Ancient adventures in Zhujiajiao

Shanghai is surrounded by ancient ‘water villages’, but Zhujiajiao, a tiny town with a 1,700-year history, is the pick of the lot. Wander charming bazaars and quaint wooden houses, all criss-crossed with tranquil waterways. It’s less than an hour’s drive from the metropolis and you won’t find any skyscrapers: just willow-shaded pagodas and Ming dynasty bridges that are best viewed on a boat tour.