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Shanghai Side Trip: Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour

Visit China's "No.1 Water Town," famous for its iconic Twin Bridges, ancient merchant mansions, and a hands-on paper-cutting experience.

Duration

DAY1

Location

SHANGHAI

Group Size

Private Tour

Tour Overview

Discover the charm of Zhouzhuang, celebrated as the “No.1 Water Town in China.” Located just a short drive from Shanghai, this UNESCO tentative heritage site preserves the idyllic beauty of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. On this private day tour, you will walk across the famous Double Bridge (immortalized in Chen Yifei’s oil paintings), explore the lavish mansions of the legendary tycoon Shen Wansan, and navigate the winding canals flanked by white walls and black tiles. To top off your cultural immersion, you will also experience the delicate art of Chinese Paper-Cutting.

Daily Itinerary

01

09:00

Hotel Pick-up & Departure

Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby in Shanghai. Enjoy a comfortable private drive to Zhouzhuang (approx. 1.5 hours).

02

10:30 – 15:30

Explore Zhouzhuang & Cultural Experience

Upon arrival, dive into the history and culture of this 900-year-old town:

  • The Connected Bridges (Double Bridge): Visit the symbols of Zhouzhuang—the Shide Bridge and Yong’an Bridge. Seen from above, they look like an ancient key. This spot became world-famous after artist Chen Yifei painted “Memory of Hometown” here.

  • Shen’s Family Mansion: Explore the massive residence built by the descendants of Shen Wansan, the legendary Ming Dynasty tycoon. It features over 100 rooms and classic water town architecture.

  • Zhang’s Family Mansion: Walk through this Ming Dynasty complex with its unique “River flowing through the Hall” design, covering 1,800 square meters with a private garden.

  • Paper-Cutting Experience: Try your hand at the delicate art of paper-cutting, a folk craft rooted in ancient culture that combines creativity with storytelling.

  • Lunch is on your own expense (Guide can recommend the famous “Wansan Pork Shank”).

03

15:30 – 17:00

Return to Shanghai

After a day of sightseeing and culture, our driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Shanghai.

PRIVATE TOUR SPECIAL

$119

per person

  • No payment required today

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FREE PLAN

Available Services

Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver (Fuel, tolls, parking included).

Guide: Professional English-speaking Guide.

Tickets: First main entrance tickets for all listed spots.

Internal Transport: All necessary eco-buses and cable cars within scenic areas.

Insurance: Tourism accident insurance.

Support: 24/7 English-speaking online support.

Excluded Services

Accommodation.

flights or trains to/from arrival city.

Lunches & Dinners (flexible for your choice).

Personal expenses & Visa fees.

Boat Ride: Optional rowing boat ride (If you wish to add this, please pay on-site).

Gratuities for guide and driver (Optional).

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