Shanghai’s Venice

Dated over 17,000 years, the ancient town of Zhujiajiao is a must-see attraction for those who travel to Shanghai. Known as 'Shanghai's Venice' due to its waterways, the town serves as a top place to experience old China. For those wishing to go to the town, you can catch a bus from Puanlu Station (close to People's Square, Shanghai) with the hour-long journey generally costing about 12RMB. Moreover, Zhujiajiao's great location means that you can experience a large portion of the day in the town and then have the advantage of staying in Shanghai hotels. Actual entrance to the town is free, but if you want to experience the town from the water this, of course, costs. For cruises, prices range from 80RMB for nine scenic spots; 60RMB for eight, and 30RMB for four. The motion of the boats may be off-putting to some, but viewing the town from the water enhances the authenticity of the experience. With all this in mind, it is still enjoyable to watch the boats from the town's spectacular kilometre-long North Street. Indeed, it is absolutely memorizing to see how the oarsmen ferry people between the tightest of spaces, navigate under bridges and skilfully meander around corners. If you decide to purchase the complete admission package, then you can expect to visit; City God Temple, Imperial Academy Stele Museum, Kezhi Garden, Qing Dynasty Post Office, Shanghai Handwork Exhibition Hall, Tongtianhe Medicine Shop, Shanghai Quanhua Art Hall, Yanyi Hall and Yuanjin Meditation Room. Hence after reading this list, you can be assured that you will not get bored in Zhujiajiao. As a piece of advice, it might be best to arrive at the town in the morning to ensure you see everything you want especially as the crowds can pick-up later in the afternoon. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai have ancient buildings, but many are often regenerated or render a distinct purpose (such as a temple or palace). What makes Zhujiajiao especially alluring is the fact that it is a reflection of ancient daily life. Tourism is essential to the town's income, however we should acknowledge that this is a place where people live and it is not merely an attraction for our amusement. Therefore, it is imperative that, as visitors, we remain respectful to the residents and only take photos where appropriate, for instance. The residents of Zhujiajiao are equally very friendly and welcome tourists to buy their goods such as pungent-smelling tofu, sweet bamboo juice and countless handicrafts. Without doubt, it is wonderful to see the old working life being preserved with the sight of fish being caught and prepared by locals. The traditional architecture of the town is pleasant on the eye with much of the town's style deriving from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In particular, the five-storey 'Moon View Pavilion' in the KeZhi Garden and the Fangsheng Bridge constructed in 1571 are worth viewing. After seeing its waters glisten from a distance, it is understandable that Zhujiajiao is also fondly named the 'Pearl Stream' with the ancient town definately being a superb attraction on any Shanghai tours route. from China Travel Blog http://blog.chinatraveldepot.com

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