Zhujiajiao
“Water towns in Jiangnan are all wonderful, while Zhujiajiao is the most beautiful. ” Zhujiajiao Ancient Town was listed as a Historical and Cultural Town in Shanghai in 1991, rated as a National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction in 2004, and was listed among the third batch of National Historical and Cultural Towns in 2007.
The scenic area of the ancient town covers an area of 3.08 square kilometers. Within the area, rivers and canals crisscross in a network, nine century-old streets wind along the rivers, a thousand buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties stand by the water, and 36 ancient bridges still retain their ancient charm. Scenic spots and historic sites can be found at every turn.
Zhujiajiao, beside Dianshan Lake, is the place in Shanghai with the most obvious Jiangnan style. The ancient town is rich in cultural resources, boasting the first Ming and Qing long street in Shanghai - Great North Street, the largest five arch stone bridge in East China - Fangsheng Bridge, the largest private manor with a blend of Chinese and Western styles in Shanghai - Kezhi Garden, the only remaining site of the Qing Dynasty post office in East China – Post Office of the Qing Dynasty, as well as century-old shops such as Handalong Sauce and Pickle Workshop, Tongtianhe Chinese Pharmacy, and the First Teahouse in Jiangnan.
“The water towns of Zhujing and Fengjing pale in Zhujiajiao’s grace, no written records can depict its true face. ” Zhujiajiao, a thousand-year-old Jiangnan water town, presents a unique landscape against the modern skyline of the international city of Shanghai.
