Citywalk has become a favored travel style for many due to its unique sense of discovery and relaxing experience. However, mere urban exploration seems to no longer satisfy those who crave novelty.

Here comes a brand-new alternative way of sightseeing – cityboat! Board a sightseeing boat and enjoy the shimmering ripples on the water surface, fully immersing yourself in the ultimate sense of relaxation.

Bored with traditional citywalks or bus tours? Why not take a boat tour of ancient towns and the countryside to experience the poetic charm of Jiangnan (regions to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) in springtime?

Let's explore cityboat tours in Shanghai.

Boating tour in Fengjing Water Town and Huakai Haishang Ecological Garden in Jinshan District

Fengjing Water Town in suburban Jinshan District is crisscrossed with rivers and canals, dotted with numerous bridges and lined with bustling streets. It is famously known as a place with "two bridges every three steps, and 10 lanes at a glance."

Riding in a black-awning boat, you can explore the water town up close.

Everywhere, green waves ripple, and every household is reflected in the water. As the boat glides under the bridges, the poetic image of "bridges, flowing water, and Jiangnan residences" comes vividly to life.

Taking this water ride is like entering a picturesque ink-wash painting world, where you can admire the unique riverside dwellings, savor the charm of the Jiangnan water town, and experience the ancient Wu and Yue cultures.

The black-roofed boat carries the most beautiful spring, allowing people to experience the authentic life of riverside dwellers and explore the purest essence of Jiangnan.

The water system within Huakai Sea Ecological Garden is well developed, with rivers crisscrossing in all directions. Flowers bloom in the water, swaying gently in the breeze. The murmuring of running water and the reflected flowers presents an unparalleled scenic view.

The plum blossoms are now in full bloom, exuding a subtle fragrance. As the flower petals drift with the water and the water ripples with the flower's reflection, they create a captivating scene.

Paddling along the river is a unique way to appreciate plum blossoms.

Exploring the "Shanghai Mini-Amazon" kayaking adventure in Cenbu Village

In suburban Qingpu District lies a hidden treasure.

Known as the "Shanghai Mini-Amazon," Cenbu Village is characterized by dense jungles, crystal-clear rivers, flocks of birds, and meandering waterways that offer breathtaking scenery.

It is an ideal destination for water activities during spring, summer and autumn. Paddling a kayak along the river channels and venturing into secluded water areas provides an unparalleled mysterious experience.

Everything in Cenbu Village is a delightful surprise. The farmhouses are unadorned, and the riverbanks are lined with pristine reeds. On summer nights, countless fireflies dance among the reeds, twinkling in harmony with the stars in the sky, making it one of the main spots in Shanghai to view fireflies.

There are some other spots in Qingpu to experience the activity, like Shuangxiang Village in Jinze Town.

Located on the border of Shanghai and Jiangsu Province, and covering an area of 31 square kilometers, Shuangxiang is known as a "village floating on water" due to its vast water surface area. It boasts an excellent ecological environment and a rich variety of natural water resources. Here, you can look forward to an exciting water sports experience, where the Jinwu Peninsula Water Sports Base offers a wide range of water activities.

A voyage on Suzhou Creek along Huangpu, Jing'an, Changning, Putuo and Hongkou districts

The changes in the city are concentrated along the meandering Suzhou Creek, which nurtures the people of Shanghai and is a silent witness to its development.

Strolling along the banks of Suzhou Creek only allows you to appreciate a fraction of its beauty. However, by taking a sightseeing cruise tour, you can delve deeper into the rich stories hidden within the river.

The sightseeing boat departs from the docks at the start of the ferry route. From Waibaidu Bridge to Sihang Warehouse, and then to Changhua Road Wharf to experience the modern Tian An 1000 Trees and the retro M50 Creative Park... Each stop is a profound experience of the integration of Shanghai's history and modernity.

Currently, the Suzhou Creek waterway route has seven wharfs in operation – Waitanyuan, Sihang Warehouse, Changhua Road, Xikang Road, Mengqing Garden, Zhongshan Park and Changfeng Park.

The creek, known as the mother river of the city, bears the memories of generations.

It is a journey into the city's past, present and future, enabling people to savor the unique splendor of haipai culture.

The routes string together a mixture of old and new, famous and niche cultural and tourist pearls, and historical remains of the city in Huangpu, Jing'an, Changning, Putuo and Hongkou districts.

These include historic buildings, blocks, industrial remains and public cultural spaces.

The Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial, Zhapu Road Bridge, Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai Customs House, Fuxin Flour Mill, General Post Office Building, Tian An 1000 Trees, M50 art hub, Shanghai Mint Museum and Xinhe Textile Plant are just some of the attractions along the routes.

The voyage ranges from 30 minutes to 60 and 90 minutes and Suzhou Creek sightseeing boats currently offer three different types of vessels. A one-day pass was launched recently. Tickets are available on the WeChat mini program"悠游苏州河."

"Wandering" Zhujiajiao on a boat

You may have visited Zhujiajiao Water Town quite a number of times, but here comes another option to explore the Qingpu District's Zhujiajiao town!

Immerse yourself in the ancient town of Zhujiajiao, known as the "Venice of Shanghai," where you can witness the bustling crowds on the bluestone streets and hear the gentle sounds of water shimmering on the lake.

Visitors can now experience three distinctive types of boats in the ancient town.

First is the iconic "black gondola" of the water town, the black-awning boat, which takes you into a dreamlike Jiangnan water village.

The popular Zhuxi Yuanbao boat, shaped like a yuanbao (a traditional Chinese ingot), symbolizing wealth and auspiciousness, is another choice.

Finally, there is the electric wooden boat, the "Water Line 17," which connects seamlessly with the subway lines, offering a unique waterborne transportation experience.

These boats are available for both short and long trips, catering flexibly to diverse touring needs.

As the boats gently sway, passengers can fully experience the leisurely life of the ancient town. They can admire the simplicity of more than a thousand dwellings built along the river, observe the daily customs of the waterside residents, feel the growing prosperity of tourism and commerce, and immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the marketplace.

Regarding boat trips, residents and visitors can go directly to the docks to purchase tickets on Beida Street near Fangsheng Bridge.

Sports fun at Xisha Mingzhu Lake Scenic Area

If you pay a visit to Chongming District, don't miss the Xisha Mingzhu Lake Scenic Area, a major scenic spot on the island, which has recently been elevated to a 5A (China's top grade) national tourist attraction.

Located at the southwest end of Chongming Island and consisting of the Mingzhu Lake and Xisha Wetland, the attraction covers a total area of 7.8 square kilometers. It is not only charming for its lakes and wetlands but also a venue for professional aquatic sports competitions.

Try the air-land amphibian vehicle, which can travel on land and navigate through water. As you ride it, water splashes around, and you can experience the magic of transitioning between land and water.

Alternatively, you can take a speedboat ride on Mingzhu Lake, feeling the wind howling past your ears and enjoying the beauty of the lake up close.

The popular OP sailboat, paddleboard and water bikes are also available at Mingzhu Lake. Amidst the beautiful lake scenery, you can control the sailboat and paddleboard, enjoying the pleasure of both sports and sightseeing.

Mingzhu Lake strikes a perfect balance between dynamic and static ways of travel. For those who prefer a quiet sightseeing experience, you can take a wetland tour boat, navigating through layers of greenery and enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the national wetland park.

As the only natural tidal wetland in Shanghai that features a large area of forest and reed swamps, the Xisha Mingzhu Lake Scenic Area has become a habitat for various birds and wildlife. You can explore the forests and lake to find traces of birds and even encounter nationally protected animals, adding a touch of wilderness to your experience.