Water city Zhujiajiao
Zhujiajiao City on the water was an independent city in the past, but with the growth of Shanghai, it has become its suburb. It is one of the most ancient cities in China, built on water. Historians say the first settlements in these places existed 5,000 years ago. Today it is a corner of peace and tranquility next to a bustling and bustling city. Life in the "Chinese Venice" goes on as usual, almost the same as it did 1,700 years ago.
Description of Zhujiajiao City on the water
It is one of the four well-preserved cities in China. Both the houses of the local population and the city's attractions have been perfectly preserved, with bridges attracting special attention. There are 36 bridges in the city, all built from different materials. Instead of roads, there are small rivers and canals in this place, and boats move smoothly along them.
The main and longest bridge in the town is considered to be the Liberation Bridge or Fangsheng Bridge, it got its name for the tradition of local residents to release fish, crayfish, river birds and other "unfree" from this bridge. The bridge is ancient, it was built at the end of the 16th century, paved with tiles and decorated with statues of stone lions. Lions are considered sacred animals in China. The oldest wooden bridge in Zhujiajiao Water City is called Lan Bridge, which means "gazebo bridge", it actually looks like an elegant wooden gazebo with a carved roof. This bridge is the only wooden crossing in the city, all the others are made of stone or metal.
Features of Zhujiajiao Water City
In addition to bridges, the city is known for its picturesque gardens. These are cozy spaces with an abundance of greenery. There are gazebos in every garden for holding various ceremonies and just benches where you can contemplate all the beautiful things around. The most famous garden in the city, the Ma Family Garden, bears the name of its owner. A great place for relaxing walks. There is a traditional Chinese pond with huge carp, gazebos and pavilions, and stone sculptures.
There are museums in the city of Zhujiajiao on the water, and in order to visit them, it is suggested to purchase a single ticket. In the museums you can get acquainted with the life and crafts of the old town. There is a market on several narrow streets, where they offer a variety of goods and numerous souvenirs that can be purchased in memory of the trip. When visiting Zhujiajiao Water Town, it is worth noting the local food separately. For those who have never encountered Asian cuisine, it may seem too exotic. Not everyone has the courage to try it, in this case, cafes and restaurants with traditional European food are open in the city.
