In the gentle waves of Cambridge, filled with starlight, lies a golden dream north of London.
The ancient buildings surround patches of lawns, and the winding alleys are dotted with exquisite shops. Colorful flyers and bicycles create the unique street scene of Cambridge. You can steal a moment to experience boating on the River Cam or wander through the various colleges to feel the cultural atmosphere. Because of Xu Zhimo's 'Farewell to Cambridge Again,' Cambridge seems both familiar and strange...
Located 60 kilometers north of London, Cambridge is a traditional university town, with the city center almost entirely occupied by various colleges. The city itself is not large, and the recommended time for a visit is 1-2 days. The nameplates of the colleges are usually quite low-key, so those planning to explore freely upon arrival might miss hidden beauties. It's better to plan a route in advance.
[River Cam Punting]
The River Cam runs through the city, and if you have enough time, experiencing punting in Cambridge is also a good idea. You can get a rough overview of all the famous landmarks and save on the college entrance fees to see the sights. You can capture the beauty from different angles compared to walking tours. Xu Zhimo also mentioned in 'Farewell to Cambridge Again': 'Seeking dreams? Punting with a long pole, drifting towards the greener grass...'
[College Highlights]
The colleges near the River Cam are well-known traditional colleges and popular tourist spots. Here are some must-visit points: the apple tree at Trinity College (said to be a descendant of the one that fell on Newton), the chapel at King's College, the medieval courtyard at Queens' College, and the Bridge of Sighs at St. John's College.
[Bridges of Cambridge]
Bridge of Sighs: Among the famous bridges in Cambridge, the most renowned is the Bridge of Sighs. Students who failed their exams often sighed here, hence the name. The sunlight passing through the semi-arched bridge body scatters on the buildings of St. John's College, creating a beautiful dappled light and shadow effect.
Mathematical Bridge: Newton's masterpiece, designed and built using mechanical principles without a single nail. Later, a curious student dismantled it but couldn't rebuild it. Eventually, it was reconstructed with nails, and that's the Mathematical Bridge we see today, located at Queens' College.
[Open-Air Market]
The eastern part of Cambridge is a relatively concentrated shopping area, with a traditional open-air market that has existed since the Middle Ages, located near Great St. Mary's Church. It is especially lively on weekends, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothes and jewelry, books to flowers, as well as handicrafts and street food. After seeing the various college buildings and scholars, take a stroll through this bustling market.
Xu Zhimo once recalled, 'In Cambridge, I was busy walking, boating, cycling, smoking, chatting, having five o'clock tea, buttered scones, and reading idle books,' perfectly interpreting the word leisurely. Bright and cheerful Cambridge, though science-oriented, is full of romantic humanistic feelings. Spend a day here, and you will surely fall in love with it.