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Shanghai Water Town Tours 2023/2024

Shanghai is blessed with many charming water towns, which are representative of classical Chinese gardens. Most of them are available for a day trip from Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou or make good weekend excursions.

All tours can be tailored. If you can’t decide which one you should take, just ask our travel advisor team for a tailor-made trip.

Top Water Town Package Tours

RecommendedShantang Street Suzhou

Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai

Experience Suzhou city and the most authentic water town in China, including a visit to Tuisi Garden, a World Heritage site.

From $276

Wuzhen Water Town near Hangzhou

3-Day China Water Town Photography Tour

Visit Tongli, Wuzhen and Nanxun with a private English-speaking guide who learn the good timing and points well for photography.

From $1,129

Zhouzhuang Water Town

5-Day Shanghai,Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Town Tour

A package tour offer service from pickup to farewell in Shanghai. Visits include the essence of Shanghai, Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town.

From $749

Popular Water Town Day Tours from Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Water Town near Shanghai and Seven Treasure Town

Zhujiajiao and Seven Treasures Town Excursion

This is a package day tour covering Zhujiajiao Town and Seven Treasures Town. A local lunch and private hotel pickup and drop-off are all included.

From $173

Wuzhen Sunrise

Wuzhen Village Tour from Shanghai

Wuzhen is divided into two parts - West Part and East Part. You will visit east part,which keeps the original atmosphere, buildings and culture.

From $265

Tongli Town near Suzhou

Tongli Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai

Enjoy the real tranquility in this small town with a boat ride on the canal. Hotel pickup and transfers are included. A local lunch is arranged in a local restaurant.

From $155

Xitang Water Town

Xitang Water Town Tour from Shanghai

Xitang is the film base of Mission Impossible Ⅲ. A boat ride, visits to must-see attractions in the town with a private guide and a car are covered.

From $226

Map of Water Towns around Shanghai

Water Tours Map

More Water Town Tours

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Water Town Tours

Tongli Ancient Water Town

Tongli Water Town Tours

Nanxun Ancient Town

Nanxun Water Town Tours

Zhouzhuang Ancient Town

Zhouzhuang Water Town Tours

Wuzhen Ancient Town at Night

Wuzhen Water Town Tours

Xitang Ancient Town

Xitang Water Town Tours

Jinxi

Jinxi Water Town Tours

Fengjing

Fengjing Water Town Tours

Tangxi Guangji Bridge

Tangxi Water Town Tours

Most Common Questions Travelers Asked Us

This is my first time visiting Shanghai and the water towns, which one should I go to?

Zhujiajiao, Tongli, Xitang,Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen are the most popular towns. All of them are within 2 hours of Shanghai, Suzhou or Hangzhou. Besides the differences depicted above for each town, you should also consider the length of your stay.

If you are staying for 3 days, you can choose Shanghai and Zhujiajiao as it is the most classical one.

If you plan to visit 5 days, Shanghai plus Suzhou and Zhouzhuang would be a very nice choice. Similarly, Shanghai plus Hangzhou and Wuzhen will be a good option. This will allow you to explore these areas deeper and enjoy the real beauty of them.

What does a water town package tour include?

A water town package tour usually includes a private English-speaking guide and a private car. The accommodation is arranged in our selected hotels with breakfast according to your budget.

Lunches are in local restaurants. Dinners are your own arrangement, but your private guide is ready to give you recommendations for great local food.

Each tour can be tailored based on your unique requirements. Just make an inquiry and tell our travel advisor team your requirements.

What is the best time to visit these water towns?

Water towns are beautiful in different seasons. The towns show their unique beauty on a sunny day, rainy seasons or cloudy days. So there’s no need to worry about missing the best season of a town. April, May, September and October are usually considered as the best seasons to visit due to the comfortable weather to enjoy and take good photos.

Regarding the crowds, below is a quick guide:

July and August are Chinese summer holiday and also the hottest seasons when most Chinese families may go out for holidays. These two months are the most crowded.

March, June and November are known as shoulder seasons when there are not as many travelers.

Winter is cold with only a few visitors.

Can I take bullet train to visit these water towns?

There are no bullet trains to these water towns.

Since it is not far away from Shanghai to Suzhou and Hangzhou by car, it is better to take a private package tour with a private car to visit these places. Plus, it gives more flexibility.

I am a Laowai living in Shanghai, what's your recommendation for a weekend break?

It is always worth enjoying a night in a water town! Take a bullet train to Suzhou or Hangzhou, and then spend one night in a water town nearby. This is a perfect option for a weekend break in Shanghai.

More Faqs about Shanghai Water Towns

Tailor-made My Trip