Architectures in Zhujiajiao
Bridges
With a history of more than 1700 years, Zhujiajiao water town exhibits ancient charms of the Ming and Qing Dynasty. The architecture is preserved and representative of that time. Without seeing the the architectures in Zhujiajiao means that you have not really been to Zhujiajiao at all! Especially its Bridges. The Bridges in the town are distinctive and old, built during Ming and Qing Dynasties. The old town is thoroughly connected by 36 delicate spans in different shapes and styles, from wooden to stone to marble.
The most famous bridge is Fangsheng Bridge, which is the longest, largest and tallest stone bridge, with five openings both in Zhujiajiao and in the Shanghai region. This bridge was built in 1571. On the bridge stands a stone tablet named Dragon Gate Stone, which is engraved with 8 coiling dragons encircling a shining pearl. On top of the bridge are 4 lifelike stone lions.
There is the wooden Bridge in Old Town, which named Lang Bridge, also named Huimin Bridge, and it is the most featured span in this town. It has wooden bars on the two sides and upturned eaves above, just like a narrow corridor.
Unique old bridges across bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees, and houses with courtyards attached all transport people who have been living amidst the bustle and hustle of the modern big city to a brand-new world full of antiquity, leisure and tranquility.
Gargens
Gardens are also worth visiting, which were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Among the ancient architecture, Ke Zhi Yuan is the largest manorial garden in the town. The garden is commonly named 'Ma Family Garden' after a former host named Ma Wenqin.
Located at Xijin Street in the northern part of town, Ke Zhi Yuan features beautiful sightseeing and secluded surroundings. It consists mainly of three parts, a hall area, an artificial hill area and a garden area. In the artificial hill area, there is magnificent symbolic architecture - a foursquare five-story building, on the top of which stands a diametric pavilion named 'Moon View Pavilion.' This building is considered the tallest architecture in the town.
