The area that is today 朱家角镇Zhujiajiao town and its vicinity has a history dating back 7000 years. Archaelogical finds dating from the Neolithic Period to the Spring and Autumn Period were found in the nearby large fresh water lake, 淀山湖Dianshanhu. From the 唐朝Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) to the end of the 民国Republican Era (1912 - 1949), various village, town, county, and city names were given to the town. But its present status came late -- in 1991.

As early as the 宋朝Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), Zhujiajiao was a busy commercial and trading center; the convenienc of its river made import and export fast and efficient. Its most well-known product was probably cotton fabrics, but shipping, metal works, grain and oil production, paper-making, clothing, furniture, and many others were also in business. Through its commercial activity, alot of wealth was accumulated. This wealth built the precious architectures and artworks of the town. From this wealth came educational institutions as well, which is why it has a proud list of prominent officials.

Today, Zhujiajiao is recognized as one of four great cultural towns of Shanghai. Among its proud possessions are its numerous old bridges, especialy its 5-arch stone bridge, 放生桥Fangshengqiao, one of the oldest bridge of its kind in Shanghai; its Ming and Qing residential houses; its pavillions, towers, and temples ; and its book stores and galleries.

I was in Zhujiajiao during the summer of 2004. At the time I was using ASA 50 or 100 Velvia film, a low speed film that even with decent near sunsetting light, I can do very little hand-held photography. Because I left my tripod back in the hotel, my photo activity was limited, relying on stable surfaces to rest the camera. I spent only a few hours here, and hung around the bridge area the whole time, so the pictures here do not do justice to this beautiful water town. Zhujiajiao is a good size town; two days here would be nice.