Spring in Qingpu: A Poetic Day of Berry Picking and Wandering Through Zhujiajiao Water Town

Meta Description: Discover Shanghai's hidden gem with our Qingpu day trip guide. Pick strawberries in Baihe Town, explore Zhujiajiao Water Town's ancient bridges, and savor local delicacies. Perfect spring getaway from Shanghai.

April is the gentlest season in Jiangnan (the region south of the Yangtze River). The breeze carries the scent of grass and blossoms, the sun is warm but not harsh — the perfect conditions for a spontaneous short getaway. If you're tired of the city's concrete jungle but don't want to travel too far, then Shanghai's Qingpu District — the city's very own "back garden" — might just be the place to shed your fatigue and rediscover life's simple pleasures.

On April 20, 2014, a day that started overcast and turned partly cloudy, my companion and I packed light bags and set off on a one-day trip to Qingpu. From the rustic joy of picking strawberries to the water-town charm of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, and the mouthwatering local delicacies along the way, that day felt like stepping into a living, breathing Jiangnan painting.

Getting to Qingpu: Your Shanghai Day Trip Guide

Setting Off from People's Square

At 8 a.m., the meeting point at Shanghai People's Square was already bustling with people. We opted for Ctrip's all-inclusive bus service — a one-stop travel solution that spares you the hassle of parking and navigation, making it ideal for those who just want to "bring your legs and your appetite."

Before departure, we stopped at a roadside eatery for a steaming bowl of duck and vermicelli soup. It warmed our stomachs and our spirits. Then, following our guide's text message instructions, we looked for the iconic "Little Yellow Duck." Amid a sea of colorful tour group flags, a bright yellow duck stood out unmistakably. The guide held it up with a warm smile, instantly bridging the gap between strangers. That clever touch of branding made us appreciate the thoughtfulness behind it.

[Link: Best day trips from Shanghai]

First Stop: Baihe Town Strawberry Farm — Sweetness Picked by Hand

Qingpu Strawberry Picking: A Spring Tradition

After an hour's drive, we arrived at Baihe Town in Qingpu District. This area is famous for its strawberry farms around Shanghai. From April to May, during the Qingpu Strawberry Festival, rows of greenhouses glisten under the sun, and the air carries a faint, sweet fragrance.

Stepping into the strawberry field, we were greeted by a sea of green dotted with bursts of red. Some strawberries hidden beneath the leaves were still pale green, while others glowed a deep, translucent red, like tiny rubies. It was my first time picking strawberries myself. I crouched down, gently parted the leaves, found the plumpest one, and gave it a light twist. It fell into my palm. One bite, and the juice burst in my mouth — sweet with just a hint of tartness, a freshness you could never find in a supermarket.

Strawberry Picking Tips and Prices

The picked strawberries were sold by weight at 20 yuan per jin (about half a kilogram). We ate as we picked, and by the end, we carried out a full box of our harvest, feeling immensely accomplished. To our surprise, as we left, the farm owner gifted each passenger on the bus a jin of strawberries — smaller in size, but still wonderfully sweet. That unexpected kindness added a touch of warmth to the journey.

Among the fields, there were rice paddies, wildflowers, and narrow country paths. Walking on the soft soil, breathing the fresh air, I felt as if nature had recharged my very soul. In that moment, the city's noise and work's pressures all drifted away with the spring breeze.

[Link: Best strawberry picking farms near Shanghai]

Second Stop: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town — Bridges, Flowing Water, and Time Slowing Down

Why Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town?

Leaving the strawberry farm, we drove for half an hour to the highlight of our trip: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. Nestled in Qingpu, this water town has earned the nickname "Venice of Shanghai." Unlike Zhouzhuang, which feels overly commercialized, or Xitang, which can be crowded, Zhujiajiao is more like a quiet neighbor, calmly guarding a thousand years of history.

Zhujiajiao appeals to all ages. Young people can relax at riverside bars, dessert shops, or artsy tea houses. Parents can stroll through the old streets, buy local specialties, or browse antique shops. The elderly can find a tea house by the river, order a pot of tea, watch boats come and go, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

Fangsheng Bridge: A Bridge, A Story

Zhujiajiao's most iconic landmark is Fangsheng Bridge (Bridge of Life Release). Long as a ribbon and arched like a rainbow, it is the centerpiece of the "Well Belt Rainbow" — one of the town's ten scenic wonders. Standing on the bridge, you can gaze at the white walls and black tiles of the riverside houses, the weeping willows swaying in the breeze, and the boats gliding beneath. It feels like stepping back in time to an era when "trade concluded by noon, and shadows of passersby scattered at dusk."

By the bridge, a young woman was tending to her flowers and plants on her rooftop — a scene in itself. On the water below, a fisherman haggled with a resident on the bank, fresh fish splashing in a bucket. This kind of rustic, everyday life is something you rarely see in the city anymore.

[Link: Top water towns near Shanghai]

Art and Nostalgia: Hidden Treasures in the Alleys

The town's narrow lanes hide many charming, artsy shops. One creative store sold vintage items from decades past: coal-brick stoves, skincare products from our mothers' era, old-fashioned radios — each piece carrying memories of a bygone time. The shopkeeper was an elderly man who had collected these things all his life, waiting for the right person to appreciate them.

Another shop, called "Miss Silk," had a dog with an eye condition lying by the door. Visitors could toss a yuan into a donation box for a photo with the gentle creature. It barely moved, as if it understood people's goodwill.

At the end of a small alley, I met an especially friendly dog. When it saw me raise my camera, it trotted over and let me pet its head. At that moment, I almost didn't want to leave — that trust between human and animal was one of the town's softest gifts.

The Qing Dynasty Post Office: A Letter to the Past

One unmissable spot in Zhujiajiao is the Qing Dynasty Post Office. Built in 1896 (the 22nd year of Emperor Guangxu's reign), it is the only preserved Qing-era post office in East China. The two-story building houses a ground floor exhibition on the history of China's postal system, where visitors can buy commemorative postcards — international or domestic — and stamp them with the Qing postal seal. Upstairs, rare postcards and original letters from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China era are displayed.

Outside, a bronze dragon-postbox from the Qing Dynasty is still in use. Drop a letter in, and you can almost hear the hoofbeats of a century-old mail courier. Admission is just 5 yuan, international postcards cost 10 yuan each, and domestic ones are 5 yuan — a small price for a touch of time-travel romance.

[Link: Historical sites in Qingpu District]

A Feast for the Senses: Zhujiajiao's Culinary Delights

What's a visit to an ancient town without food? Zhujiajiao's street snacks are the kind that make you eat as you walk, until you're stuffed to the brim.

Must-Try List: Braised Pork, Grandma's Zongzi, and Stinky Tofu

• Braised Pork (扎肉, zhā ròu): This is Zhujiajiao's most famous specialty. Made from well-marbled pork hind leg, seasoned and slow-cooked in a large clay pot for a full day and night, it turns out glossy, plump, and fragrant. One bite — rich but not greasy, tender but not mushy, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The aftertaste lingers.
• Grandma's Zongzi (阿婆粽, ā pó zòng): A classic of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region, Zhujiajiao's version is especially renowned. The glutinous rice is soft and sticky, the pork filling is savory, and the bamboo leaf fragrance infuses every grain. Street stalls sell them freshly wrapped and steaming hot — irresistible.
• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐, chòu dòufu): Crispy on the outside, silky on the inside, served with a spicy sauce. One bite delivers a wonderful collision of "stinky" and "fragrant."

Childhood Flavors: Malt Sugar, Yogurt, and Grilled Rice

Beyond the famous specialties, don't miss the nostalgic street snacks. Malt sugar (maltose candy) brings back childhood memories with its sticky sweetness. Traditional yogurt, sold in clay pots, offers a tangy refreshment. Grilled rice cakes, crispy on the outside and chewy inside, make for a perfect walking snack.

[Link: Best street food in Shanghai water towns]

Complete Qingpu One-Day Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions About Qingpu Day Trips

1. How do I get to Qingpu from Shanghai?

The easiest way is to take a Ctrip bus tour from People's Square, which includes transportation, strawberry picking, and Zhujiajiao exploration. Alternatively, you can drive (about 1 hour) or take the Shanghai Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station.

2. When is the best time to visit Qingpu for strawberry picking?

The Qingpu Strawberry Festival runs from April to May. This is the peak season for strawberry picking, when the berries are sweetest and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.

3. Is Zhujiajiao Water Town worth visiting?

Absolutely. Unlike more commercialized water towns, Zhujiajiao offers an authentic Jiangnan experience with fewer crowds, preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's often called the "Venice of Shanghai" for good reason.

4. What should I eat in Zhujiajiao?

Don't miss the braised pork (扎肉), Grandma's Zongzi (阿婆粽), and stinky tofu. These are the town's signature dishes and are available from street vendors throughout the ancient town.

5. Can I visit Qingpu and Zhujiajiao in one day?

Yes, a one-day trip is perfect. Start with strawberry picking in Baihe Town in the morning, then spend the afternoon exploring Zhujiajiao's bridges, canals, and shops. The bus tour makes it convenient and stress-free.

Plan Your Qingpu Spring Getaway Today

Spring in Qingpu is more than a trip — it's an experience that nourishes the soul. From the sweetness of hand-picked strawberries to the timeless beauty of Zhujiajiao's waterways, every moment feels like stepping into a Jiangnan painting. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking tranquility, a couple looking for a romantic escape, or a family wanting quality time, this Qingpu day trip offers something for everyone.

Don't let another spring pass you by. Book your Qingpu strawberry picking and Zhujiajiao water town tour today. Pack light, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall in love with Shanghai's hidden backyard.

[Link: Book your Qingpu day trip now]

This article is based on a real travel experience from April 2014. Prices and availability may have changed. Please check current information before planning your trip.