How to Get from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao by Metro & Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take Shanghai Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station — about 60–75 minutes from central Shanghai, ¥7–9 one way — then walk 10–15 minutes to the old town entrance. No advance booking, no train ticket, no passport needed. Just tap in with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a Shanghai Public Transport Card.

Zhujiajiao (朱家角) is a 1,700-year-old canal town in Shanghai's Qingpu District, nicknamed the "Venice of Shanghai." It is the only historic water town reachable directly by Shanghai Metro, making it the most accessible day trip from the city.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — Metro Line 17 (Recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Get to Hongqiao Railway Station (虹桥火车站). From central Shanghai, take Metro Line 2 (green) westbound to Hongqiao Railway Station. From People's Square, this takes about 30–35 minutes. From Jing'an Temple, about 25 minutes.

2. Transfer to Line 17. At Hongqiao Railway Station, follow the signs for "Line 17" (orange line). The transfer is within the paid area — no need to exit the gates.

3. Ride Line 17 westbound to Zhujiajiao Station (朱家角站). The journey takes about 35–45 minutes. Line 17 runs from Hongqiao Railway Station to Oriental Land (东方绿舟); Zhujiajiao is the third-to-last stop. Trains run approximately every 10–15 minutes from about 05:40 to 22:00.

4. Exit via Exit 2. Take Exit 2 and follow Zhuxi Road (珠溪路) or the brown tourist signs toward the old town. It is a pleasant 10–15 minute walk (about 800 m) along a canal to the main entrance.

5. Enter the old town. Zhujiajiao's old town streets are free to enter. Individual attractions like Kezhi Garden (课植园, ¥20) require separate tickets.

Metro details

[!TIP] Go on a weekday morning and arrive before 9:00 AM. By 10:00 AM on weekends, the narrow streets and bridges become packed with Shanghai families and tour groups. Weekday mornings are quiet, atmospheric, and far better for photography.

Option 2 — Direct Bus (Hu-Zhu Express)

If you are staying near Shanghai Stadium or other central departure points, the Hu-Zhu Highway Express Bus (沪朱高速快线) offers a direct ride without metro transfers.

• Departure: Shanghai Stadium (上海体育场) and other central hubs
• Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic
• Fare: approximately ¥12–20
• Drop-off: Zhujiajiao Bus Station, a short walk from the old town

The bus is subject to traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. The metro is more reliable and generally faster.

Option 3 — Taxi or DiDi

A one-way taxi or DiDi from central Shanghai to Zhujiajiao costs approximately ¥120–250 depending on your starting point and traffic, and takes 50–75 minutes. This is a good option for groups of 3–4 people or families with young children, but for most solo or couple travelers, the metro is cheaper and avoids weekend traffic jams.

How to Get Back

• Metro: Take Line 17 back from Zhujiajiao Station to Hongqiao Railway Station, then transfer to Line 2 or Line 10. The last train from Zhujiajiao departs around 22:00 — check the departure board in the station for the exact time on the day.
• Bus: Return buses run from Zhujiajiao Bus Station to central Shanghai until early evening.
• If you miss the last metro: A taxi or DiDi back to central Shanghai costs ¥120–250. There are also budget hotels near Zhujiajiao if you prefer to stay overnight.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally. Check the Shanghai Metro app or the departure board at Zhujiajiao Station for the exact last train time on the day of your visit.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Taking Line 17 the wrong direction. At Hongqiao Railway Station, make sure you board the train bound for Oriental Land (东方绿舟), not the train going back into the city. The platform displays show the destination.

2. Exiting at the wrong station. Line 17 has several stops in Qingpu District. Stay on until Zhujiajiao Station — not Dianshanhu Avenue or Qingpu Xincheng.

3. Arriving too late on a weekend. Zhujiajiao is close enough to Shanghai that it gets extremely crowded on weekends, especially in good weather. Arrive before 9:00 AM on a weekday for the best experience.

4. Taking a taxi into a traffic jam. On weekend afternoons, the roads into Zhujiajiao can be gridlocked. The metro bypasses all traffic and is almost always faster.

5. Forgetting to scan out. If you use a QR code or transport card, you must tap out at the destination station. The fare is distance-based.

6. Buying a combo ticket when you don't need one. The old town streets are free to enter. You only need to buy tickets for specific attractions like Kezhi Garden (¥20). Don't buy a bundled ticket unless you plan to visit multiple paid sites.

Before You Go

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, September–November for comfortable weather. Avoid Chinese national holidays (especially October 1–7).
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, a camera, and a light jacket in spring/autumn.
• Food to try: Zongzi (粽子, sticky rice dumplings), stinky tofu, braised pork, and osmanthus cakes.
• Canal boat ride: Gondola-style boat rides are available from the docks along the main canal, typically around ¥80–150 per boat (price varies by route and season).

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Need help planning your Shanghai day trip, booking a private guide, or arranging transport? Our local team is here to help. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.

Related Guides

• Shanghai Travel Guide — full city guide with attractions, food, and practical tips
• How to Get from Shanghai to Wuzhen by Public Transport — another classic water town day trip
• How to Get from Shanghai to Xitang by Public Transport — a less touristy water town option
• Didi Ride-Hailing Guide for Foreigners — how to use China's ride-hailing app

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Metro information is based on Shanghai Metro official data (shmetro.com) and cross-referenced with Trip.com and TravelChinaGuide (updated 2026). Fares and schedules may change — verify on the Shanghai Metro app or at the station before travel.

Last verified: August 2026