Urban Impression - Page 46

Billy · 12-11-2006, 01:10 AM

Garden

Billy · 12-11-2006, 01:13 AM

Overhead view from one moutain of the Jiangshan Park

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water townships in China, situated in Kunshan City which is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. In the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), Zhouzhuang was a part of the fief Yaocheng and called Zhenfengli. After being donated to Full Fortune (Quanfu) Temple by Zhou Digong, a very devout Buddhist, in 1086 during the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127), Zhouzhuang got its present name as a memorial of the donor.

In an area of half a square kilometer (124 acres), 60 percent of the Zhouzhuang's structures were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which is from 1368 to 1911. Taking the most convenient form of transport in Zhouzhuang, a gondola, we will present some of the breathtaking sights one by one.

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:10 AM

Quote:

The Double Bridges (Shuang qiao): Zhouzhuang is surrounded and divided by lakes and rivers, 14 stone bridges cross the rivers, showing distinctive views of the water-town. Twin Bridges which comprise Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge are the most famous and is considered the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Built in Wanli era (1573 - 1619) of the Ming Dynasty, Twin Bridges is in the northeast of the town. Shide Bridge is east-west and has a round arch, while Yongan Bridge is north-south and the bridge arch is square. Crossing the two crisscross rivers (Yinzi Creek and Nabeishi River) and connecting at the middle, Twin Bridges look like a Chinese old-style Chinese key. In 1984, 38 canvases of the notable painter, Chen Yifei, were exhibited in a New York gallery of Armand Hammer, chairman of Occidental Petroleum Corporation. 'Memory of Hometown' which depicts Twin Bridges was one of the items on display and has gained the world's attention for Zhouzhuang. The painting was chosen to be the first-day cover of the United Nations' postage stamp in 1985.

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:13 AM

More pix of double bridge

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:15 AM

Taiping Bridge

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:18 AM

River

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Fuan Bridge: Located at the eastern end of Zhongshi Jie, Fuan Bridge was built in 1355 during the Yuan Dynasty. The unique trait of the Fuan is the consummate combination of the single-arch bridge and the bridge towers which have , are used as tearooms, restaurants and stores, and are good places to appreciate the views while taking a rest.

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:26 AM

Buildings & river

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:29 AM

Quanfu Bridge

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:31 AM

Nanhu Park

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:33 AM

Fishing

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:35 AM

carriage
Old gate

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:38 AM

Bamboo rail

Billy · 12-11-2006, 02:39 AM

Opera Platform

12-11-2006, 01:10 AM	#676
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Garden Attached Images

12-11-2006, 01:13 AM	#677
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Overhead view from one moutain of the Jiangshan Park Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:13 AM	#680
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	More pix of double bridge Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:15 AM	#681
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Taiping Bridge Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:18 AM	#682
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	River Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:26 AM	#684
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Buildings & river Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:29 AM	#685
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Quanfu Bridge Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:31 AM	#686
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Nanhu Park Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:33 AM	#687
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Fishing Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:35 AM	#688
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	carriage Old gate Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:38 AM	#689
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Bamboo rail Attached Images

12-11-2006, 02:39 AM	#690
Billy Professor Join Date: May 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 1,462	Opera Platform Attached Images

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