥50–80 (~S$10–16) per dish.
• Glutinous rice cakes: Sweet or savoury, these chewy treats are popular here. Expect to pay ¥8–15 (~S$1.50–3).
• Jasmine tea: Nanxun is known for fragrant jasmine tea, a perfect drink to relax with at a tea house. A pot costs about ¥20 (~S$4).

Tongli Water Town

Tongli is a classic water town about an hour from Shanghai. It’s famous for its peaceful canals, stone bridges, and old-style houses that give you a real feel of traditional Jiangnan life.

Compared to some busier towns, Tongli feels calm and cosy. There are lovely gardens and temples too.

How to Get to Tongli?

What to Do in Tongli?

Walk through the ancient streets and alleys

Wander the quiet lanes lined with whitewashed houses and black-tile roofs. The calm canals and stone bridges make it feel like a step back in time.

Visit the Retreat & Reflection Garden

One of China’s famous classical gardens, it’s peaceful and beautifully designed with ponds, pavilions, and rockeries.

Take a boat ride on the canals

See the town from the water while gliding under old bridges and past traditional houses — a must-do for first-timers.

Explore local temples and museums

Check out the Pearl Tower and the local folk museum to learn about Tongli’s history and culture.

👍Best photography spots: Three Bridges, Tuisi Garden, moonlit canals

What to Eat in Tongli?

• Qingtuan: Soft and chewy, made from glutinous rice and mugwort. Price around ¥5–10 (~S$1–2).
• Glutinous rice cakes: Sweet or savoury. Usually ¥8–15 (~S$1.50–3).
• Sweet Osmanthus cake: Fragrant and mildly sweet, made with osmanthus flowers. About ¥10 (~S$2).
• Steamed river fish: Fresh fish often steamed with light sauces in local restaurants. Prices around ¥50–80 (~S$10–16).
• Jasmine tea: A refreshing drink to enjoy while relaxing in a tea house. About ¥20 (~S$4) per pot.

Why Shanghai Water Towns Are a Must-See?

Quick Picks:

• Closest to Shanghai city center: Qibao Water Town
• Best for night views: Tongli Water Town / Qibao Water Town
• Most authentic & less crowded: Nanxun Water Town / Fengjing Water Town / Xinchang Water Town
• Best first-time water town experience from Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town

If you want a chill break from Shanghai’s busy vibe, these water towns in or near Shanghai are just the ticket. With their old canals, cute streets, and yummy local snacks, you get a real taste of Jiangnan life. It's just like stepping into a different time.

They’re easy to get to, super pretty, and perfect for a relaxing day out. So next time you’re around Shanghai, don’t skip these spots. They’re really worth it!