Zhouzhuang (周庄), also called the Venice of China, is located in Jiangsu province, about 50 km West of Shanghai, and is China's oldest water town. It is set on the Jinghang Canal, which links Suzhou and Shanghai, and was once a flourishing port, specializing in silk, pottery, and grain. In most recent centuries, attracted scholars and officials who built fine bridges and houses between the Yuan and the Quing ears. Zhouzhuang become ultimately the place where painters were coming to draw its beauty.
One of those paintings, one in particular, made in the 1980s this little water town know to the world…
Next to Zhouzhang’s famous Twin Bridge is a rock with this very inscription:
" Chen Yifei and the Twin Bridge
The Twin Bridge. Consisting of Yong’an Bridge and Shide Bridge, is one of the historical monuments and cultural relics listed under the protection of Jiangsu Province. Built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1573 – 1619). It is also called the Key Bridge, as one is square and the other is round, just like and ancient Chinese key.
In 1984, Chen Yifei (1946 – 2005), a famous Chinese artist residing in the U.S.A., created a painting, “Memories of Hometown – the Twin Bridge”. The paint was bought by Dr. Armond Hammer, an American oil tycoon, and later presented to the Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. In 1985, the painting was used on a first day cover issued by the United Nations. From then on the Twin Bridge becomes a symbol of beauty as well as a historical and cultural carrier of water bound towns in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Makes itself known to more and more people in the world.
Mr. Chen Yifei passed away on April 10.2005. to our great sorrow. This monument is erected just in memory of his special contributions to Zhouzhuang.
The People’s Government of Zhouzhuang Town
May 18, 2005 "
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You are a phenomenal photographer