South China · Guangdong · Chaozhou
Guangji Bridge, begun in 1171, still opens its pontoon span for river traffic every day. Across it: China's longest memorial-arch street, a Tang-dynasty temple — and a city crowned UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2023.
Why it's special
An old city still living its own life: the bridge opens daily, the tea never stops, and the craftspeople live in the lanes behind the arches.
Chaozhou was founded in the Eastern Jin era, over 1,600 years ago, and served as a prefectural seat through the dynasties. Its landmark, Guangji Bridge, was begun in 1171 and settled by the Ming era into its famous form — "eighteen shuttle boats, twenty-four piers": between 24 stone piers and pavilions, a pontoon of 18 boats links the middle span, opening and closing for river traffic. Bridge engineer Mao Yisheng called it the world's earliest opening bridge; it ranks among China's four great ancient bridges. Across from its gate runs China's longest memorial-arch street, 22 Ming-Qing stone paifang over arcade shops and snack stalls, with the Tang-dynasty Kaiyuan Temple (founded 738) a few steps away. On 31 October 2023, Chaozhou was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy — and the right way to take this city is to stay a while: drink gongfu tea, eat beef balls, walk the night market with the locals.
The old city itself
Living craft
City of Gastronomy
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