▲ Our first stop this morning was Zhujiajiao Ancient Town! Located in Shanghai's Qingpu District, it's a national 4A-level scenic spot. The ancient town boasts a rich history, having formed as a village during the Three Kingdoms period and becoming renowned for its rice and cloth industries during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With its crisscrossing rivers and harbors, nine old streets stretch along the waterfront, over a thousand Ming and Qing dynasty buildings stand alongside the water, and 36 ancient bridges retain their ancient charm. Attractions include Beida Street, known as "Shanghai's No. 1 Ming and Qing Street," and the five-arch stone arch Fangsheng Bridge. The ancient town also boasts 12 intangible cultural heritage sites, including the Tianshan Song. Experience the unique charm of this Jiangnan water town!
▲ After lunch, we headed to Yu Garden, a renowned Jiangnan classical garden in Shanghai's Huangpu District. Built in the 38th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, it was built by Pan Yunduan, then the Sichuan Provincial Governor, for his father, with the name "Yu Yue Lao Qin" (meaning "Yu Yue Lao Qin"). Designed by renowned Ming Dynasty gardener Zhang Nanyang, the garden embodies the "tranquil, elegant, and exquisite" style of Jiangnan gardens from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The garden boasts six scenic areas, including Sansui Hall and Dianchun Hall, as well as Yulinglong, one of the three famous Jiangnan stones. Having survived war and subsequent restoration, Yu Garden opened to the public in 1961 and was designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site in 1982.
