The water town of Zhujiajiao, founded over 1,700 years ago, is famous for its winding canals, ancient bridges, and traditional architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The main artery of the town is the Central Canal (Beida/Caohe), which divides the historic center into two streets: Beida (North Street) and Caohe (South Street).
Two Streets, One Canal
• Beida Street (North Street) – The shorter northern street, but its name is more commonly used to refer to the entire canal. This is where the busiest market stalls are concentrated.
• Caohe Street (South Street) – The longer and slightly quieter southern street, preserving more authentic features of the old trading quarter.
Architecture Along the Central Canal
The canal banks are lined with wooden and brick houses featuring intricate carvings, tiled roofs, and red lanterns. Most buildings date back to:
• The 17th–19th centuries (late Ming and Qing eras),
• Some were restored in the 20th century while maintaining traditional styles.
• Qing Dynasty Post Office – One of the few surviving postal offices from the late 19th century. Now a museum displaying vintage postcards and telegraph machines.
• Wealthy Merchant’s House (at the corner of Caohe) – Distinguished by its carved window frames and inner courtyard.
Bridges: From Ancient Times to the Present
Several picturesque bridges span the Central Canal, including:
• Wooden Lang Bridge – A covered gallery bridge, the only fully wooden bridge on the canal, retaining its authentic Qing-era charm. Its sheltered walkway, with carved beams and side benches, once hosted tea and sweets vendors—now a perfect photo spot.
• Taian Bridge – A Qing-era stone arch bridge (18th century), standing 4.5 meters high to allow boats to pass. Its parapets feature bas-reliefs of cranes and pine branches, symbols of longevity. Located near the Taoist Taishan Temple.
• Qinglong Bridge ("Green Dragon Bridge") – A smaller bridge adorned with delicate carvings.
Temples Along the Central Canal
• Jinshan Buddhist Temple – A small temple housing a golden statue of Guanyin.
• Taishan Taoist Temple – Near Taian Bridge, dedicated to the deity of mountains.
Cafés and Souvenirs: The Spirit of Old Shanghai
On Beida Street:
• "Tianfeng Teahouse" – Famous for its pu-erh tea and rose-petal pastries.
• "Noodles by the Canal" – Serves dishes cooked in wood-fired stoves.
• Souvenirs: Porcelain, hand-painted fans, miniature junk boats.
On Caohe Street:
• "Old Town Café" – Offers spiced coffee served in traditional bowls.
• Woodcarving Workshop – Sells tortoiseshell combs, a local specialty.
Why is it Called "Beida" if Caohe is Longer?
Historically, the northern side (Beida) was the commercial hub, so the name stuck. However, those seeking tranquility prefer Caohe—quieter and richer in historic details. Visit at sunset, when lanterns glow over the canal and vendors sell "tangyuan" (sweet ginger syrup rice balls). Zhujiajiao is beautiful year-round, but especially in April (peach blossoms) and October (Lantern Festival).
