Not far from Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is an ancient town located on the banks of the Dianshan Lake in Qingpu district. It is said to be 1700 years old and is one of the best preserved ancient towns of China. It’s waterways and boats give it a special charm. Hence the name little Venice suits it well.
Just like Venice this charming and peaceful town lends itself to walking. Wander its narrow lanes, browse around its many shops as you are transported track in time. Samll bridges over gurgling waterways, Ming and Qing style homes, weeping willows swaying along the river banks the scene is idyllic and gives you a sense of deja. Cross the famous Fangsheng Bridge dating back the Ming Dynasty, as it offers great views.
You have to buy a ticket to even walk around and see the little town. A more expensive ticket entitles you to not only walk around but free entry to “10 scenic spots” (the Fangsheng or Rainbow Bridge being one) as well as a complimentary rickshaw ride.
Now for the 10 scenic spots. The Fishermen’s Home is a museum of fishing tools and related fisher folks culture. Zhujiajiao was once a thriving fishing village so you get to imagine what life was like in days gone by. The Ancestor pottery and jade hall, has, as the name suggests, a large collection of jade and pottery. Jade has always been considered lucky. A Chinese Pharmacy is also on the list. Traditional Chinese medicine is practiced even today and provides a holistic cure in much the same way as Ayurveda. The City God temple has a 1000 years old ginkgo tree and 2 other treasures, a stage and an abacus. How the tree has survived 1000 years a mystery.
The Kezhigarden was built in the early 20th century and has 2 gardens the Ke (study) and Zhi (farming). The Silk Road Museum, the Post Office and the Hall of Paddy and Rice Customs tell their own tale. The Silk Road Museum is interesting especially if you are a history buff.
You definitely imagine you are in a village 1700 years old, as you walk around taking in the sights. The small houses, narrow lanes and the criss – crossing rivulets do not seem to have changed much since they were first built. About 30 odd bridges, span the waterways and have a charm all their own. The old houses which have white walls and grey tiles face the streets and have their backs to the water. People live upstairs with the ground floor used for cooking. If you are hungry and walking along, the aroma of food cooking in their kitchen sends you scurrying for a place to eat. You don’t have far to go as small eateries are everywhere. If you just want a snack, try the vendors selling rice dumplings stuffed with meat, they are finger-licking delicious.
After a snack or a meal you can shop around the hundreds of small shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. There is a lot to buy and you won’t be disappointed. After shopping you can return to Shanghai well fed, though a little tired with all the walking.
For more information contact China National Tourism Administration, 9A Jianguomennei Ave., Beijing 100740, China, Tel: +86-10-65201114, Fax: +86-10-65122096, Email: webmaster@cnta.gov.cn and website: www.cnta.gov.cn
