Xiangzi Bridge: A Poetic Journey Through a Millennium

Chaozhou Guangji Bridge Travel Guide, Guangdong: A Poetic Bridge Spanning a Millennium Guangji Bridge, also known as Xiangzi Bridge, is located in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province, spanning the Han River. It is renowned as one of "China's Four Ancient Bridges," alongside Zhaozhou Bridge, Luoyang Bridge, and Lugou Bridge. This bridge, first built in the Southern Song Dynasty, attracts countless visitors with its unique "eighteen shuttle boats and twenty-four piers" structure and profound cultural heritage. I. Pre-trip Preparation Best Travel Time: Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November) offer pleasant weather, ideal for travel. Summers are hot and rainy, so remember to prevent heatstroke and sunburn; winters are relatively warm but occasionally experience cold snaps. Transportation: By Air: Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport is the closest airport to Chaozhou. Upon arrival, you can take an airport shuttle bus or a taxi to Chaozhou city center. By High-speed Rail: Chaoshan Station is the closest high-speed rail station to Chaozhou. Upon arrival, you can take a high-speed rail express line or a taxi to Chaozhou city center. By Car: Chaozhou has convenient transportation access via expressways such as Shenhai Expressway and Shankun Expressway. Accommodation Recommendations: Chaozhou city center offers a wide range of hotels. It is recommended to choose hotels near Guangji Bridge or Paifang Street for convenient sightseeing. High-end hotels near Guangji Bridge include Chaozhou Imperial Hotel and Chaozhou Hotel; budget hotels include chain hotels like Home Inn and Hanting Hotel; unique guesthouses include Zaiyang Inn and Nanmiao Teahouse. Ticket Information: Guangji Bridge admission is 20 RMB/person. Opening hours: 8:30-17:30. II. Recommended Itinerary Morning: Visit Guangji Bridge to admire its unique architectural style and exquisite stone carvings. Stroll across the bridge to experience the grandeur of the Han River and the charm of the ancient city of Chaozhou. Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Chaozhou, visiting attractions such as Paifang Street, Kaiyuan Temple, and Jilue Huang Ancestral Temple. Sample Chaozhou delicacies like beef balls, kway teow, and oyster omelet. Evening: Enjoy the Guangji Bridge light show and experience the unique charm of the ancient bridge at night. III. Guangji Bridge Highlights "Eighteen Shuttle Boats and Twenty-Four Piers": Guangji Bridge consists of two stone bridge sections on the east and west, connected by eighteen shuttle boats in the middle. These boats can be opened and closed, making it a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bridge architecture. Exquisite Stone Carvings: The bridge features numerous stone carvings, including stone lions, stone railings, and stone pavilions, all exquisitely carved and lifelike. Cultural Heritage: Guangji Bridge carries the long history and culture of Chaozhou and is a testament to the wisdom of the Chaozhou people. IV. Recommended Nearby Attractions Paifang Street: A historical and cultural street in Chaozhou, featuring numerous archways from the Ming and Qing dynasties, it's a great place to experience Chaozhou culture. Kaiyuan Temple: A famous Buddhist temple in Chaozhou, founded in the Tang Dynasty, known for its flourishing incense. Jilue Huang Ancestral Temple: A representative example of traditional Chaozhou residential architecture, with stunning wood and stone carvings. Han Wen Gong Ancestral Temple: A temple commemorating Han Yu, a Tang Dynasty literary figure, offering a serene environment and rich cultural atmosphere. V. Food Recommendations Chaozhou Beef Balls: Tender and springy, one of Chaozhou's most representative delicacies. Chaozhou Kway Teow: Strip-shaped food made from rice paste, can be boiled or stir-fried, delicious when paired with beef, seafood, and other ingredients. Oyster Omelet: Made by frying fresh oysters and potato starch, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and fragrant. Xian Shui Guo (Salted Rice Cake): A snack made from steamed rice paste, served with preserved radish, chili, and other condiments, offering a unique flavor. VI. Travel Tips The Guangji Bridge light show is held nightly at 20:00 and 21:00, each lasting about 15 minutes. It is recommended to find a good spot in advance. Chaozhou has many snacks; it's advisable to try small portions of many different kinds to avoid waste. The Chaozhou dialect differs significantly from Mandarin; it's recommended to learn some simple Chaozhou phrases beforehand. Guangji Bridge is an ancient bridge that carries the history and culture of Chaozhou, and it is also a bridge full of poetic charm. Strolling across the bridge feels like traveling through a millennium, conversing with history. We hope this guide helps you better plan your trip to Chaozhou and experience the unique charm of Guangji Bridge. Wish you a pleasant journey!