Hidden in Shijiazhuang's "thousand-year-old internet sensation"! This bridge has been popular for 1400 years, and you can even pretend you're in Jiangnan when taking photos ✨

Folks! You won't believe it! I unearthed a "living millennium wonder" around Shijiazhuang. It's clearly a hardcore historical relic, but it hides countless photogenic details. Every casual shot looks like a time-traveling blockbuster 📸. It's the Zhaozhou Bridge, known as the "First Bridge Under Heaven." Today, I'll guide you step-by-step on how to experience this thousand-year-old bridge in a fresh way! 🌟 Core Highlights of the Scenic Area: More than just a bridge, it's a millennium time machine - The "Indestructible for a Thousand Years" Core Protagonist: Zhaozhou Bridge (Anji Bridge) is the world's oldest existing open-spandrel stone arch bridge, designed by Li Chun, dating back over 1400 years! The most incredible part is its "open-spandrel arch" design, which allows floodwaters to pass through. No wonder it has withstood countless storms and remains as solid as a mountain. Standing on the bridge, you can almost hear the wisdom of the ancients "speaking"~ - Little Surprises Hidden in the Details: There are 44 balusters on both sides of the bridge, each carved with different stone lions and dragon patterns. Some are charmingly naive, others majestic and awe-inspiring. If you look closely, you can also find "Easter eggs" like "immortals riding dragons" and "scroll patterns," perfect for kids to learn history while having fun~ - Immersive Cultural Experience: The scenic area features a statue of Li Chun and a Bridge Museum, where you can see ancient bridge-building tools and models. There are also irregular intangible cultural heritage performances (such as traditional stone carving and paper cutting). When you're tired of walking, sit in a riverside pavilion, feel the breeze, and watch boats glide by – so relaxing you won't want to leave! 📍 One-Day Itinerary: Easy to navigate without detours 1. Transportation Guide (Choose from three options) - Self-driving: From Shijiazhuang city center, take the Jinggang'ao Expressway, then transfer to the Qingyin Expressway. It's about a 1-hour direct drive. The scenic area has ample parking, with a fee of 10 RMB/day. - Public Bus: Take Express Bus 177 from the city center to the "Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area" stop. The journey takes 1.5 hours and costs 8 RMB, suitable for budget travelers. - High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed rail from Shijiazhuang Station to "Zhaozhou Bridge Station." From there, it's a 10-minute taxi ride to the scenic area. The high-speed rail ticket is 18 RMB, saving time and convenience~ 2. Tour Route (3-4 hours is sufficient) - 9:00 AM: Arrive at the scenic area. First, take a photo at the "First Bridge Under Heaven" archway at the entrance (shoot upwards to avoid crowds). - 9:30 AM: Explore the main bridge area, check out the bridge body and baluster carvings, and experience "walking on a thousand-year-old bridge." - 11:00 AM: Visit the Bridge Museum to learn about bridge-building principles (a must-visit for families with kids, very educational!). - 12:00 PM: Have lunch at the snack street within the scenic area. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding ancient streets and affiliated attractions. 3. Must-Try Local Delicacies (Autumn feasting list) - Zhaoxian Donkey Meat: Tender and not dry, served with freshly baked flatbread, it's so fragrant you'll want to lick your fingers! The "Time-honored Donkey Meat Restaurant" at the scenic area entrance is a safe bet. - Xuejia Shaobing (Sesame Flatbread): Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, available in savory and sweet flavors, 1 RMB each. Eat them hot for the best taste, also great as souvenirs. - Ganglu Shaobing with Meat: A local specialty. The shaobing is so crispy it crumbles, filled with flavorful braised pork. Pure carb happiness~ 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Options for every budget - Best Value: Yijia 365 (Zhaozhou Bridge Branch), a 10-minute walk from the scenic area. Clean and tidy rooms, includes breakfast, around 150 RMB/night per person, suitable for students and families. - Mid-range Comfort: Shangkeyou Express Hotel (Zhaoxian Shiqiao Street Branch), close to the food street, convenient for evening strolls and dining. Free parking available, around 220 RMB/night per person, very comfortable bedding. - Unique Experience: Zhaozhou Hotel, an established star-rated hotel with a Chinese garden style, 1.5 km from the scenic area. It has its own restaurant serving authentic Zhaozhou cuisine, around 400 RMB/night per person, suitable for those who want to experience local culture. 📸 Photo Spots + Photography Tips (with angle tutorial) 1. East Bridgehead of the Main Bridge: Stand on the steps, with the bridge and blue sky as the background. Turn your head back and smile, using the balusters as a foreground, instantly creating a "time-traveling through a thousand years" vibe (Best time: 9-10 AM, soft sunlight, no backlighting). 2. Upward Shot from Under the Arch: Go to the bottom of the bridge, shoot the bridge's arch from a low angle. Turn your phone horizontally to create a symmetrical composition with the arch. Wear Hanfu or a plain long dress, and press the shutter when the skirt billows for an ancient-style blockbuster! 3. Riverside Reflection Spot: After summer rain or in the early morning, when there's water by the river, squat by the bank to photograph the bridge and its reflection. The shimmering water creates a natural "Jiangnan water town" filter. Remember to avoid strong midday sun. 4. Li Chun Statue in Cultural Square: Stand to the side of the statue, pretending to converse with the ancient figure. Use a telephoto lens to compress the background, highlighting the interaction between the person and the statue. Great for storytelling photos. 5. Ancient Streets and Alleys in the Scenic Area: Exit through the back gate of the scenic area, and you'll find several alleys with old flagstone paths and red lanterns. Stand at the alley entrance, look back, and use your phone's portrait mode to blur the background, instantly transforming into a "period drama heroine." 🌿 5 Hidden Gems Nearby (Visit along the way to save time) 1. Bailin Temple: 2 km from Zhaozhou Bridge, one of the four ancient temples in Hebei. Ancient cypress trees tower within the temple, and incense burns brightly. Free admission, suitable for quiet prayer. The red walls and black tiles are stunning for ancient-style photos. 2. Zhaoxian Pear Orchard: In March-April each year, pear blossoms bloom, covering thousands of acres in white, like snow. It's 5 km from the scenic area. The photos during blossom season are breathtaking, and you can pick pears (in autumn). 3. Yongtong Bridge: Known as the "Little Zhaozhou Bridge," its structure is similar to Zhaozhou Bridge, but with fewer tourists, making it ideal for unique photos. It's 1 km from the main scenic area, easily reachable on foot. 4. Dharani Sutra Pillar: The tallest existing ancient sutra pillar in China, inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and relief carvings. It's near the Zhaozhou Bridge scenic area, a lesser-known spot. History buffs shouldn't miss it. 5. Zhaozhou Ancient City Wall Ruins: Preserves parts of the Ming Dynasty city wall. In the evening, stand on the city wall to watch the sunset, capturing the ancient city and the sunset in one frame, creating a rich atmosphere. Free admission. Folks! Zhaozhou Bridge is truly more enjoyable than expected, with both historical depth and photogenic details perfect for young people. A day trip on the weekend is enough for a fulfilling experience~ If you liked this guide, remember to follow me! I'll continue to share more hidden gems around Shijiazhuang, helping you travel with the best value for money. Just follow me on your next trip! 💕