Stay at ZhuJiajiao Shui Xiang Renjia Boutique Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from the temple. Each room features a riverside view with traditional Jiangnan-style architecture and modern amenities. Enjoy complimentary bicycles to explore the Xitang Ancient Trail or visit nearby tea houses. The hotel hosts weekend intangible cultural heritage workshops like paper-cutting, weaving, and traditional pastry making, offering guests an authentic immersion into local customs and lifestyle.

From the temple, walk 300 meters to the Zhujiajiao Bus Station for direct shuttle buses to Daguanyuan Garden, Kezhi Garden, and Shanghai Happy Valley, taking only 15–20 minutes. For more flexibility, rent an e-bike or pedal bike along the Grand Canal Greenway, passing historic Ming-Qing bridges and teahouses—perfect for experiencing slow-paced Jiangnan life. Alternatively, take Line 17 Metro to Zhujiajiao Station, just a 15-minute walk away, ideal for travelers arriving from central Shanghai.

Must-try dishes include Apo Youdunzi—crispy fried dough balls stuffed with minced pork and scallions, freshly made daily. Pair with ZhuJiajiao Soup Dumplings, known for their crispy bottoms and rich broth. For a lighter option, savor Bai Shui Yu, steamed fish with ginger and soy sauce, highlighting fresh river flavors. All restaurants cluster along North Street and Fangsheng Bridge, many operating for over a century, offering genuine Jiangnan culinary atmosphere in rustic, centuries-old settings.

Try ZhuJiajiao Yiju Villa, located east of the temple near Fangsheng Bridge. This two-story courtyard villa offers spacious rooms with private balconies and small gardens, ideal for families or groups. Rooms feature air conditioning, smart TVs, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Prices start at RMB 400 per night during weekdays. The property also hosts weekend cultural activities like Chinese calligraphy, seal carving, and tea ceremonies, allowing guests to experience the refined Jiangnan artistic spirit in a tranquil setting.

Built during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, this temple is one of the few well-preserved City God shrines in Shanghai. Dedicated to the City God deity, it symbolizes local protection and moral order. The structure showcases classic Suzhou-style timber framing and intricate brick carvings, with dragon and phoenix motifs on the roof ridge. It has undergone multiple Qing Dynasty renovations and still maintains active rituals every lunar first and fifteenth. During festivals, locals gather here for prayers and folk celebrations, reflecting its role as a spiritual hub along the Grand Canal trade route and a witness to Zhujiajiao’s status as "the No.1 Town of Jiangnan".

The Fangsheng Bridge is a must-visit photo spot—a seven-arch stone bridge built in the Ming Dynasty spanning the canal. At dawn, mist rises over the water, creating a dreamlike reflection perfect for watercolor-style photography. Another highlight is the North Street riverside alley, with white-walled, black-tiled houses and ornate horse-head walls, enhanced by red lanterns. At night, capture the illuminated temple façade at Temple Square, especially during festivals when colorful lights decorate the eaves, forming a magical, cinematic scene. Use a wide-angle lens or low-angle shot to emphasize architectural depth and mirror-like reflections.