China · WATER TOWN TOURS

The 15 Best Water Town Tours near Shanghai & Suzhou

32 tours  ·  from $60

Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen are canals, stone bridges and tea houses, and they all empty out after four. The 15 below compare which town, whether a boat ride is included and how long the drive really takes.

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour - Shanghai Tower and the 360-degree view
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Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour

1.Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,016 reviews · from $246Our pick

Spend about eight hours with a private guide and driver, combining Zhujiajiao’s canals, boat ride, local lunch, Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, and Shanghai Tower. Guides such as Snow, Caroline, Xin, Jane, and Queena have led this route. The schedule can be adjusted for your interests, with Jade Buddha Temple replacing Yuyuan Garden on Mondays.

“This was an exceptional tour of Shanghai and Zhujiajiao. We enjoyed the private tour and our friendly and safe driver. Most of all we enjoyed meeting Caroline. She’s a very bubbly, smart, funny and very informative tour Guide. Her English is Read more”

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Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride - First steps through the 1,700-year-old town
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Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride

2.Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · from $148

Leave Shanghai by private air-conditioned vehicle for Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old water town. Your guide, such as Snow, Kalvin, Caroline, or Xin, leads you through old streets, gardens, markets, historic bridges, and canals. A boat ride, entrance fees, hotel transfers, and optional lunch or dinner are included.

“We had a very pleasant half-day trip with an excellent guide, a cozy boat ride and a delicious local lunch. Highly recommended to everyone, thank you Xin!”

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Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden - A smooth ride from central Shanghai
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Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden

3.Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 460 reviews · 5 hours · from $139

Travel from your Shanghai hotel to Zhujiajiao in a private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking guide such as Michael, Cassie, Robert, or Sunny. Walk old markets, visit Qing-era Kezhi Garden, sample local snacks, and ride a private boat through the canals. The five-hour tour suits families, couples, and short layovers.

“Our tour with Clair was fantastic. The transportation to the water village was smooth and very comfortable. We walked through the various shops, toured the private garden, and took a boat ride. Clair shared so much information with us about history and culture, she was an excellent guide.”

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Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai - The Grand Canal and Panmen Gate are brief but useful stops
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Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai

4.Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 426 reviews · from $135

Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang with an English-speaking guide such as Tom, Elena, or Frank. See the Master-of-Nets Garden, Grand Canal, Panmen Gate, and a silk workshop, then cruise Zhouzhuang’s canals by Chinese-style gondola. Lunch, tickets, and central hotel pickup are included, though traffic and limited village time can affect the day.

“Tom was a Shanghai native and knows the city and its environs like the back of his hand. The town of Souzhou and the water village are definitely worth seeing!”

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From Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride - Bridges from the Ming and Qing periods
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From Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride

5.Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 334 reviews · 5 hours · from $171

Travel from your central Shanghai hotel to Zhujiajiao in a private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking guide such as Snow, Kalvin, or Caroline. Walk old lanes and markets, see Ming-Qing bridges, visit traditional gardens, try local food, and take a calm canal boat ride before returning to Shanghai.

“My tour guide Snow was the best! Very friendly, knowledgeable and in good spirits all thru the 5 hour tour. She even thought me a little Chinese. And the Tour itself was fantastic. Highly recommended!”

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Yu Garden, Old Street, Bund & Zhujiajiao Water Town Bus Tour - Meeting at Yu Garden Hotel
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Yu Garden, Old Street, Bund & Zhujiajiao Water Town Bus Tour

6.Yu Garden, Old Street, Bund & Zhujiajiao Water Town Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 244 reviews · 8 hours · from $60Best value

Spend a full day moving from Shanghai’s 400-year-old Yu Garden and Chenghuang Miao Old Street to Zhujiajiao’s canals, Kezhi Garden, and the Bund. English-speaking guides such as Audrey, Irwin, Cindy, and Yenny lead the tour. A light Shanghai-style meal is included, while the water-town boat ride costs extra.

“This was my last day tour in China and What a wonderful way to wrap up and extraordinary trip, my tour guide was aubrey/audrey. She’s hilarious, informative and just the best persom to spend a wjole day with. The trip far exceeded my expectations, firstly that cost for a wjole day trip is pheomenal! The sites exceeded my expectations including how stunning yu garden is. Loved our added activities such as the tea shop (was no pressure to buy unlike such added activities im india). Your is an absolute must!! Wonderdul! Wonderful!!!”

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From Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride - The drive from downtown Shanghai
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From Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride

7.Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · from $139

You’ll travel from downtown Shanghai to Zhujiajiao in a private air-conditioned van, then walk old lanes, visit Kezhi Garden and a traditional temple, and ride a wooden boat through the canals. Guides such as Robert, Jun, Lucy, Shirley, and Michael tailor the pace and explain local life. Lunch or dinner is optional.

“We had a fantastic tour of the water town with our guide Cassie. She spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable about Chinese history. She took very nice photos of my wife and I during our tour, and knew all of the best locations and angles. Highly recommend this service if you’re looking for an English speaking tour guide.”

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Shanghai Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yu Garden, Bazaar, Bund - What three hours in the water town can feel like
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Shanghai Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yu Garden, Bazaar, Bund

8.Shanghai Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yu Garden, Bazaar, Bund

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · from $229

Spend a full day with a private English-speaking guide and chauffeur, starting in peaceful Zhujiajiao Water Town before returning to Shanghai for Yu Garden, Yuyuan Old Street, and the Bund. Hotel pickup, admission fees, bottled water, umbrellas, and a Zhujiajiao boat ride are included. Meals are not.

“The Bund is very very beautifull place! Shure! We recommend!!!!”

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Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai - The one-hour drive and private pickup
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Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai

9.Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $160

Travel from Shanghai with a private guide and driver to Zhujiajiao, a 600-year-old water town. Walk its lanes, cross Fangsheng Bridge, visit Kezhi Garden and the old post office, and ride a canal boat. Guides such as Tom, Vicky, David, and Jamie are praised for clear English, local insight, and flexible pacing.

“Vicky was excellent. Driver performed safe handling of vehicle with care. Went with 2 kids 5yrs and 9yrs that enjoyed it much treating through the village. I do however recommend upgrading the boat ride to a longer one.”

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Shanghai: Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch - A private car changes the shape of the day
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Shanghai: Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch

10.Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · 8 hours · from $255

Spend eight hours with a private English-speaking guide and driver, combining Zhujiajiao’s canals and old lanes with Yu Garden, the Bund, and Shanghai Tower. Guides such as Snow, Caroline, Berlin, and Queena are known for flexible schedules, local food advice, and helpful photo stops. Lunch and admission tickets are included.

“We had a great tour with Snow as the guide. She had a lot of knowledge of all the place we visited and was very informative and helpful. She was kemping us safe from being scammed on the market. The ride was comfortable with a very nice car with massage. I can 100% recommend.”

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Beijing: Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Tour - Entering Gubei Water Town before the wall
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Beijing: Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Tour

11.Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 110 reviews · 8 hours · from $133

Travel from Beijing in a private car to Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town. Choose self-guided transfers or an English-speaking guide such as Miko, Lily, Jack, or Jimmy. Ride the cable car, walk historic watchtowers, and explore Gubei by day or under red lanterns at night.

“Paul is very nice guy and very good guide. He told us the history of the wall and interesting facts. He took great care of us while climbing the stairs. He made many great pictures with us. At the restaurant he advised us what tasty dishes to choose. The trip was very successful.”

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Mutianyu Great Wall And Gubei Watertown Private Day Tour

12.Mutianyu Great Wall And Gubei Watertown Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · from $149

You’ll ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle from your Beijing hotel to Mutianyu Great Wall and Gubei Water Town. Plan on 8 to 9 hours, with about two hours at each stop. The tour offers privacy and flexible morning departures, but entrance tickets, meals, cable cars, and an English-speaking guide are extra.

“The driver was very friendly and he spoke English. We arrived early in the day, so got very lucky with nearly no crowds. Great layover!”

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Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing - Gubei Water Town after the wall
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Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing

13.Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · from $261

Leave Beijing with a private guide and driver for Jinshanling’s quieter Great Wall trails, a Chinese meal, Gubei Water Town, and Simatai after dark. Guides such as Miko, Andy, Jay, and Anson are praised for history, photos, and flexible pacing. Expect 10 to 12 hours, uneven steps, and a cable car ride at Simatai.

“Such an amazing tour, much more than expected and Jonathan has been an amazing guide. Great wall, local food and ended in a fairy tail town to see the wall with lights. People working in the wall are very kind, please buy them gifts, they deserve it. Thanks a lot for today. Yesterday with Tony was also a great tour. Very recommended”

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Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Highlights Private Trip - Yuyuan Garden and Old Shanghai
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Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Highlights Private Trip

14.Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Highlights Private Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · from $133

Spend about eight hours with a private English-speaking guide and driver, visiting 1,700-year-old Zhujiajiao, Yuyuan Garden, Old Shanghai, and the Bund. Guides such as Tom and Sophie tailor the day to your group, while hotel or port pickup keeps this busy Shanghai outing simple. Yu Garden admission costs extra.

“Our driver Mr Mou was amazing. Our guide Sophie was exceptional. She was so knowledgeable and friendly. Her English was top notch. We had a wonderful day with her and she took the time to understand what we wanted to see. We were Read more”

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Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Flexible Private Tour - What a private guide adds in Zhujiajiao
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Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Flexible Private Tour

15.Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Flexible Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · from $170

Spend a private day with a guide such as Annie, Sammi, Freya, or Lily, combining Zhujiajiao’s canals and old stone bridges with Shanghai sights such as Yu Garden, the Bund, the Jade Buddha Temple, and Pudong. Hotel pickup, a private car, and flexible sightseeing make this a useful first look at the city.

“Sunny and Sammi were so helpful and communicative. We had a wonderful time in Zhujiajiao, and it was so interesting to talk to Sammi as she is a Shanghai native. The whole tour was extremely well done and incredible value for what we paid, would definitely recommend to friends!”

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New in Water Town Tours

★ 5.0Jinshanling and Simatai Wall&Gubei Watertown TourFrom $18521 reviews
★ 5.0All-inclusive Half-day Private Tour To Zhujiajiao Water TownFrom $14010 reviews
★ 5.02 Day Private Shanghai Skyline to Watertown & Suzhou GardenFrom $3593 reviews
★ 5.0Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from HangzhouFrom $8712 reviews
★ 3.5Zhouzhuang Water Village Tour from ShanghaiFrom $21028 reviews
★ 5.0Suzhou and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Customized Day Tour from ShanghaiFrom $21524 reviews
★ 5.0Private Day Excursion to Suzhou and ZhouZhuang Water Village from ShanghaiFrom $23029 reviews
★ 5.0Suzhou and Zhujiajiao Private Guided Day Trip from ShanghaiFrom $24327 reviews
Zhujiajiao Water Town: Boat Ride, Opt for Hands-on Dumpling MealFrom $1587 reviews
Private Shanghai City and Zhujiajiao Combo Tour with Boating, Tea Tasting, LunchFrom $22815 reviews
★ 4.7Shanghai：Old Town, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Town Bus TourFrom $9116 reviews

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