On May 17, 2021, I visited Zhujiajiao Ancient Town with my colleagues at night. Due to a two-day training event organized by our company at the Oriental Green Boat Hotel, we had an early buffet dinner on the 17th and headed to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. Located in Qingpu District of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Town is adjacent to Dianshan Lake. It has a long history, with the village forming more than 1700 years ago during the Three Kingdoms period, and developing into a market during the Song and Yuan dynasties, known as Zhu Village. It was officially established as a town during the Ming Wanli period, named Zhu Jie Ge, also known as Zhu Xi. It was once famous for its textile industry in the Jiangnan region, known as ‘clothing the world’, and became a major town in Jiangnan. At the end of the Ming and beginning of the Qing dynasties, Zhujiajiao’s rice industry rose, once again driving the prosperity of all trades, with ‘three-mile long streets and a thousand shops’, old and famous shops standing, with a complete range of goods from the north and south, and business extending to hundreds of miles outside of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, thus there is a saying ‘three jings (Zhu Jing, Feng Jing, Si Jing) are not as good as one corner (Zhujiajiao)’. During the Qing Jiaqing period, ‘Zhu Li Xiao Zhi’ compiled and established Zhu Li as the town’s name, commonly known as Jiao Li.
Duration: 1 day
Time: May
Cost per person: 10 yuan
With whom: Friends
The author visited these places: Zhujiajiao Release Fish Bridge, Grandma’s Tea House, Kezhi Garden.
Published on 2021-05-22 at 21:05.In 1991, Zhujiajiao was listed as one of the four famous towns in Shanghai and has since become an important tourist attraction in the area. Located near the Oriental Green Boat Hotel, it’s a short 15-minute walk along the Huqingping Highway to reach the end of Metro Line 17, Dongfang Lvzhou Station, which is directly opposite the main entrance of the Dongfang Lvzhou Youth Base. From there, a single stop on the metro will take you to Zhujiajiao Station.
Upon arrival, you’ll find the guide map of ‘Jiangnan Ancient Town Zhujiajiao’ across from the station, in front of Dianshan Lake, with the boat dock sign lights already illuminated. The lake is dotted with boats, and a bridge stands nearby. It’s a lengthy walk of about 15 minutes to reach the heart of the ancient town, but the journey is well worth it.
Cimen Street Archway is where you’ll find the quintessential Jiangnan characteristics of eaves and water town features. Fortunately, the ancient town no longer charges an entrance fee, making it even more accessible to visitors.
The Release Fish Bridge is a symbol of Zhujiajiao. Historically, it was the only bridge on the 24-mile long Cao Gang River. Its strategic location at Dianshan Lake has made it a major traffic route since the Yuan Dynasty. Walking on the Release Fish Bridge, you’ll see two yachts parked on the other side. As night falls, the experience of standing on the bridge to watch the night view on both sides is truly enchanting. The breeze and the lights shining brightly on both sides of the bridge offer a moment of release from all confusion and unhappiness, revealing a natural ancient charm.
Even on non-weekend nights, Zhujiajiao remains popular, with many people coming to enjoy its serene and historical atmosphere.It’s great to be young. Walking through the Release Fish Bridge, there are a variety of shops with local specialties in the ancient town. Grandma’s Tea House is famous in the ancient town. ‘Listening to Pingtan and tasting tea’. Passing through the old street full of commercial atmosphere, we come to the river by the ancient town. There is small bridges and flowing water. Walking on the simple stone slab road, this is the taste of the ancient town. Shops on the opposite bank and reflections in the water. Opposite is the Kezhi Garden, a garden in the ancient town. The cruise boat is recruiting customers. This one must be a big family judging from the main gate. There are few tourists here. Take a picture on the small bridge, and another on another small bridge. Back on the Release Fish Bridge, there is an old man playing the erhu, and the scene is full of charm. Here is the panoramic view of both banks taken from the Fangsheng Bridge. The short visit of just two hours was too hasty, and there were many places not visited at night. I hope to have the opportunity to return to Zhujiajiao when I have more time.
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