Water Town Layover Tour from Shanghai

It’s a unique experience when you stroll around ancient stone pavement or discover picturesque waterways by boat. But there are so many water towns, how can you know which one is best for you?

Step 1: Count your layover time

If you have more than 9 hours layover time at Shanghai airport, you can consider experiencing the tranquil and beautiful “Venice of the Eat”.

Step 2: Choose one of your favorite water towns for interests and Shanghai layover time

Ranking water towns by distance from Shanghai Pudong International Airport

1. Zhujiajiao Water Town(1.5-2h)

Zhujiajiao is the nearest water town from Shanghai, choose this one if you have limited layover time. It’s is an ancient water town well-known throughout the country, with a history of more than 1,700 years.

How to go to Zhujiajiao Water Town from Pudong airport?

Subway routes: Subway Line 2 transfer Line 17 and drop at Zhujiajiao station.(Time: 3h)

Maglev+Subway routes: Maglev transfer at Luoyang Road, take subway line 2 transfer Line 17 and at Zhujiajiao station.(Time: 2h 30 min)

2. Xitang Water Town(1.5-2h)

Xitang has well-preserved bridges and ancient buildings, streets planked with restaurants and unique stores to explore. Less commercial water town so that you can experience the tranquil and charming waterway scenery as boats floating on the river.

3. Zhouzhuang Water Town (2h)

A popular and well-developed water town in China, which has 14 well-preserved ancient stone bridges built in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. And quaint buildings remains its ancient architectural style.

4. Tongli Water Town(2h)

The water town was divided into seven parts by 15 rivers and connected by 49 ancient bridges. Their shape forms the character “品” in Chinese which is a treasure place in the water town. On a visit here you can experience the tradition of crossing the three stone arc bridges important during weddings and special traditional ceremonies which signify luck and happiness to the locals. Besides, there are many elaborate gardens, ancient temples and former residences of Chinese celebrities to explore.

5. Wuzhen Water Town(2.5h)

It’s the most typical water town of Jingnan area, which completely preserves the layout and features of late Ming dynasty. Rivers, bridges, ancient buildings along the rivers perfectly combine here and reflect the beauty of the harmonious coexistence of the ancient town. It divides two parts. East part is the typical ancient water town, while the west part is famous for its charming night views.

6. Nanxun Water Town (2.5h)

Nanxun is close to Wuzhen Water Town, around 20km. It’s not only a famous town for producing superior silk since Song dynasty but also entitled as "the state of culture" and "the hometown of poetry and calligraphy". In modern times, it was affected by European and American culture since the shanghai opened its port, the traditional residences remain elegant and attractive, while the large gardens integrated with western architecture style boldly and ingeniously, which forms a unique combination of Chinese and western architectural art.

Step 3: Choose Private Water Town Layover tour

These water town can’t be reached directly from Pudong airport except Zhujiajiao Water Town, and we highly advise traveler to book a private water town tour for their Shanghai layover.