Hidden Gems: Discover the Best Ancient Water Towns near Shanghai beyond Zhujiajiao and Zhouzhuang

Duration：6-8 Hours

Attractions(Cities)：Residential Houses, Tuisi Garden, the Pearl Tower, Ancient Bridges

Tour Style：Are you considering unique Shanghai side trips to add depth to your experience in China? Look no further than the Tongli Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai, a delightful escape to a town often called "the Oriental Venice" for its seamless blend of rivers, ancient streets, and enchanting gardens. This private, door-to-door tour from Shanghai lets you explore Tongli’s most iconic sites, including its serene gardens, the historic Chongben and Jiayin Halls, and the graceful arched bridges that span its waterways. Your knowledgeable guide will enrich your journey with stories of Tongli's history, culture, and the people who shaped its heritage. A professional driver ensures a comfortable, stress-free round-trip transfer from Shanghai, making it easy to relax and immerse yourself fully in the tranquil beauty of Tongli. With entrance fees included, you can enjoy a truly worry-free day, focused entirely on exploring this unforgettable water town at a leisurely pace.

Duration：6-8 Hours

Attractions(Cities)：the Bridges of Xitang, the Corridors of Xitang, the lanes of Xitang, the Houses of Xitang

Tour Style：Put language and transport worries aside on this private tour from Shanghai as you enjoy seamless door-to-door service in a comfortable vehicle driven by a courteous driver from your Shanghai hotel to Xitang Water Town. This Shanghai water town tour allows you to immerse yourself in the charm of this ancient water town. During your visit, stroll along cobbled streets lined with historic buildings and admire the picturesque bridges arching gracefully over tranquil canals. Watch as rowing boats gently glide along the river, and listen to locals singing folk songs, providing a glimpse into the authentic daily life of Xitang. With the help of your knowledgeable guide, you'll delve into the history and culture of the town, enhancing your appreciation for its rich heritage. This comprehensive tour ensures you experience the essence of Xitang's cultural landscape, making for a memorable exploration away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. Enjoy the perfect escape to the serene beauty of Xitang, creating lasting memories of your time in this enchanting water town.

Duration：8-9 Hours

Attractions(Cities)：Little Lotus Garden, Baijian Lou, Liu's Garden, Zhangshiming's Former Residence

Tour Style：Experience the enchantment of ancient China with a private day tour from Shanghai to Nanxun Water Town. Immerse yourself in its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage as you stroll through narrow lanes and visit traditional old houses preserved from ancient times. Accompanied by your knowledgeable tour guide, discover local customs untouched by modern life. Highlights include exploring scenic spots such as the tranquil Little Lotus Garden, the historic Baijian Lou, and the opulent former residence of Zhang Shiming, among others. This journey promises a glimpse into a bygone era, where each cobblestone street and ancient building tells a story of China's illustrious past.

Duration：8 Hours

Attractions(Cities)：Ancient Residential Houses, Boat Ride, the Ancient Theater, Ancient Bed Museum

Tour Style：Embark on a delightful Wuzhen tour from Shanghai, where you can leave all navigation and transportation to an experienced guide. Your day begins with a seamless transfer, ensuring a stress-free journey to the picturesque Wuzhen Water Town, celebrated for its serene canals and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, soak in the enchanting charm of this ancient water village as your knowledgeable private guide leads you through quaint flagstone lanes, flanked by traditional architecture that showcases ancient tiles and beautifully crafted stone bridges. Throughout the day, you’ll admire the stunning scenery while learning about Wuzhen’s fascinating history, making this the best Wuzhen tour from Shanghai. Savor an authentic home-cooked meal at a riverside restaurant, where you can engage with local villagers and experience their way of life firsthand. This intimate interaction deepens your understanding of the community’s traditions and daily routines, making your visit truly memorable. With the perfect blend of stunning landscapes and cultural experiences, this water town tour is an unforgettable journey into China’s rich past, leaving you with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for its picturesque water towns.

Duration：7-8 Hours

Attractions(Cities)：Stone Bridges, Boat Ride, Baosheng Temple, Xiao House

Tour Style：If you've got limited time in Shanghai, but want to have a glimpse into ancient China. Shanghai to Luzhi water town day tour could be great option as your private guide will show you its glorious culture in the course of histoty and its rich and colorful tourist resources, especially the historic cultural reclics. Take a pleasant stroll with your private guide through the town to admire its architectures, ferry boats and ancient ferry crossing, you'll get a strong feeling why it's the one of the first batch of China's national cultural town.

Duration：8-9 hours

Attractions(Cities)：Xinchang Main Street, "Di Yi Lou" Teahouse, Hongqiao Port, Xinchang Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall, Nanshan Ancient Temple

Tour Style：This tour follows a "Cultural Heritage & Film Nostalgia Premium Immersion" style, focusing on Xinchang—the only Shanghai ancient town applying for world heritage. Professional guides, skilled in its heritage and film history, lead guests to explore its blend of historical architecture, film culture and local life.On Xinchang Main Street, guides explain how Ming-Qing buildings with Western details reflect past commerce and support its world heritage bid. At Lust, Caution’s "Di Yi Lou" Teahouse, they connect movie scenes to the century-old decor (creaky wooden stairs, vintage porcelain), bringing nostalgia and history to life. Along Hongqiao Port, guides highlight the harmony of riverside architecture and local daily life (e.g., laundry by steps), showing Xinchang’s "living fossil" vitality.They also provide insights at Xinchang Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall (salt trade relics, folk exhibits) and Nanshan Ancient Temple (Tang origins, 1,000-year-old ginkgo). With storytelling expertise, logistics support (e.g., luggage consignment) and local food recommendations (e.g., Grandma’s meat zongzi), the tour offers a sophisticated experience deepening understanding of Xinchang’s heritage-film fusion.

Duration：8-9 hours

Attractions(Cities)：Chuansha Ancient City Wall Park, Yuebei Pavilion, Chuansha Construction Museum, Song Qingling Cultural Exhibition Center, Neishi Di, Kuixing Pavilion, Chuansha Opera Art Exhibition Center, Chuansha Catholic Church

Tour Style：Our shanghai historical tour of Chuansha Ancient Town is a focused, immersive cultural journey tailored for travelers eager to uncover Pudong’s authentic history. This guided day trip centers on key historical landmarks and celebrity legacies: starting with Shanghai’s only intact Ming Dynasty city wall (1557), where visitors explore Yue Fei’s calligraphy stele and the education-themed Kuixing Pavilion. It continues to Neishi Di, an 180-year-old Sino-Western mansion linking education pioneer Huang Yanpei and Soong Ching-ling’s family, then moves to the modern Song Qingling Cultural Exhibition Center with interactive exhibits tracing her patriotic life. The tour also includes a stop at a traditional Old Street restaurant to taste local Pudong flavors. Blending informative guided insights with up-close encounters of ancient relics and celebrity heritage, it’s ideal for culture lovers seeking a concise yet rich dive into Chuansha’s role as a keeper of Pudong’s memories.

Duration：8-9 hours

Attractions(Cities)：Puji Bridge, Yingxiang Bridge, Bluestone Old Streets, Ancient Bridge Culture Exhibition Hall

Tour Style：Our tourstyle blends cultural immersion, photography exploration, and slow-paced relaxation to let you fully savor Jinze’s charm as "Jiangnan's No.1 Bridge Township" on this "Shanghai highlights and water town tour". Led by a professional Your Way Holiday guide, you’ll dive into the town’s rich bridge heritage: start with Puji Bridge, the oldest stone arch bridge, where the guide deciphers its Song Dynasty craftsmanship and hidden carvings. Then, wander to Yingxiang Bridge to admire its floating-like structure and perfect reflection, with the guide pointing out prime spots for capturing "Four Bridges in One View"—a rare spectacle of Tianhuangge and Ruyi Bridges framed together.?Escape the hustle to stroll bluestone old streets, where the guide shares stories of locals’ river-side life for generations—elderly chatting at doorsteps, boats gliding gently—while offering photography tips: low-angle shots of slab textures or candid moments at river wharves. A stop at the Ancient Bridge Culture Exhibition Hall deepens understanding, as the guide connects exhibits to on-site bridges, showing how heritage is preserved. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a chance to breathe in Jiangnan’s tranquility, snap authentic shots, and uncover the soul of a true water town.

Duration：8-9 hours

Attractions(Cities)：Fangsheng Bridge, Kangle Bridge, Xuanmiao Bridge, Cobblestone Streets, Zhang Family Residence, Shen Family Residence, Canals, Riverside Restaurants

Tour Style：Embark on an unforgettable Shanghai Day Trip to Suzhou with Your Way Holiday, where history, culture, and hands-on experiences come alive. Begin with a convenient hotel or station pickup by your private English-speaking guide and professional driver, who will introduce you to Jiangnan’s charming water towns during the scenic drive. Upon arrival, explore iconic stone bridges such as Fangsheng Bridge, Kangle Bridge, and the quieter Xuanmiao Bridge, stroll cobblestone streets, and visit historic residences like the Zhang Family Residence and Shen Family Residence, where you can try paper-cutting, calligraphy, or lantern-making. Enjoy a riverside lunch featuring local specialties and take a serene wooden boat ride along peaceful canals. Discover artisan workshops producing silk, fans, bamboo crafts, and experience tea tasting at a family-run teahouse. Wander hidden alleys, private gardens, and small temple shrines, capturing perfect photo spots while immersing yourself in Luzhi’s authentic atmosphere. End your day with a final stroll along lantern-lit canals and a comfortable return to Shanghai, carrying vivid memories of the town’s scenic bridges, canals, cultural heritage, and interactive experiences.

Duration：8-9 hours

Attractions(Cities)：South Street, North Street, Yinyuan Lane, the Colored Glaze Exquisite Pagoda, Qibao Buddhist Temple

Tour Style：Kick off your perfect qibao water town tour shanghai with Your Way Holiday! Arrive at the meeting point, and your dedicated guide is already there with a custom sign, ready to assist with luggage and ensure a hassle-free start. Hop on a cozy bus for a 30-minute ride to Qibao—no long journeys, just quick access to "Shanghai’s thousand-year gem". First, feast on South Street: plump glutinous rice balls oozing sweet or savory fillings, and tender mutton shaomai that’s a local legend. Then lose yourself in North Street’s handicraft wonderland—watch artisans carve wood, weave bamboo, and stitch embroidery, picking up one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Hang a heartfelt wish on Yinyuan Lane’s vibrant blessing cards before marveling at the Colored Glaze Exquisite Pagoda, its colored glaze glow dancing on the river beside ancient stone bridges. Experience Qibao Buddhist Temple’s unique harmony: chants mingling with nearby market chatter. Explore folk museums and traditional Jiangnan houses to deepen your connection to the town’s soul.

Duration：8 Hours

Attractions(Cities)：the Bridges of Xitang, the Corridors of Xitang, the lanes of Xitang, the Houses of Xitang

Tour Style：As you depart from Shanghai Cruise Port, your guided tour to Xitang Water Town begins, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Experience the serene beauty of this picturesque town, known for its tranquil waters, elegant bridges, and historic streets adorned with covered corridors. Our expert guide enriches your journey with insightful commentary, sharing the rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty that define Xitang. Discover its transformation from a strategic Ming Dynasty outpost to a flourishing trade hub during the Qing Dynasty. Stroll along ancient stone bridges and narrow lanes, or 'xiaoxiang,' while admiring traditional wooden houses embellished with intricate carvings and lanterns. This curated exploration of Xitang Water Town ensures that your visit is not only memorable but also deeply enriching, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the history and charm of this enchanting water town, just a short journey from Shanghai.

Duration：8-9 Hours

Attractions(Cities)：Master of Nets Garden, Pingjiang Road, Suzhou Silk Museum, Tongli Water Town (Tuisi Garden, Chongben Hall, Luoxingzhou)

Tour Style：Discover Suzhou’s charm with our customized Suzhou tour from Shanghai, designed to suit your preferences from start to finish. Begin your journey with a comfortable transfer from your Shanghai hotel, led by our professional driver. Accompanied by an expert guide, immerse yourself in Suzhou’s beauty at The Master of Nets Garden, a classic example of Chinese garden design. Stroll along Pingjiang Road, where historic pathways reveal tales of local culture. Delight in authentic Suzhou cuisine at lunch, experiencing the unique flavors of the city. Visit the Suzhou Silk Museum to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of Suzhou silk, a hallmark of the region's heritage. End the day in the serene Tongli Water Town, where you’ll explore tranquil canals and ancient architecture, embracing the peaceful charm that defines Tongli.