Shanghai Highlights and Water Town Tour: Unveil the Secrets of Jinze – "Jiangnan's No.1 Bridge Township"

Tour Itinerary

At the start of the day, Your Way Holiday's dedicated tour guide will be waiting punctually at the designated location, holding a prominent pick-up sign with the company logo, and greeting every traveler with a warm and enthusiastic smile. The guide will proactively assist with luggage arrangement and provide baggage consignment service, allowing you to embark on the day's journey with ease. On the way to Jinze, the guide will elaborate on the historical origin of Jinze as "Jiangnan's No.1 Bridge Township", vividly outlining the Jiangnan landscape where "bridges connect water and water surrounds bridges" through professional and detailed explanations, building up your anticipation for the upcoming tour.

Upon arriving at Jinze Ancient Town, the first thing that catches your eye is Puji Bridge, affectionately known as "Jinze's First Bridge". Standing as the town's oldest extant stone arch bridge, its origins trace back to the Song Dynasty, a testament to over eight centuries of history. The bridge's single-arch stone structure, a marvel of ancient engineering, not only showcases the unparalleled bridge-building craftsmanship of yesteryears but also stands as a silent sentinel, enduring the test of time and countless floods.As you approach, your knowledgeable tour guide will be waiting by the bridge, ready to unveil the secrets hidden within its stones. They'll point out the intricate carvings adorning the bridge body, each one a delicate masterpiece, and explain how ancient craftsmen ingeniously designed the arch to withstand the forces of nature. From the curvature that channels floodwaters to the precision-cut stones that interlock seamlessly, every detail tells a story of innovation and resilience.For photography enthusiasts, Puji Bridge is a dream come true. At dawn, the bridge emerges from the mist like a scene from a fairytale. The morning light casts a soft glow on the bluestone slabs, highlighting their smooth, polished surfaces and the gentle sheen of moisture. The moss-covered bridge piers, a vibrant patchwork of greens and browns, seem to dance with the flowing water, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.Capture the bridge's simple yet elegant outline against the backdrop of the misty river, or focus on the bustling daily life unfolding around it. Watch as locals go about their morning routines, washing clothes by the water's edge, chatting with neighbors, or setting up their stalls. These candid moments, filled with warmth and authenticity, encapsulate the essence of Jiangnan charm. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Puji Bridge offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty and tranquility of Jinze Ancient Town.

Walking along the bluestone path from Puji Bridge, you'll be greeted by the gentle jingle of wind chimes and the sweet aroma of freshly baked osmanthus cakes wafting from the quaint storefronts. The narrow alleys, flanked by centuries-old buildings, are a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts. Watch as skilled artisans meticulously carve delicate patterns into bamboo, their deft hands moving with practiced ease. Admire the vibrant silk embroidery on display, each stitch telling a story of the town's rich cultural heritage.After a leisurely stroll, you'll soon arrive at Yingxiang Bridge, a true architectural marvel. Its light and elegant structure seems to float above the water, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese engineers. As you approach, take a moment to appreciate the intricate carvings that adorn the bridge's stone railings, depicting scenes from Chinese mythology and folklore. When the bridge's arch is reflected in the calm waters below, it forms a perfect circle, creating a breathtakingly symmetrical picture that is further enhanced by the graceful willows and traditional houses that line the riverbank.Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to the prime viewing spot, sharing fascinating insights into the bridge's design. You'll learn that its unique shape not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also facilitates the passage of boats, a crucial consideration in this water-based community. As you stand there, soaking in the beauty of the scene, you can almost imagine the bustling activity of the past, with merchants plying their trade on the river and locals going about their daily lives.Continuing your journey, you'll have the opportunity to explore other remarkable ancient bridges, including Tianhuangge Bridge and Ruyi Bridge. Each bridge has its own distinct character and history, contributing to the town's unique charm. As you wander along the river, your guide will point out the best angles for photography, ensuring that you capture the essence of Jinze's "Four Bridges in One View" landscape. Standing at the river wharf and looking into the distance, you'll be able to frame multiple ancient bridges in a single shot, preserving the grandeur of this "Jiangnan's No.1 Bridge Township" for years to come.

After visiting the core bridges, the tour guide will lead you into the bluestone old streets deep in the town. Unlike the bustling commercial streets in some scenic spots, these old streets retain the most primitive water town lifestyle. The guide will walk with you, introducing how locals have lived by the water for generations. You can see elderly people sitting at the door chatting leisurely, residents walking slowly along the street, and boats gliding gently on the river, leaving ripples behind. The bluestone slabs of the old streets, washed by years of rain and footsteps, show different shades of gray and have a unique texture. The guide will suggest that you try shooting from a low angle to capture the interaction between pedestrians' steps and the texture of the stone slabs, highlighting the sense of history of the ancient town. The river wharves along the bank are also a must-visit for photography. The stone steps extend into the water, where locals often come to fetch water or do daily chores, and children play around. These lively scenes fully demonstrate the "vitality" of Jinze.

To help you gain a deeper understanding of Jinze's ancient bridge culture, the itinerary specially includes a visit to the Ancient Bridge Culture Exhibition Hall. Inside the hall, there are displays of historical materials related to bridge construction, stone carving components, and records of repairs over the dynasties. The guide will accompany you as you browse, explaining the evolution of bridge-building technology in Jinze and the stories behind each ancient bridge, making the cultural heritage more vivid and understandable. The old photo area in the exhibition hall is particularly suitable for photography. By comparing the appearance of ancient bridges in the past and present, you can clearly feel the changes of time. The guide will also share how the local government and residents work together to protect these ancient bridges, passing on this unique bridge culture to future generations.

In the afternoon, filled with photos and precious memories, you will gather under the guidance of the tour guide for the return trip. The guide will assist you in retrieving the consigned luggage and present each traveler with a special gift from Jinze, allowing you to take a piece of the bridge township's charm back home.Today, accompanied by Your Way Holiday, we have wandered through Jinze Ancient Town, the "No.1 Bridge Township in Jiangnan". From the ancient Puji Bridge to the quiet bluestone old streets, every bridge and every corner has shown you the unique charm of Jiangnan water towns. We hope this slow-paced journey has allowed you to capture beautiful moments with your camera and feel the tranquility and cultural heritage of Jinze. Looking forward to accompanying you on more wonderful journeys with Your Way Holiday!

Price Per Person in US Dollars