Last Updated: October 9, 2026 | Originally Published: February 19, 2025
- Zhujiajiao is the only one you can reach by Shanghai Metro (Line 17, roughly 60–70 minutes from central Shanghai, about CNY 7–9).
- Xitang (Jiashan County, Zhejiang) has the roofed riverside corridors and the best after-dark canal lighting.
- Wuzhen is the most polished and the most expensive: about CNY 150 for Xizha, CNY 190 for both zones.
- Pick one per day. Combining two means a late return to Shanghai.
Three towns, three different trips. Zhujiajiao is a metro ride away. Xitang is the atmospheric one. Wuzhen is the staged, well-run one.
This page compares them on access, cost and what each one is good for. For a longer Wuzhen and Zhujiajiao walkthrough, see our Wuzhen and Zhujiajiao water towns guide.
How do the three towns compare at a glance?
| Zhujiajiao | Xitang | Wuzhen | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Qingpu District, Shanghai | Jiashan County, Zhejiang | Tongxiang, Zhejiang |
| Getting there | Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station | Rail or coach toward Jiashan, then local transfer | High-speed rail to Tongxiang (about CNY 55), then bus |
| Entry | Old streets free; CNY 60 joint ticket for 3 sights | Night tickets reported at CNY 50–80 | CNY 150 Xizha / CNY 190 both zones |
| Best for | Half-day from Shanghai | Evening canal views, photography | Overnight stay, polished layout |
Prices are as reported by travel listings in 2026 and change without notice. Check the official ticket channel before you go.
Is Zhujiajiao worth it as a half-day trip from Shanghai?
Yes, if you have a spare afternoon. It sits inside Shanghai’s Qingpu District and has about 1,700 years of recorded history (Wikipedia).
The town counts 36 stone bridges, with Fangsheng Bridge the best known. Kezhi Garden, with its Upside Down Lion Pavilion, and Yuanjin Buddhist Temple are the main sights.
The old streets are free to walk. A CNY 60 joint ticket covers Kezhi Garden, Hexin Garden and the Shanghai Helong Art Museum.
The trade-off: it is the most commercial of the three. Expect souvenir stalls on the main lanes. Local specialities worth trying are green soybeans, braised pork and lotus root.
What makes Xitang different?
Xitang is a Zhejiang town crossed by nine rivers and 122 lanes, five of them longer than 100 metres (Wikipedia). It was named a Historic Town of China in 2003 and rated AAAAA in 2017.
Its signature is roughly 1,000 metres of roofed corridors along the water. You can walk the riverfront in the rain without an umbrella.
Shipi Lane is the famous squeeze: 0.8 metres wide at the entrance and paved with 166 stone slabs. Zui Garden is a Ming-dynasty garden with five courtyards.
The town also appears in the closing sequences of Mission: Impossible III. Locals make buttons: about 636 enterprises turn out around 60 billion a year.
Is Wuzhen worth the extra cost and travel?
Wuzhen sits in the Hangzhou–Suzhou–Shanghai triangle, about 17 km north of Tongxiang city (Wikipedia). Its two tourist zones are Xizha (west) and Dongzha (east).
Listings put the Xizha ticket at CNY 150 and the two-zone ticket at CNY 190. The high-speed train from Shanghai to Tongxiang costs about CNY 55 before the bus transfer.
The “bridge within a bridge” is the postcard shot: the Tongji and Renji bridges frame each other. Writer Mao Dun came from Wuzhen, and the town has hosted the World Internet Conference since 2014.
Wuzhen is the cleanest and best organised. It is also the least spontaneous. Choose it if you want an overnight stay with minimal friction.
Which town should you pick?
- One free afternoon in Shanghai: Zhujiajiao.
- Atmosphere and evening photos: Xitang.
- Overnight stay, easy logistics: Wuzhen.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim in the canals?
No. The canals carry boats and are shallow. Take a boat tour instead.
Can I do two towns in one day?
Not comfortably. Zhujiajiao plus a second town works only with a private driver and a very early start.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Summer is hot and humid, and June to early July brings steady plum-rain showers.
Do I need cash?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted nearly everywhere. Set them up before you arrive, since foreign cards are patchy at small stalls.
Is Zhujiajiao reachable without a taxi?
Yes. Take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then walk or take a short bus or ride-hail to the old town entrance.
Last updated: October 2026. By the East Asia Explorer Editorial Team.
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Written by East Asia Explorer Editorial Team
Sam Konneh is an AI strategist and digital marketer based in Seoul, South Korea. With years spent living, working, and exploring across Korea, Japan, and China, he shares firsthand insights into East Asia's cultures, hidden gems, and everyday life. A graduate of Inha University and KDI Graduate School, Sam combines data-driven expertise with on-the-ground experience. His journey also includes studying in Malaysia and traveling through Southeast Asia. Through practical tips, local stories, and travel guides, he helps fellow explorers discover both the celebrated highlights and the lesser-known corners of East Asia.
