Twin Bridges (Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge)

The Twin Bridges, made up of Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge, are the best-known landmark of Zhouzhuang Ancient Town in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, China. The two stone bridges meet at a canal junction, one with an arched span and the other square, and together they form a shape that resembles an old-fashioned key. The pair became widely famous after the painter Chen Yifei depicted them in his 1984 work 'Memories of Hometown', which helped bring Zhouzhuang to national and international attention. Visitors view the bridges from the canal side, from the bridges themselves and from the nearby lanes and waterside restaurants. The most sought-after photograph is from the canal bank, framing both bridges with the reflections of the water and the surrounding Ming and Qing houses. The bridges are open at all times and viewing is free, though the surrounding town ticket applies for entering the ticketed area during the day. A typical stop lasts 20 to 30 minutes, although photographers often linger longer for good light. The best times are early morning, before 09:00, and dusk, after 17:00, when day-tour groups have left and the light is softer. At midday and on weekends the bridges are crowded, with people queuing for photographs. The site is about a 10-minute walk from the Zhouzhuang tourist centre and is the natural starting point for a walk to Shen Hall along Nanshi Street. Painters and photographers return repeatedly because the scene changes with the seasons and the weather, with mist in the morning and warm light in the evening. Visitors should take care on the stone steps, which can be slippery after rain, and be patient on busy days when the narrow bridges become congested.