Zhujiajiao Water Village & Seven Treasure Town Day Tour From Shanghai

Set out on a captivating journey through time and tradition as you explore the historic water towns of Zhujiajiao and Seven Treasure Town, just a short distance from the bustling city of Shanghai. Discover the timeless charm of these cultural gems, where ancient canals and architectural wonders paint a captivating picture of China’s rich heritage. From tranquil boat rides to enjoying the vibrant world of local textiles and crafts, this day tour promises to be a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. But the true allure lies in the stories that these towns have to tell – stories that will captivate your imagination and leave you yearning to uncover more.

Key Points

• This full-day cultural tour from Shanghai visits the ancient water towns of Zhujiajiao and Seven Treasure Town, showcasing historical architecture, traditional crafts, and a boat ride.

• Highlights of the tour include the iconic bridges, serene temples, and well-preserved private gardens of Zhujiajiao, as well as the textile, rice wine, and bamboo crafts of Seven Treasure Town.

• Visitors will observe demonstrations of traditional silk weaving and rice wine production, and have the opportunity to purchase local handicrafts and specialties.

• The tour provides insights into the historical significance of these water towns as important trade hubs, with manmade canals and architectural relics reflecting their prosperous past.

• The tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, admission tickets, and a provided lunch, though some guest reviews have noted concerns about the quality of the lunch.

Tour Overview

On this full-day cultural tour from Shanghai, visitors will explore the rural villages of Seven Treasure Town and Zhujiajiao.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from the hotel and an English-speaking guide. Highlights include architectural jewels, historical landmarks, ancient bridges, and a boat ride to a Silk Mill. Lunch is provided.

In Seven Treasure Town, also known as Qibao, travelers will discover the town’s prosperous past during the Ming and Qing dynasties, known for its textiles, carpentry, rice wine, and bamboo crafts.

The tour then moves to Zhujiajiao, a classic 400-year-old water village featuring a five-arch bridge, manmade canals, and impressive temples.

Highlights of Seven Treasure Town

The bustling Seven Treasure Town, also known as Qibao, beckons visitors with its rich history and diverse cultural offerings.

Once a prosperous hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the town is renowned for its thriving textile, carpentry, rice wine, and bamboo craft industries.

Visitors can explore the unique wedding hall housed within a former textile mill, witness the traditional rice wine-making process, and observe skilled blacksmiths at work.

The town’s architectural jewels, historical landmarks, and ancient bridges provide a glimpse into its storied past, while the included admission ticket grants ample time to take in the town’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

Architectural Wonders of Zhujiajiao

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, with its over 400-year-old history, stands as a captivating architectural marvel.

This classic water village is home to a myriad of impressive structures, from the iconic five-arch bridge spanning the Cao Gang River to the serene temples nestled along the winding canals.

The town’s architectural highlights include:

1. The Fangsheng Bridge, a stunning 400-year-old stone bridge with five graceful arches that serve as a gateway to the village.
2. The Kezhi Garden, a beautifully preserved private garden featuring intricate carved windows, delicate lattice-work, and serene pavilions.
3. The Xuanpu Bridge, a historic stone bridge with a unique design that combines both arch and beam construction.

Local Textiles and Crafts

Renowned for its rich textile heritage, Seven Treasure Town (Qibao) showcases the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans. Visitors can witness the intricate process of silk weaving at a traditional textile mill, where skilled weavers operate intricate looms to create exquisite fabrics. Plus, the town is known for its artisanal rice wine production, with opportunities to tour a historic wine shop and sample the local brew. Visitors can also explore the town’s vibrant bamboo craft scene, with artisans showcasing their expertise in creating decorative items and functional pieces.

Craft	Specialty
Textiles	Silk Weaving
Rice Wine	Traditional Brewing
Bamboo	Decorative & Functional Items

Historical Significance of Trade

Over 400 years old, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town‘s strategic location along the Cao Gang River made it a significant hub for local trade and commerce during its heyday.

The town’s manmade canals were vital for shipping goods, facilitating the exchange of resources such as:

1. Agricultural produce
2. Handicrafts
3. Building materials

This thriving commercial activity contributed to Zhujiajiao’s prosperity and established it as an important regional center.

The town’s historical significance is further underscored by the presence of well-preserved architectural relics and landmarks that offer visitors a glimpse into its illustrious mercantile past.

Boat Ride Through Canals

One of the highlights of the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town tour is the leisurely boat ride that winds through the town’s intricate network of waterways.

Visitors climb aboard a traditional wooden boat and glide past the historic buildings and charming bridges that line the Cao Gang River.

The tranquil journey offers a unique perspective on the town’s well-preserved architecture and manmade canals, which were once an essential part of the local transportation and trade system.

The boat ride provides a peaceful respite from the busier sections of the ancient town, allowing travelers to soak in the serene atmosphere and gain a deeper appreciation for Zhujiajiao’s rich cultural heritage.

Tour Logistics and Details

The Zhujiajiao water village day tour begins with a hotel pickup at 9:00 AM in an air-conditioned minivan.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 999 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible; infants must sit on laps.

The tour features:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
2. An English-speaking guide to provide insights throughout the day.
3. Included admission tickets to both Seven Treasure Town and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, allowing visitors to explore these historical sites for approximately 1.5 hours each.

Lunch is provided during the tour, and the experience concludes with a return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have left a total of 8 reviews for the Zhujiajiao water village day tour, resulting in an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide, who brings the historical sights to life. Many found the ancient water towns and boat ride to be peaceful and enjoyable experiences.

However, some critiqued the quality of the included lunch, noting it didn’t meet expectations. A few travelers also felt the historical insights provided by certain guides were limited, and that the two water towns visited were too similar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow pets. The tour description states that it is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, indicating the tour is not designed to accommodate animals.

Is Photography Allowed in the Villages?

Photography is generally allowed in the villages, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting local activities. Some sites may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the guide beforehand.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes scheduled restroom breaks during the visit to each village. Travelers can use the facilities at designated rest stops or at select attractions within the villages as needed throughout the day.

Can I Leave the Group to Explore on My Own?

Travelers can explore the villages on their own during the allocated time, but it’s recommended to stay with the group for the guided portions to fully experience the historical and cultural highlights. Leaving the group is possible but not encouraged.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

According to the tour overview, visitors spend approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes at each location, Seven Treasure Town and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. The total time spent on-site is 3 hours.

Recap

The Zhujiajiao Water Village and Seven Treasure Town day tour from Shanghai offers a captivating glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of ancient canals, admire stunning architectural gems, and explore the vibrant textile and craft traditions. With an expert guide, travelers will uncover the historical significance of these charming towns and savor a delightful local lunch, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.