Zhujiajiao with Amazing Night Lights and Bar Experience

Experience the Best of Shanghai’s Water Town and Nightlife in One Day

If you’re craving an experience that combines authentic old-world charm with vibrant city lights, this tour offers a thoughtful blend of both. For $245 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring Zhujiajiao, a water town with over 1,700 years of history, then return to Shanghai to enjoy its glittering night skyline from a trendy rooftop bar. Guided by knowledgeable locals, this journey is a great way to see lesser-known yet culturally rich parts of China while also soaking in some of the city’s most iconic nighttime vistas.

What we really like about this experience are the personalized touches — a private guide to show you the ins and outs of Zhujiajiao’s alleyways and water markets, and the chance to relax at a rooftop bar while drinking in views of the illuminated skyline. The tour’s balance of historical exploration and modern leisure creates a well-rounded experience perfect for travelers who want depth and fun in the same package.

A possible drawback is the timing — with so much packed into one day, you’ll need to keep a good pace. The tour starts with a hotel pickup and involves about an hour of travel each way, which might feel a bit rushed if you prefer slow mornings. It’s best suited for those who enjoy active sightseeing and aren’t looking for a leisurely, unhurried day.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive taste of Shanghai’s historic water town and vibrant night scene, especially if you’re interested in local culture, architecture, and lively city views. It suits travelers who appreciate guided insights and want to maximize their time with a carefully curated experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Water Town: Enjoy a private-guided exploration of Zhujiajiao’s alleyways, water markets, and historic architecture.
• Stunning Night Views: Witness the illuminated Shanghai skyline from the Old Town and Bund, creating unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about local customs and history from your knowledgeable guide.
• Gourmet Dinner: Savor local dishes tailored to your taste preferences during the water town visit.
• Rooftop Bar Experience: End the day with a drink at one of the tallest rooftop bars along the Bund, with spectacular views of the city lights.
• Flexible and Private: The tour includes door-to-door transport, a private guide, and a flexible schedule, ensuring a tailored experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in downtown Shanghai, making it convenient and stress-free. Your guide (the name isn’t specified but is praised for their expertise) greets you with a friendly demeanor, ready to share insider knowledge of both Zhujiajiao and Shanghai’s night scene. The air-conditioned private vehicle ensures comfort during the approximately one-hour ride to the water town, which is steeped in more than 1,700 years of history. This is a significant advantage over group tours, giving you a more personalized experience and flexibility in pacing.

Once you arrive in Zhujiajiao, the first thing that hits you is the charming Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture lining the canals. Your guide leads you through narrow alleyways filled with local artisans, arts and crafts shops, and bustling water markets. The highlight for many is walking across the Fangsheng Bridge, with panoramic views of the Chinese Oriental Venice. Here, you’ll appreciate the intricate details of traditional Chinese architecture and get a real sense of how life has been woven into this water-bound landscape for centuries.

One of the standout features of this tour is the opportunity to see local water markets and learn about traditional commerce and daily life in this historic town. The guide provides context about local customs and history, making it more than just a photo opportunity. Reviewers have raved about the guide’s knowledge, with one noting, “We loved the way our guide explained the significance of the old bridges and the stories behind the water markets.”

After exploring the town’s streets and markets, you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner featuring local dishes. The menu is customizable to dietary needs and preferences, which is a thoughtful touch that makes the experience more comfortable for all. The meal offers a chance to taste regional flavors that have been passed down through generations, giving you a true taste of local life.

Post-dinner, the trip back to Shanghai takes you through the Old Town area. Here, the streets are alive with twinkling lights, ancient architecture, and the hum of evening activity. Walking across the Nine Zigzag Bridge provides stunning views of both the old and new Shanghai. The atmosphere is lively but charming, perfect for a leisurely stroll with plenty of photo opportunities. Many travelers appreciate the chance to see this historic part of the city lit up at night, creating a magical ambiance.

The grand finale is visiting a tall rooftop bar along the Bund, which offers panoramic views of the Shanghai skyline. From here, you can sip a drink of your choice while marveling at landmarks like the Peace Hotel, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Jinmao Tower. When lit up at night, these landmarks shimmer and sparkle, creating a truly iconic scene. It’s a perfect way to unwind after an active day and to appreciate the city’s dazzling modernity.

Finally, the tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or other downtown location. The entire experience is designed to be seamless, enjoyable, and rich with memorable sights and stories. The private setting means you won’t have to share your guide’s attention, making it ideal for those who want a personalized touch.

How Much Is It Worth?

At $245 per person, this tour offers quite a lot of value. You’re paying for private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, entry tickets to Zhujiajiao, a local dinner, and the rooftop bar experience. When you consider that many guided tours omit one or more of these elements, the comprehensive nature and flexibility make it a competitive package.

Reviewers have mentioned the quality of the guide, emphasizing that their insights made the experience more meaningful. The inclusion of a local dinner allows you to try authentic regional dishes without the hassle of researching restaurants or making choices. The view from the rooftop bar is often highlighted as a highlight, giving you a stunning, memorable conclusion to your day.

While optional extras like boat rides in Zhujiajiao are not included, many feel the core experience is rich enough without them. The tour’s value is especially apparent when you factor in the personalized service and convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Timing is everything: Check the availability and start times to make sure you can fit everything into your day comfortably.
• Dress comfortably: Expect walking on uneven surfaces in Zhujiajiao and a potentially cool evening on the rooftop bar.
• Bring your camera: The picturesque scenery — from ancient bridges to glittering skyline — is perfect for photos.
• Dietary needs: Inform your guide in advance to ensure your dinner meets your preferences.
• Group size: As it is a private tour, your experience will be tailored, but clarify the maximum group size if you’re traveling with others.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates a blend of history, culture, and city views, this tour will suit you well. It’s a great choice if you want a personalized experience that covers both the traditional water town and the modern city skyline. Travelers interested in authentic local markets and architecture will find Zhujiajiao particularly engaging, especially with a guide to explain its significance.

Those looking for easy logistics, with hotel pickup and door-to-door service, will find this tour very convenient. It’s ideal for first-time visitors eager to see both the countryside and the city’s vibrant lights without organizing multiple tickets or transportation themselves.

However, if you prefer a very relaxed, slow-paced day or want to avoid a packed schedule, this tour might be a bit rushed. It’s best for energetic travelers ready to see a lot in a short time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your downtown Shanghai hotel, making the start seamless.

How long does the trip to Zhujiajiao take?
Approximately one hour each way, depending on traffic, with travel time included in the 8-hour total.

What’s included in the price?
Your guide, private driver, entrance to Zhujiajiao, a local dinner, one drink at the rooftop bar, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Can I customize the dinner?
The menu is tailored to your dietary needs and preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.

Are there optional activities?
Boat rides in Zhujiajiao are not included but can be arranged for an extra fee if desired.

What landmarks will I see from the rooftop bar?
View highlights include the Peace Hotel, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jinmao Tower, all illuminated at night.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially if your family enjoys sightseeing, cultural experiences, and city views. Just check if children are comfortable with walking and the schedule.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Shanghai’s historic and modern sides. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to see a traditional water town with a knowledgeable guide, enjoy authentic local food, and finish the day soaking in stunning city lights from a prime rooftop vantage point. The personal touch and comprehensive itinerary make it a worthwhile choice for those eager to make the most of a single day in Shanghai, blending culture, scenery, and nightlife seamlessly.