Travel in China
Start at the Fangsheng Bridge, walk the length of North Street, take a boat ride through the canals, and finish with zongzi at the riverside stalls.
Suggested Itinerary
- Fangsheng Bridge and entrance
Enter from the east gate and walk to the five-arch bridge for the classic view of the canal town. - North Street and canals
Walk the pedestrian lane to the town centre, then take a boat ride through the waterways. - Kezhi Garden and departure
Visit the Qing-dynasty garden, then snack on zongzi before returning by metro or taxi.
What to See
Fangsheng Bridge
The five-arch bridge from 1571 - the town's most photographed structure.
North Street (Beida Jie)
A 1,000-metre pedestrian lane of Ming and Qing merchant facades.
Kezhi Garden
A Confucian academy-garden with lotus ponds and a man-made hill.
The Canal Crossings
Watch the hand-rowed boats passing beneath the stone bridges.
Yuanjin Buddhist Temple
A temple at the northern end of the old town, still active with local worshippers.
The Rice-Dumpling Stalls
Vats of steaming zongzi along the riverside - the town's signature food.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Real Travelers
Food & Drink
Zongzi (rice dumplings)
Sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves - steamed in giant vats along the riverside.
Smoked soybeans
A local speciality - soybeans smoked over tea leaves and sugar.
Canal-side restaurants
Riverside restaurants serving freshwater fish and Shanghai country cooking.
Osmanthus cake
Sweet cakes made with the town's own osmanthus syrup.
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