The water network and streets in Zhujiajiao are well-preserved, presenting the ancient and simple lifestyle of "small bridges, flowing water and old houses". [Photo by He Linlin/For China Daily]

　　Douglas, a tourist from the United States, spent a leisurely day in Shanghai's ancient water town of Zhujiajiao during his recent trip to China. There, he quietly admired the delicate trees and mysterious paths, and picked up Chinese souvenirs for his family.

　　"Around every corner, it seemed like a landscape painting coming to life for me," he said.

　　Like Douglas, many tourists from overseas are adding the water town, located in the city's Qingpu district, to their itinerary. Established as a commercial and trade center during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it takes only around 40 minutes to get there from the Shanghai Hongqiao transportation hub.

　　In 2025, inbound tourists to Zhujiajiao surged to 2.27 million, increasing by nearly 25 percent compared with the previous year, according to the office responsible for ancient town affairs in Qingpu district.

　　In fact, on the list of the top 10 ancient towns for inbound tourists released by the China Tourism Academy in September 2024, Zhujiajiao was the only ancient town from the coastal metropolis to make the list.

　　Foreign tourists express fondness for the water town not only because of its cobblestone streets and the contrast of dark tiles against white walls, but also because it is a "living" historical site with over 2,500 native residents.

　　In the afternoon, neighbors can be seen chatting on the streets with small stools in hand, while schoolchildren laugh as they run by. With a bit of luck, visitors can hear locals singing centuries-old tianshange, or Qingpu field songs — folk songs first sung by local rice farmers.