Zhouzhuang and Jinxi Water Town Tour: Discover Ancient China's Venice
4.8
13 Ratings
Huang Pu Qu
Embark on a full-day panoramic tour of China's own Venice, the water towns of Zhouzhuang and Jinxi. Explore ancient canals, ride a gondola, and capture stunning photos in these beautiful towns.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town - Time: 9:30-11:30

Zhouzhuang is a town with an ancient culture Southern China. The town is surrounded by water and has many small streams running through the town. Stone bridges and old residences with black tiles and white wells are a feature its charm. Visitors may explore the picturesque narrow canals, little streets, bridges and visit Shen House, Zhang House and eat the local fish or other local delicacies while enjoying the balladeers in the waterside teahouses. The drive from Suzhou passes through fertile farmlands of lakes and canals which are filled with barges and ducks.

Shen’s House is southeast of Fu’an Bridge on Nanshi Street. Shen Benren built it in 1742. The compound has seven courtyards, five archways, and more than 100 rooms. It covers an area of 2,000 square meters. There is a gate and wharf for mooring boats.

Zhang’s House is south of the Twin Bridges on Beishi Street. It was built between 1436 and 1449 and covers 1,800 square meters or about half an acre. The house has six courtyards and more than 70 rooms. A square pool was built in the middle section. It is an important historical building.

Ye Chucang’s Residence: Ye Chucang (1887-1946) was a poet and a statesman. He was known for organizing a group of young people to publicize against gambling and opium and steer people away it. It is on Xiwan Street and has five courtyards. The Main Hall was his studio, and the Rear Hall was a place where he received friends.

What's Included
  • Entrance tickets including a gondola tour.
  • Bottled water
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Transport between attractions and Shanghai by an air-conditioned vehicle.
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities for guide & driver (optional)
  • Personal expenses.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Lunch
Additional Information

This is a full-day panoramic tour of China’s own Venice, the water towns of “Zhouzhuang” and “Jinxi”. On this mini group tour, you will explore the ancient water town with your expert guide. You will visit Zhouzhuang, an ancient water town that comfortably makes CNN’s list of the Top 10 most beautiful towns in the world. Board a gondola and see for yourself the hustle and bustle of life of the people living by the canals. Then, travel to the 2000 year old water town “Jinxi” which boasts 36 ancient bridges spanning the rivers. Jinxi Ancient Town is quieter, yet surprisingly more photogenic. The prime time to visit is in the afternoon, when the light is perfect for your photos and memories of the place.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • You will meet the tour guide at an appointed meeting place by yourself.
  • If needed, you can book an additional transfer with us.
Location
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
南京西路
The tour guide will await you in the hotel lobby, with holding a logo sign of Trippest. Transportation is at your own expense. Pickup time: approx. 8:30 am.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(13 Ratings)
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Keila
Dec 1, 2019
So much amazing History - My bf and I went on holiday to China and chose this tour based on reviews and I'm glad we went with this tour. It was slow season so it was just us two with tour guide Andy. he was very informative and answered all our history questions. The water towns were amazing to walk through and Andy helped out so much when we shopped with the local people. I would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bonniechavez2nd
Nov 3, 2019
educational tour - our tour guide is very knowledgeable. she knows what she is talking. she is also very nice to her guests.
Review provided by Viator
John_a
Jun 4, 2019
One Day Water Town tour from Shanghai - A great trip.Picked up on time from our hotel on time and delivered back as per the schedule. Jack our tour guide was very proficient in English and our driver was also very accomplished behind the wheel.No scary moments.The tour itself was excellent and the crowds were not excessive.A good lunch was provided.Did an enjoyable boat trip and had to duck around the posing ladies getting photographed on the bridges.Everyone was very friendly and although there weren't many Westerners doing these tours the Chinese people were very polite and friendly.If you have blonde hair you will be asked to pose with bunches of giggling ladies but its all good fund.Thanks Jack for the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Mark
May 10, 2019
Water Towns Wonderland - Enjoyed a trip back in time to visit two different era fishing towns. Both beautiful and distinct. Candy, the guide, provided great information and picked a delightful canal-side local restaurant for a tasty relaxing lunch. Great way to take a break from the busy modern Shanghai and soak up a refreshing trip back in time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ken
Sep 3, 2018
History at its best - Our guide Sophie Lee led a small group tour to the two water towns; it was very exciting and knowledgeable and very enjoyable. The fishing village with the river boat tour was excellent and I'm sure I saw the same in an early James Bond movie. Lunch was very enjoyable; we would recommend this tour and Sophie Lee to future tourists; it was a very enjoyable day and tour; thankyou
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vigonier
Jan 29, 2018
Great Experience - Meant be a group tour, but it turned out to be a private tour as there was no other participant - what a bonus! It was snowing on the day of our tour, which is very rare in the Shanghai area. This made our tour little difficult, but the snow made everything look very pretty! It was freezing cold but the scenery made all the efforts worthwhile. Our guide, Kris was very good, so was the driver. The vehicle was new and clean. I highly recommend the tour to people who may not have much time in Shanghai, but want to see something totally different from the Big City metropolitan scenary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Don
Jan 15, 2018
It was a great trip. Very... - <p>It was a great trip. Very interesting and my guide Summer was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and more than willing to share. Let her order lunch. What great choices. I would highly recommend for all. Pick up and drop off at hotel. Could not have been more simple. Wonderful day.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Toddkarberg
Jan 2, 2018
Great tour. Summer our guide was... - <p>Great tour. Summer our guide was really knowledgeable and customized the tour on what we wanted to do/see. Would definitely recommend this tour!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Muzznz
Apr 26, 2018
A look into the past - We had a great time with a leisurely walk through the streets of Zhouzhuang. It got a little crowded at times and I was more than once thankful I was in a small tour group of 6. I don't think I would have coped with a having to follow the large tour group leader with a flag and jostle to hear what they were saying. Jinxi did not have the history of Zhouzhuang but was quieter but you got a better insight into the life of the people who made their living off the lake. I enjoyed seeing the contrast and seeing both if I had to make a choice out of the two I would pick Zhouzhuang
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon_k
Apr 18, 2018
A different look at the outskirts of... - <p>A different look at the outskirts of Shanghai...enjoyed a beautiful day</p>
Review provided by Viator