Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Fake Market Shopping Tour

Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai city life to visit Zhujiajiao Water Town offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese architecture and serene waterways. Combined with a stop at the bustling fake market downtown, this tour promises a mix of cultural discovery and budget-friendly shopping.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the private guided tour ensures personalized insights into local history and culture. Second, walking through the Ming and Qing-era buildings and stone bridges transports you back in time. And third, the opportunity to bargain for high-quality fake goods at very attractive prices makes it both practical and fun.

However, a potential consideration is the duration of the entire trip—it can be quite full, which might be tiring for some travelers. Also, while the fake market offers good value, some might prefer authentic luxury brands or worry about the legalities of purchasing counterfeit goods.

This tour is best suited for cultural enthusiasts who also enjoy shopping, especially those looking for unique photo opportunities and great deals. It’s a good fit for travelers wanting a mix of history, scenic beauty, and lively markets in one day.

Good To Know

• Cultural immersion in a well-preserved water town with Ming & Qing architecture
• Personalized experience with a private English, German, or Italian-speaking guide
• Authentic local food and snacks to satisfy your taste buds
• Affordable shopping for high-quality fake brand goods with bargaining tips
• Flexible logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off within central Shanghai zones
• Optional boat ride in Zhujiajiao to see the ancient town from a different perspective

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What to Expect from This Tour

If you’re looking to escape the city noise and step into a quieter, more traditional side of China, the Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Fake Market Shopping Tour offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern shopping. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, it’s clear from the detailed descriptions that it appeals to travelers who love history, scenic waterways, and a lively bargaining scene.

Three standout aspects are the opportunity to walk along ancient stone bridges, sample authentic local snacks, and score deals on imitation luxury goods. The tour’s private guiding helps you navigate this busy area with ease, making it ideal for first-timers or those who prefer a more tailored experience.

One thing to keep in mind: the overall schedule tends to be quite packed, combining cultural exploration with shopping, so it might not suit those looking for a slow, leisurely day. Still, if you want a well-rounded taste of Shanghai’s outskirts and its quirky shopping spots, this tour is a compelling choice.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Discovering Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao is often called the “Pearl of Jiangnan” because of its beautifully preserved Ming and Qing architecture. The town is situated near Dianshan Lake, and its history dates back over 1,700 years, starting as a humble market. As you arrive, you’ll immediately notice the stone-slab roads and ancient bridges, which are perfect for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

Your guide, fluent in your chosen language, will lead you through narrow alleys lined with traditional buildings, each with its own story. Many visitors appreciate the chance to learn about the town’s long-standing waterway culture. If the weather is nice, taking a gondola ride along the waterways offers a different perspective of the old town, with some reviewers describing it as a peaceful, scenic experience.

Tasting Authentic Village Food

No visit to Zhujiajiao is complete without sampling some local snacks. Your guide will recommend popular street foods—think fresh dumplings, sweet rice cakes, and perhaps some local herbal teas. Reviewers mention that the food and snacks are authentic and add a delicious dimension to the trip. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to photograph vibrant street scenes, and your guide can help you navigate busy stalls.

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Scenic Walks & Photo Opportunities

Expect to spend some time strolling along stone bridges, snapping pictures of traditional wooden facades, and soaking in the tranquil ambiance. Many visitors comment on how picturesque the town is, especially during peak seasons when cherry blossoms or autumn leaves add extra charm.

Optional Gondola Ride

A highlight for many is the gondola ride on the waterways, giving a different angle on the ancient town. For a modest extra fee, you can glide under historic bridges and see the town from the water, which often draws praise for its relaxing quality and scenic views.

Transition to the Fake Market

In the afternoon, the tour moves to downtown Shanghai—specifically, a bustling fake market renowned for its variety of goods. You’ll be guided through stalls selling shoes, clothes, souvenirs, and electronics—many of which are high-quality fakes of luxury brands. Buyers often appreciate the cheaper prices and the chance to bargain, with your guide offering tips on how to get the best deals.

Reviewers have found the goods surprisingly good quality, even if they’re not authentic. The market is lively, and you can expect to spend some time negotiating or just browsing the colorful stalls. The guide’s insights help you identify reputable shops and avoid pitfalls, making the shopping experience more rewarding.

Practical Details on Shopping

While the goods are fake, many shoppers note that they are well-made and hard to distinguish from genuine items unless you look closely. It’s a fun way to pick up luxury-inspired accessories or clothing at a fraction of the brand price. Remember, personal shopping is not included, so you’ll want to budget some extra time for browsing and bargaining.

End of Tour and Drop-Off

Once your shopping is done, the guide will escort you back to your hotel or any other location within central Shanghai—making it convenient to continue your trip or rest after a busy day. The entire experience usually lasts around 6-8 hours, balancing cultural sights with shopping.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

The tour’s price of $170 per person includes a private guide, transportation, entry fees to Zhujiajiao, and bottled water. For travelers who enjoy cultural exploration combined with practical shopping, this fee offers good value, especially considering the personalized service.

The private guide’s role is crucial—helping you navigate the town, recommending food and photo spots, and making bargaining easier. The small group or private setting ensures you get tailored insights, making the experience feel more intimate than a typical large-group tour.

The highlight, perhaps, is the chance to enjoy authentic local snacks and capture beautiful photographs alongside scenic waterways and ancient architecture. The shopping component adds a layer of fun, especially for those who appreciate bargaining and are open to purchasing high-quality fakes.

One thing to note is that the goods are counterfeit, so if authentic luxury brands are your priority, this might not be the right fit. But for value-conscious travelers willing to accept the fake label, the quality is surprisingly high, and the prices are unbeatable.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Bring your passport or a copy for identification, especially if you plan to buy goods.
• Wear comfortable shoes—the walk around Zhujiajiao involves a lot of strolling on uneven stone paths.
• Prepare for bargaining: your guide will share handy tips, but it helps to be friendly and respectful.
• Bring water and snacks: even though water is provided, exploring can be thirsty work.
• Be mindful of your belongings—busy markets can attract pickpockets.
• Consider the weather—a hat or umbrella can be useful if it’s sunny or rainy.
• Leave extra time for photos, especially along bridges and waterway views.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour offers a balanced mix of traditional Chinese scenery and lively shopping. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience the serenity of a historic water town without sacrificing the thrill of bargain hunting.

History buffs will appreciate the well-preserved architecture and waterway culture, while shopaholics will enjoy the opportunity to buy high-quality fake goods at very attractive prices. The private guide adds a layer of personalization that makes the whole experience smoother and more insightful.

That said, if you’re strictly seeking authentic luxury brands or prefer a slow pace, you might find this tour a bit hurried. Likewise, those with mobility issues should note that walking on cobblestone and uneven surfaces can be challenging.

Overall, if you’re after a fun and practical day out in Shanghai’s outskirts, with plenty of photo opportunities and shopping, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a private guide, private transportation with a chauffeur, admission to Zhujiajiao Water Town, and bottled water.

• How long does the tour last?

The experience typically lasts around 6-8 hours, covering both Zhujiajiao and the fake market.

• Is transportation provided?

Yes, private transportation is included, with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or specified location within central Shanghai zones.

• Can I choose my language guide?

Yes, guides are available in Chinese, English, Italian, and German.

• What should I bring?

Bring your passport or a copy, comfortable shoes, and perhaps some cash for shopping and tips.

• Is this tour suitable for all ages?

It’s best suited for travelers over 95 years old who are comfortable walking and standing for extended periods.

• Are there any additional costs?

Extra costs may include boat rides or shop purchases; these are not included in the base price.

• Can I cancel the tour?

Yes, cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Are meals included?

No, meals and extra scenic spot tickets are not included but can be purchased separately during the trip.

This tour strikes a practical balance between cultural exploration and shopping, tailored for those who want to enjoy scenic waterways, historic architecture, and bargain-hunting all in one day. Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or a savvy shopper, this experience offers memorable moments and excellent value.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby