Zhujiajiao, a Visit to a Traditional Water Village

Today we had booked on to one of the trips organized by the hostel to Zhujiajiao water village about 1 1/4 hours out of Shanghai centre.

Zhujiajiao is an ancient water city over 1,700 years old, and artifacts have been found there that date back even further, to 5,000 years ago. We found this little village fascinating. Known as China's Venice, we have spent many a day getting lost in the labyrinths there.

We arrived at 10am and were given a bit of a run down from the driver on the area and what we could and should do there, it sounded quaint. The narrow streets were extremely crowded as it was Bank Holiday Monday and the heat was stifling. We went for a wander around the village taking in the shops selling traditional hand painted scrolls, silk scarves, fresh water pearls, handmade woven grass animals, handmade pure silk duvets and tiny knitted children’s booties.  Andrew and Rorie couldn't resist a go of the balloon shooting game, and the woman running it seemed to have a death wish, running in front of the target despite the pointed guns all the time.

The food stalls all sold what seemed to be a specialty, huge knuckles of pork and for snacks, sweet rice bound in leaves. The sweet rice was very tasty. There were also loads of restaurants all with fish tanks outside full of all types of fish. Rorie and Emer (those with huge budget) paid the equivalent of 2 pounds each to go in to the famous gardens, which they told us were beautiful, we weren't too bothered and sat watching the boats going by down the narrow canals in the sunshine.

When they returned after 1/2 hour we took a boat together through the village which was short but a pleasant and relaxing thing to do. Back at the minibus, we got back to the hostel in the afternoon.
 
We would certainly recommend a trip to Zhujiajiao; it's so lovely to get lost and find yourself in an ancient teahouse sipping the most sublime pu'er tea, overlooking canals while locals are playing a game of cards or chess at the table next to you. The locals are friendly and very kind—we will certainly be back!