Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Boating Tour with Fruit Picking

This comprehensive review takes a close look at a highly-rated private tour that combines of some of the most beloved sights around Shanghai — a charming water town, fresh fruit picking, and a local organic lunch. While we haven’t personally tried it, the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and thoughtful features paint a compelling picture of what travelers can expect from this six-hour experience.

What we really love about this tour is the personalized touch — a private guide who can cater to your interests, the chance to see the water town from a boat, and an authentic organic meal at a local farmer’s home. Plus, the fruit picking adds a fun, hands-on element that’s perfect for families or anyone craving a taste of local life. The only possible consideration? The tour involves a fair amount of time in tents and boats, which might be warm or humid, especially in spring and early summer. But overall, this experience seems ideal for those wanting a mix of cultural exploration, nature, and delicious food without the crowds.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value authentic, intimate experiences, enjoy scenic boat rides, and want a break from the busy city streets. Families, food lovers, and waterway enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy here. Let’s unpack what makes this excursion so special.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private guide ensures tailored attention and deeper insights.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Organic lunch at a farmer’s home offers a taste of genuine cuisine.
• Scenic Water Views: Boat rides provide a unique perspective of Zhujiajiao’s historic waterways.
• Hands-on Fruit Picking: Enjoy fresh strawberries or seasonal fruits in a high-tech greenhouse.
• All-Inclusive Price: Entrance fees, lunch, boat rides, and local transfers are included.
• Flexible & Customizable: Tour can be adapted to your interests, making it ideal for families and small groups.

Convenient and Thoughtful Pickup

Starting with complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, the tour is designed for ease. This takes the hassle out of navigating Shanghai’s busy streets, allowing you to relax and get ready for the day. The private transport ensures comfort and flexibility throughout the trip, which is often appreciated after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Fruit Picking at Zhaotun Strawberry Park

The highlight for many is the fruit-picking activity at Zhaotun Strawberry Park in Qingpu District. Unlike traditional fruit farms, this place has been researching plant technology for over two decades, so the quality of strawberries is top-notch. As one reviewer, Aika_Y, enthusiastically mentions, “We picked grapes and brought them home — they were so sweet and delicious.”

While the description notes you’ll be picking strawberries inside a greenhouse tent, this shouldn’t deter you — the strawberries are juicy, sweet, and worth the effort. The greenhouse setup offers protection from the elements, which is especially useful during the cooler months from December to May. Expect to taste what you pick, making this activity both fun and tasty.

Depending on the season, other fruits might surprise you, providing variety and extra flavor. The experience is more than just harvest; it’s an interactive way to connect with local agricultural practices. The greenhouse environment offers a different perspective than traditional farms, but reviewers have raved about the fun, especially kids who love getting hands-on.

Exploring Zhujiajiao Water Town

After fruit picking, the tour moves on to Zhujiajiao, a water town estimated to be over 1,700 years old. Often called the “Venice of the East,” this charming town is filled with winding canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. It’s a picture-perfect spot for leisurely strolling and taking photos.

The boat ride through the canals is a peaceful way to see the town from a different angle. Travelers like Marije_S appreciated this aspect, noting, “The boat trip was a little short, but the water town was beautiful.” The waterway views bring the town to life, allowing visitors to appreciate its historic charm away from the crowds often seen in busier tourist spots.

In Zhujiajiao, you can also visit small shops and stalls — one reviewer loved the oyster shop where the vendor opened oysters to reveal pearls, making it a memorable souvenir and a fun experience for children. The architecture, with its aged bridges and quaint streets, offers a nostalgic glimpse into traditional Chinese life.

Organic Lunch at a Local Farmer’s Home

The highlight for food lovers is the organic lunch served at a family-run farmstead. This meal is more than just a snack; it’s a genuine tasting experience of local ingredients, prepared in a homely setting. Guests have described the food as delicious and fresh, adding to the overall authenticity of the tour.

Bottled water and a half-kilo of strawberries or seasonal fruit per person are included, along with tea tastings if preferred. This provides a relaxed, communal atmosphere — perfect for conversations and learning about local farming practices directly from the hosts. The reviews consistently praise the quality and flavor of the meal, emphasizing how this adds value to the overall experience.

Seamless Convenience & Personal Touches

One of the reasons this tour scores so highly, with a perfect 5.0 based on eight reviews, is the attention to detail. Guides like Berlin and Mary are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and English fluency, making explanations engaging and easy to follow. Guests repeatedly mention how well-organized and comfortable the transportation is, which isn’t always guaranteed in group tours.

The private nature of the tour means you can customize parts of the day — whether you want more time at the water town or longer fruit-picking sessions. This flexibility is a big plus for travelers who prefer a tailored experience rather than a rigid schedule.

Pricing & Value

At $180 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive package that combines cultural sightseeing, hands-on activities, scenic boat rides, and a hearty organic meal. When you consider that all entrance fees, boat rides, lunch, bottled water, and transfers are included, it represents excellent value, especially for those seeking authentic experiences with minimal hassle.

Compared to typical group tours that might charge extra for each activity, this all-inclusive approach simplifies budgeting and enhances the enjoyment. On top of that, the private guide ensures you get personalized attention, which makes the experience even more worthwhile.

Families will appreciate the hands-on fruit picking, kid-friendly boat rides, and the relaxed pace. The private guide makes sure children are engaged and safe.

Food lovers will enjoy the local organic lunch, tasting fresh produce and learning about traditional farming practices firsthand.

Cultural enthusiasts will find Zhujiajiao’s historic bridges and architecture fascinating, coupled with the waterway cruise that reveals a different side of this ancient town.

Photographers will love the scenic views, traditional buildings, and peaceful canals, making it ideal for capturing memorable shots.

Those seeking a break from Shanghai’s urban rush will find this tour offers a relaxing, yet enriching escape into countryside life, complemented by authentic local cuisine.

This private Zhujiajiao water town tour shines for travelers craving a genuine, engaging experience that combines scenic beauty, local culture, and delicious food. Its all-inclusive, flexible approach makes it particularly appealing for families, small groups, or couples who want a personalized adventure without the stress of planning every detail.

The experience offers a wonderful balance of activity and leisure — from fruit picking and boat rides to a homely organic meal. Expect to come away with not just photos but also stories and new tastes, making it a memorable addition to any Shanghai visit.

Despite some minor constraints like the greenhouse environment or the modest duration of the boat trip, the overall quality, expert guidance, and value for money set this tour apart. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to connect more deeply with local life while exploring the scenic beauty of one of China’s most beloved water towns.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour offers free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts around six hours, providing enough time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed.

What should I wear? Light, comfortable clothing is recommended, especially since picking fruits in tents can get warm and humid. Comfortable shoes are also advised for walking around the town.

Are children allowed? Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is family-friendly and includes activities suitable for kids.

What’s included in the price? Entrance fees, boat rides, organic lunch, bottled water, a half-kilo of fruit, and private transport are all covered in the $180 fee.

Can I customize the tour? Yes, since it’s private, guides are happy to tailor the experience based on your interests, whether that’s spending more time at certain spots or exploring additional local sites.

What if I want to pick more than half a kilo of fruit? The tour price includes a half-kilo of fruit per person; additional quantities are available for purchase separately.

This tour offers a vibrant blend of scenic waterways, interactive fruit picking, and authentic local cuisine—perfect for those wanting to experience a different side of Shanghai beyond the city skyline. With knowledgeable guides and seamless logistics, it’s an engaging, value-packed way to spend a day exploring China’s traditional water town.