Some call it the “Venice of Shanghai”: Zhujiajiao. Located on the outskirts of Shanghai, this ancient town is characterized by water. Several rivers and canals run through the center of the town, lined by ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 36 bridges span the waterways, the longest being Fangsheng Bridge where tourists can buy fish and release them into the stream for ‘good luck’. Probably the most featured bridge of Zhujiajiao is Lang Bridge; the only wooden bridge in town that spans the water like a narrow corridor.
The town has been well developed for tourists. Visitors can tour the canals on little boats operated like the famous gondolas in Venice. Narrow alleys accommodate countless stores in which visitors can buy all sorts of souvenirs, handcrafted local pieces of art as well as the usual goods you can get anywhere else in China.
Zhujiajiao is also known for its gardens, the largest one being Kezhi Garden, which is also open to the public. Kezhi Garden an extensive enclosure featuring ancient buildings, artificial landscaping, ponds, walkways and just a nice place to escape all the hustle and bustle from town.
For more information, you can read the article on Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.