Guangji Gate Tower is a very important barrier in the history of Chaozhou city and was built in 1370! WOW. In the past when the river floods and flow to land, this gate prevents the water from entering the city ground. How high did the water level go up to? There were some old pictures and markings on the wall which shows that the water level reached close to the roof the city wall! Thanks to the Guangji Gate Tower, the people of Chaozhou remains safe from flash floods.
I just love being so close to history and being able to see ancient buildings to imagine how people in the past live.
In the city gates, there are a lot of shops that sells a wide variety of Chinese goodies.
Chaozhou Guangji Gate Tower at night
Next up right beside the Guangji Gate Tower is another famous landmark, the Guangji Bridge.
As the saying goes: “A trip to Guangdong is not complete if you did not visit Chaozhou, and a trip to Chaozhou is not complete if you missed Guangji Bridge”
Guangji Bridge (广济桥, Guǎngjìqiáo) was built in the Southern Song Dynasty (1170 A.D.). It had a nick name of “Xiangzi Bridge” due to a story that 2 fairies helped to built this bridge. With a history of more than 800 years, it was initially formed as a pontoon bridge 86 huge ships. After renovating it, Guangji Bridge became a uniquely structured bridge in 1513 during the Ming Dynasty, with 24 piers and 18 shuttle ships. Note it cost 50RMB to cross the bridge now.
18 small boats below will be release to the side when a ship needs to pass through.
The Guangji Bridge looks even more awesome at night!
I only manage to stay in Chaozhou for a short two days and sadly, I was not able to eat much yummy local food or visit my ancestors’ home.
I will surely be back again.
