How to Get to Zhujiajiao Water Town from Shanghai 2025
Not only a modern metropolis with towering skylines, Shanghai is also home to delicate and tranquil water towns where visitors can embrace the slow pace of life. Listed among the top ancient towns in the Jiangnan region (south of the Yangtze River), Zhujiajiao Water Town is a beloved destination near Shanghai. It enchants visitors with its ancient stone bridges, meandering canals, and hand-rowed gondolas. You may stroll along North Street’s Ming-Qing era shops, admire Kezhi Garden’s classical beauty, and explore Buddhist and Taoist temples. For those seeking a peaceful retreat from Shanghai's urban bustle, Zhujiajiao offers the perfect escape.
To maximize your Shanghai experience and enjoy both urban energy and timeless charm, we recommend dedicating a day to discover the enchanting Zhujiajiao Water Town. Located about 48 km from the city center, you can reach Zhujiajiao by private car, metro, or public bus for a delightful day trip.
Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Water Town Map
Option 1: Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Private Transfer with China Discovery – Top Recommended
China Discovery Private Transfer offers the most convenient way to reach Zhujiajiao Water Town from Shanghai - just 0.5~1 hours by car. Skip the hassle of public transportation with our door-to-door service featuring eperienced drivers and comfortable vehicles. We provide seamless transfers between airports, train stations, hotels and attractions, with professional guides to enhance your experience. Simply relax and enjoy the scenic ride!
Beyond just transfers, we specialize in crafting personalized Shanghai Zhujiajiao experiences tailored to your unique travel style. Services cover flexible itinerary, meal, accommodation, ticket, etc. Find travel inspiration from our carefully curated itineraries below, tailored to different trip durations - or work directly with our travel consultants to create your perfect customized journey. Feel free to contact us to start your Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town tour now!
China Discovery Private Transfer
Option 2: Taking Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Water Town Metro
It is available to get to Zhujiajiao Water Town by metro as well. Metro Line 17 is the only metro line running from Shanghai City to Zhujiajiao Metro Station. It starts from Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站) in northern Shanghai and passes through 10 stopover stations, like National Exhibition and Convention Center, taking about 1 hour to Zhujiajiao Metro Station.
If you travel from other attractions (like the Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum East…), you need to take other metro lines first and then transfer to metro Line 4. Zhujiaijao Metro Station is about 2.5 kilometers away from Zhujiajiao Water Town Scenic Area, you can choose to walk for 2.5 km or take a bus to reach the scenic area. Click here to learn more about Shanghai Metro >>
Click to Enlarge Shanghai Metro Map
Option 3: Taking Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Water Town Bus
Taking a bus is a budget-friendly option for independent travelers. There are accessible buses from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Bus Station. The whole bus trip takes about 1~2.5 hours.
- Huzhu Express Bus Line (沪朱高速快线) offers a convenient and affordable connection between downtown Shanghai and Zhujiajiao Water Town, with direct service from Puan Road/Yan'an East Road Station (near People's Square) to Zhujiajiao Bus Station in approximately 70 minutes. Operating daily, buses depart hourly from Zhujiajiao between 05:10-23:00 and from downtown Shanghai between 06:00-22:00, making it ideal for both early-bird explorers and evening return trips.
- Song-Zhu Bus Line (松朱线) departs from Songjiang East Bus Station to Zhujiajiao Bus Station, making 28 stops along its 80-minute route. Operating daily with departures every 25 minutes, buses run from 06:15 to 19:10 at Songjiang and 05:00 to 18:00 at Zhujiajiao.
- Shang-Zhu Bus Line (上朱线) provides a connection from Shanghai South Bus Station to Zhujiajiao Bus Station, making 31 stops along the route and taking about 155 minutes. Departing from the convenient location of Shanghai South Bus Station (South Square), the buses operate from 06:00 to 21:00, while return trips from Zhujiajiao run from 06:00 to 18:30.
Note: Please note that schedules and stops may change - we recommend verifying the latest information before your trip.
How to Plan a Shanghai Tour
How to Get to Shanghai: You can fly to Shanghai directly from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Los Angeles & many overseas countries (regions) and almost all major Chinese cities, like Beijing, Xian; or take high speed bullet train to Shanghai from domestic cities.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai: The ideal times to visit are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the city’s natural scenery is at its most beautiful - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Spend 2 to 3 days exploring Shanghai’s unique blend of Western and Eastern influences!
Usually, tourists spend 2 days sightseeing the most famous landmarks, including the Bund, skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, historical Wukang Road, informative Shanghai Museum, etc. With one extra day, you can visit Zhujiajiao Water Town or enjoy family fun in Disneyland Park in the suburb.
☛ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour
☛ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
☛ 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
For a change of scenery, consider these easy getaways:
Suzhou (30 min by high-speed train) - Famous for its classical gardens and charming water towns.
Hangzhou (1 hour by high-speed train) - Renowned for the poetic West Lake and Longjing tea plantations.
Yellow Mountain (3 hours by high-speed train) - Breathtaking peaks and UNESCO-listed landscapes.
☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour
☛ 6 Splendid East China Tour by Bullet Train
☛ 5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Tour by High Speed Train
☛ 9 Days East China & Mt. Huang Tour by High Speed Train
Start Your China Adventure from Shanghai
As a major international hub, Shanghai is the ideal gateway for exploring China—many travelers begin or end their journeys here. If you're a first-timer, we recommend extending your trip to iconic destinations like Beijing (Great Wall & Forbidden City), Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors), Zhangjiajie (Avatar-inspired peaks), and Guilin (karst landscapes & idyllic river views).
☛ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing/Xian/Shanghai)
☛ 10 Days Classic China Tour (Shanghai/Guilin/Xian/Beijing)
☛ 13 Days China Landscape Tour including Zhangjiajie and Guilin(Beijing/Xian/Zhangjiajie/Guilin/Shanghai)
☛ 17 Days China Paradise Tour with Tibet Discovery & Yangtze Cruise
Travel with China Discovery
As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.
Recommended Shanghai Tours
Top 3 Shanghai tours chosen by most customers to explore Shanghai in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour
Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou / Shanghai
9 Days Dream Tour to Hangzhou and Yellow Mountain by High Speed Train
Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
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