Embrace Serenity in the Ancient Charm of Jinze Ancient Town

**Duration: 1 day** **Time: December** **Cost per person: 100 yuan** **Who: Solo traveler** **Activi[...]

**Duration: 1 day**
**Time: December**

**Cost per person: 100 yuan**
**Who: Solo traveler**

**Activities: Photography, Cultural exploration, Free and easy travel, Hiking, Bohemian, Budget travel**

**Published on: 2022-04-28 12:47**

Jinze is located in the southwest of Qingpu District, Shanghai, and is the most southwestern town in the district. The town is 22 kilometers away from the Qingpu urban area and 66 kilometers away from the city center of Shanghai. It is adjacent to Dianshan Lake in the north, borders Xicun Town in the east, is neighboring with Shangta Town in the west, and is bordered by Taipu River in the south, which separates it from Dashun Town in Jiaxing County, Zhejiang Province. It also borders Luwei Town in Wujiang City, Jiangsu Province, following the National Highway 318 in the west. A city river flows through the town from north to south, with many tributaries converging. The total area is 2644 square kilometers, with lakes and ponds scattered throughout, and rivers and ports crisscrossing, making it a typical Jiangnan fish and rice water town.

Jinze Town has a long history, established as a town before AD 960 (early Song Dynasty), and is said to have prospered during the Song and Yuan dynasties. It is said that in ancient times, farmers found stones resembling gold, hence the name ‘Jinshi’, or ‘Gold Stone’. It is also known as ‘Jinze’ because this area is a water-rich town, and its fish and rice production is as valuable as gold. Jinze Town is a famous bridge town in the Shanghai area.The famous calligrapher and seal cutter Qian Juntao once inscribed “Jinze Ancient Bridges are the best in the world” for it. Jinze is known for its extraordinary bridges, both in number and historical significance. According to historical records, the town originally boasted “six views, one tower, thirteen squares, and forty-two rainbow bridges,” with the saying “every temple has a bridge, and every bridge has a temple.” Each bridge not only has its own unique features but is also connected to temples and monasteries. Although most of the temples have been abandoned, the bridges still retain their charm.

There are still seven ancient bridges preserved in Jinze, built during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These include Yingxiang Bridge, Zu Shi Bridge (Ruyi Bridge), Fangsheng Bridge, Puji Bridge, Tianwang Bridge, Wan’an Bridge, and Guan Ye Bridge (Lin Lao Bridge). Among them, the Puji Bridge, constructed in the third year of the Xian Chun period of the Song Dynasty, is recognized as the oldest stone arch bridge in the Shanghai area.

Jinze is a quiet and peaceful place, perfect for leisurely strolls. Its ancient bridges each have their own distinctive characteristics. Visitors can take a boat and row gently to experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns. The ancient town is simple and comfortable, and with a relaxed mood, one can wander and discover the beauty of the water town. Standing on the ancient bridge and gazing at the beautiful scenery in the distance of the small river, the water surface is as calm and transparent as a mirror.Sometimes, as you gaze upon a small boat gently floating on the river, a sense of kindness and peace washes over you. The mood is as serene as the water itself. Despite its modest size, this ancient town boasts breathtaking scenery that is well worth the visit. Here, you’ll find no commercial bustle, only the rare tranquility that soothes the soul. If the city’s chaos has worn you down, this place offers a respite to wander and reflect.

The old street, flanked by residential houses on either side, maintains its original ecological charm with almost no commercial presence. The arch of the bridge casts a perfect reflection in the green waters, a circle where reality and its mirror image meet in harmony. The ancient streets are meticulously preserved, their bluestone slabs gleaming with a simple elegance as the sun sets, while the ancient canals remain crystal clear.

Jinze, a town seldom visited, offers a hidden paradise, secluded from the world’s clamor. It is tranquil and unadorned, yet it holds within it a wealth of precious ancient bridges. For those captivated by the charm of water towns and the rich history of ancient bridges, a visit to Jinze is a journey well worth taking.