Day 1 Shanghai → Zhouzhuang → Jinxi → Luzhi → Shanghai
All day
At 8:15, everyone gathered at the designated location and signed in. We set off on time at 8:30. The team leader introduced the itinerary, and the team members introduced themselves, with laughter and joy all the way.
Arrive at the meeting point of the Zhouzhuang parking lot at 10:00, select the bike, explain the riding precautions, and set off together after warming up.
First, we arrived at the Zhudian Brick Kiln Cultural Center. The steel structure and red bricks were a fleeting sight, and every corner was filled with fantastic camera positions, straight out of a postmodern blockbuster. As we exited the center, a mirrored reflection shone into our view, and the vast expanse of emerald lake water seemed otherworldly. Everyone, charge your phones! We're going to take photos along the way!
We arrived at Jinxi Ancient Town around 11:30 AM. Although not as well-known, the atmosphere here is richer and more down-to-earth. Walking along the waterside lanes, you'll often see local uncles and grandfathers sitting in the long corridors, drinking tea and chatting, exuding a leisurely atmosphere of the city.
Hidden in the waterside countryside, Jinxi Ancient Town has stood silent for millennia. It embodies the tender affection of Emperor Xiaozong of the Southern Song Dynasty for his concubine, the former splendor of ancient kilns, the moonlit lotus ponds of the Changlang people, and the centuries-old tale of the evening songs of fishermen. Every detail embodies its charm. Naturally, food is an integral part of this tenderness. Among Jinxi's culinary delights, we must mention "shoe sole pastry," recommending Xiaomao Cake Shop and Zhangji Socks Sole Pastry, as well as Jiangnan's signature "fresh fish delicacies," such as steamed whitewater fish, scrambled whitebait with eggs, salted river shrimp, river clam tofu, and stir-fried snails...
While enjoying the food, don’t forget to visit the Lotus Pond Temple, Chen Fei’s Water Tomb and the beautiful Ancient Lotus Bridge, and listen to the love story from the Southern Song Dynasty that has spanned thousands of years on the Biboting Bridge.
Depart for Luzhi Ancient Town around 2:00 PM. Cycling through the fields for approximately 15 kilometers takes about an hour to reach. Luzhi Ancient Town, the finale of today's ancient town cycling tour, is home to many friendly locals. You can always hear the clatter of cooking pots and shovels, and the laughter and playfulness of children. Immerse yourself in the simple customs of a waterside village, unwind from the fatigue and anxiety of work, and experience the tranquility of life here. After a tiring day of cycling, an evening stroll is truly rewarding. The scene is described as "green waves stretching east, west, south, and north, and red railings spanning seventy-two half-bridges." Built along the water, with streets in front and the river behind, residents sleep by the river. Stroll through the town and soak in the scenery. Admire the ancient bridges and revetments, and observe the fishing boats and people living there – a truly unique and memorable experience.
Around 17:00, we finished our Jiangnan cycling tour and prepared to return to Shanghai.
We arrived in Shanghai around 19:00. Everyone was reluctant to leave and kissed goodbye with tears in their eyes.
