China · WATER TOWN TOURS

The 15 Best Water Town Tours in China

28 tours  ·  from $60 a head

Canal towns an hour out of Shanghai and Suzhou, best before the tour buses and again after they leave. The 15 below cover Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen and Tongli, with prices, boat fares and which ones pair with a garden.

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour - The Bund puts Shanghai’s past and present together
Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

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 and local lunch with Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden, Bund, and Shanghai Tower. Guides such as Snow, Caroline, Xin, and Jane are praised for clear English, local food advice, photos, and flexible pacing. Hotel pickup, admission, lunch, and private transport are included.

“Really good tour! Our guide, Snow, was excellent! She was knowledgeable, patient and accommodated our interests. We had a very good Shanghainese lunch. The whole day was really awesome!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride - The private ride from Shanghai
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

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, often Kalvin, Snow, Caroline, or Xin, leads you through old streets, markets, gardens, historic bridges, and canals before returning you to your hotel. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, and add lunch or early dinner.

“Snow provided a comprehensive tour of Zhujiajiao. She was punctual and accommodating and friendly to my family. Appreciative!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden - The drive from Shanghai takes about an hour
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

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 Shanghai by private car to Zhujiajiao, a thousand-year-old water town. Walk across its historic bridge, browse stone-paved markets, visit Qing-era Kezhi Garden, and ride a private boat through the canals. Guides such as Michael, Cassie, Robert, Lea, Annie, and Sunny are praised for clear English, local insight, patience, and help with food, photos, and translation.

“Everything was tremendous and cannot fault a thing. Michael our guide was brilliant and so knowledgeable. The pick up and transportation was also tremendous and so much better than expected. Well done all and thank you for a great experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride - The private car ride from central Shanghai
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

From Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride

4.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 vehicle, then walk old lanes, visit bridges and gardens, sample local food, and take a canal boat. English-speaking guides such as Snow, Kalvin, Caroline, and Jenny explain the town’s past and daily life. Lunch is included with selected options.

“Our guide Snow was excellent. She was very knowledgeable, friendly and exceptionally helpful and patient as my husband required some additional assistance. I can highly recommend her.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yu Garden, Old Street, Bund & Zhujiajiao Water Town Bus Tour - Starting at Yu Garden near Line 10 and Line 14
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai, Yu Garden & the Bund Tours

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

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

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

This 8-hour Shanghai tour pairs Yu Garden and Chenghuang Miao Old Street with Zhujiajiao’s canals, Kezhi Garden and a Shanghai-style lunch. Guides such as Audrey, Irwin, Cindy and Yenny lead the day in English. Round-trip transport and entrance tickets are included, while the water-town boat ride costs extra.

“Really enjoyed this tour, Audrey was great fun and very knowledgeable. Would recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride - Kezhi Garden offers a quieter pause
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

From Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride

6.Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride

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

You’ll leave downtown Shanghai by private air-conditioned vehicle for Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old water town of stone bridges, old lanes, gardens, temples, and canals. An English-speaking guide such as Jun, Robert, Lucy, or Shirley leads the walk and boat ride. Choose a lunch or dinner option if you want local food included.

“This tour was very well organised and Jun was an excellent tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and friendly and made our tour experience very enjoyable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Shanghai Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yu Garden, Bazaar, Bund - Yu Garden: a quieter hour and a half
Markets, Shopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai, Yu Garden & the Bund Tours

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

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

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

Spend about 10 hours with an English-speaking guide and private chauffeur, traveling from central Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yu Garden, Yuyuan Old Street, and the Bund. Your price includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, bottled water, umbrellas, and a Zhujiajiao boat ride. Meals are extra.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai - Walking into the 600-year-old water town
Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

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

8.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 Cindy are praised for clear English, local insight, and flexible pacing.

“Very great experience to walk around the ancient town! We could not do the boat ride but overall it was a great experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Shanghai: Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch - Zhujiajiao, where canals replace city streets
Lunch Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai: Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch

9.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, visiting Zhujiajiao water town, Yu Garden or Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, and Shanghai Tower. Guides such as Snow, Caroline, Berlin, and Queena are praised for clear explanations and flexible planning. Lunch, admissions, bottled water, and hotel transport are included.

“amazing day, snow was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. food was fabulous too, would absolutely recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Tour - The two-hour ride from Beijing
Great Wall Tours, Private, Simatai & Gubei Water Town Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Beijing

Beijing: Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Tour

10.Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Tour

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

Spend about eight hours traveling privately from Beijing to Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town. Choose a self-guided transfer with prepaid tickets or add an English or Chinese guide such as Miko, Lily, Jack, or Jimmy. Day visits cover up to 10 watchtowers, while evening trips pair sunset views with red lanterns along the canals.

“Amazing experience! Zhao my driver was super professional ane kind. He provided the best possible service, the car was clean and comfortable. Gubei is a charming town you should not miss. Absolutely recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mutianyu Great Wall And Gubei Watertown Private Day Tour - Reaching Mutianyu Great Wall
Great Wall Tours, Mutianyu Great Wall Tours, Private, Simatai & Gubei Water Town Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall And Gubei Watertown Private Day Tour

11.Mutianyu Great Wall And Gubei Watertown Private Day Tour

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

Travel from your Beijing hotel by private, air-conditioned vehicle to Mutianyu Great Wall and Gubei Water Town. You get about two hours at each stop, with no fixed group schedule. Benny’s Guide & Driver Service provides the transport, but admission, cable cars, meals, and guide services cost 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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing - The two-hour ride from Beijing
Evening Experiences, Jinshanling Great Wall Tours, Private, Simatai & Gubei Water Town Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Beijing, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Beijing

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

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

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

Travel by private vehicle from Beijing to the quieter Jinshanling Great Wall, then continue to Gubei Water Town and illuminated Simatai. Your English-speaking guide, including guides such as Miko, Andy, Jay, or Anson, handles the timing, history, meals, and photo stops. Expect a long day, uneven steps, a Chinese meal, and excellent sunset views.

“Great tour to two beautiful sections of the wall, they’re the most photogenic and least crowded, we had the wall for ourselves. We had the best time with our guide Jay, he was very kind and knowledgeable about Chinese history and culture. Would definitely do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Highlights Private Trip - Walking through Zhujiajiao’s canals and old lanes
Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Highlights Private Trip

13.Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai Highlights Private Trip

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

Spend about eight hours with a private guide and driver visiting 1,700-year-old Zhujiajiao, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, and the Bund. Tom and Sophie are among the guides praised for clear English and thoughtful planning. Transport, bottled water, and hotel or port pickup are included, while Yuyuan Garden admission costs extra.

“Tom was super responsive and very kind to walk with us through Zhujiajiao and the Bund even though he didn't need to given this was actually a private car arrangement!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Flexible Private Tour - Lunch, Dinner, and the Cost of Eating
Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Flexible Private Tour

14.Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Flexible Private Tour

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

Spend 7 to 8 hours with a private guide and driver visiting Zhujiajiao Water Town, then tailor your Shanghai sightseeing around the Bund, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, or Pudong. Guides such as Annie, Sammi, Freya, Lily, and Fei Fei are praised for clear English and thoughtful pacing. Hotel pickup is included in downtown Shanghai.

“Tour was great Ryan picked us up @ hotel and we were off for the day both days I should say even though it was the busy time of year with the New Year coming up lots of travelers in train stations, very informative. I like the private tours as they go at your pace instead of 10-15 people. Ryan was very good.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip from Shanghai with Lunch and Dinner - Wuzhen: stone bridges, narrow lanes, and a boat ride
1-Day Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip from Shanghai with Lunch and Dinner

15.Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip from Shanghai with Lunch and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $284

Leave Shanghai at 9:30am for a private day exploring Wuzhen and Xitang. Walk old lanes, cross stone bridges, cruise the canals, eat local lunch and dinner, and stay late for Xitang’s lights. Guides such as Caroline, Kimi, Bella, and Jane are noted for flexible pacing, food advice, and help with photos.

“Great experience and guide (Jane). We had booked for 9:30 AM but they suggested we leave a little later to be able to see the village at night when it was lit up and definitely glad we did! Cool shops and the pork at the first restaurant stop was one of the tastiest things I’ve ever eaten.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Water Town Tours

★ 4.5Half-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town Wonders Small Group TourFrom $12010 reviews
★ 4.7Half-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town Wonders Private TourFrom $19014 reviews
★ 4.5Gubei Water Town Simatai Great Wall Ticket And OptionsFrom $858 reviews
★ 5.0Delve into Wuzhen Water Town: Private Tour from ShanghaiFrom $2646 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
Private Shanghai City and Zhujiajiao Combo Tour with Boating, Tea Tasting, LunchFrom $22815 reviews

Keep browsing

Cruises & Boat Tours56Li River Cruises8Yangtze River Cruises5Lantau Island & Big Buddha Tours15
Scroll to Top

Explore China

Pick a wall, a palace, a river or a kitchen.

The wall

Great Wall DaysMutianyuBadalingJinshanlingSimatai & Gubei

Imperial Beijing

Forbidden CityTiananmen SquareSummer PalaceTemple of HeavenHutongs

Food and tea

Food ToursCooking ClassesTea TastingsMarket WalksBar Nights

Rivers and mountains

Li River CruisesHuangpu CruisesYangtze CruisesGorges & CavesHiking Trips