A Bridge Across a Millennium: A Stroll Through Time at Guangji Bridge in Chaozhou

❤In the early morning, a thin mist hovers over the Han River, and Guangji Bridge lies like a sleeping dragon, gently carrying eight hundred years of history. Stepping onto the bluestone slabs, my fingertips brush against the mottled moss on the bridge railings. Eighteen floating boats sway gently among the ripples, as if one can still hear the calls of Song dynasty merchants. Twenty-four pavilions unfold in sequence, with carved beams and painted rafters concealing stories as intricate as Chaozhou embroidery. ❤At dusk, the ancient bridge quietly changes its appearance. The wooden boats are put away, and the river opens up like a silver galaxy in the middle. The silhouette of Bijia Mountain on the opposite shore gradually fades into the evening haze. As the lights come on, the entire bridge transforms into a pearl necklace threaded with golden strings, its reflection on the ink-black river surface creating flowing Dunhuang murals. ❤The night breeze sweeps across the flying eaves of the twenty-four islets, intertwining the tinkling of wind chimes with the distant melodic sounds of Chaozhou opera. At this moment, Guangji Bridge is no longer a static cultural relic but a ferryman of time—with its floating bridge as the axis, gently stitching together the misty rain of the Tang and Song dynasties, the moonlight of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the amazement of today's visitors into the folds of the Han River. Chaozhou Guangji Bridge Travel Guide I. Basic Information about Guangji Bridge Location: Han River, Huancheng East Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province Opening Hours: Daytime: 10:00-17:00 (Bridge access available, ticket: 20 yuan) Evening: 19:00-22:00 (Light show, free viewing, no bridge access) Features: One of China's four famous ancient bridges, combining beam bridge, floating bridge, and arch bridge designs, brilliantly illuminated at night. II. Recommended Itinerary One-Day Essential Route Morning Guangji Bridge: Experience the unique "eighteen boats and twenty-four islets" structure; recommended visit time: 1 hour. Guangji Tower (at the bridge entrance): Chaozhou ancient city landmark, free admission, great for photos. Noon Paifang Street: 5-minute walk away, taste beef balls, oyster omelets, salty rice cakes, and other snacks. Recommended shops: Zhenji Beef Offal, Hu Rongquan (spring rolls, duck mother's pinch). Afternoon Kaiyuan Temple (Tang Dynasty ancient temple, free admission, 10-minute walk from Paifang Street). Ji Lue Huang Ancestral Hall (Qing Dynasty woodcarving masterpiece, ticket: 10 yuan). Evening Guangji Bridge Light Show: Starts at 20:00, best viewing spots are along the Han River banks or Guangji Tower square. Two-Day In-Depth Experience Day 1: Guangji Bridge + Ancient City Attractions (as above) Day 2 Han Wenggong Shrine (commemorating Han Yu, climb for a panoramic view of Chaozhou, free admission) Chaozhou West Lake (leisurely walks, boating) Longhu Ancient Fortress (30-minute drive, Ming and Qing dynasty ancient village, free admission). III. Transportation Guide Getting There: High-speed Rail: Arrive at "Chaoshan Station," then take K1 express bus (about 1 hour) or taxi (about 80 yuan) to downtown. Self-driving: Navigate to "Guangji Bridge," parking available nearby (such as Beiguan Visitor Center). Local Transportation: Walking or shared electric bikes recommended in the ancient city area, as attractions are concentrated. IV. Must-Try Food Recommendations Beef Hot Pot: Guantang Brothers Beef Restaurant (freshly cut beef, average 80 yuan per person). Rice Noodle Soup: Zhenji Beef Offal (Paifang Street location). Oyster Omelet: Lao Ke Special Snacks (crispy outside, tender inside, served with fish sauce). Desserts: Hu Rongquan duck mother's pinch, traditional sugar onion thin pancakes. V. Accommodation Suggestions Budget: Dajie Xiaoyuan Inn (in Paifang Street, traditional-style guesthouse, about 200 yuan/night). Mid to High-end: Chaozhou Royal Hotel (stylish design, excellent service, about 800 yuan/night). VI. Important Notes Weather: Hot and rainy in summer, bring sun protection and umbrellas; mild in winter, light jackets sufficient. Floating Bridge Schedule: The floating section of Guangji Bridge is dismantled around 17:30 daily and reassembled the next morning; not passable at night. Cultural Etiquette: Maintain silence in Kaiyuan Temple, avoid wearing short skirts/shorts when entering. Advance Tickets: Guangji Bridge tickets available on-site; arrive early on holidays to avoid lines. Other Tips: Recommended Souvenirs: Chaozhou's Three Treasures (aged citron, medicinal tangerines), Phoenix Dancong tea. Unique Experience: Night tour of Paifang Street to watch Chaozhou opera performances (Zaiyang Teahouse, 50 yuan per person including tea snacks).