This group of pictures was taken around 1900. Let's take a look at the original appearance of ancient Suzhou before 120.
In the past, water transportation was the main logistics, and Suzhou became a place where thousands of businessmen gathered because of the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal. The picture shows people living by the Yun River. They live by the canal, drink the canal water and can't live without it. In the same small water area, someone is washing clothes, someone is washing vegetables, and someone is taking a bath in the river. It seems strange now, but it was a common thing at that time.
Some local women washed clothes and washed rice on the stone steps by the river. Although these women come from the bottom of society, they are neatly dressed and their hair is neatly combed. At that time, Suzhou women took the lead in leading national costumes, and their dresses were often imitated by foreign women.
Xinglong Bridge is located in the northwest of Jintangmen Yutang Bridge, across the intersection of Dalonggang and Waicheng River. In the past, people around you always had weddings, funerals and weddings. Even if you make a detour, you should take a walk from this bridge and pray for wealth and well-being.
Baodai bridge, a 53-span bridge across the Yaya River, is located at 0/5 mile southeast of Suzhou. This bridge was built in the 11th year of Yuanhe (8 16) and completed in four years. The baodai bridge in the photo was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty.
Baodai bridge is a masterpiece in the history of Chinese bridge construction. It has the reputation of "the first bridge in Suzhou". Rivers are colorful because of bridges, and bridges are smart because of rivers. This is a place frequented by tourists. The three people in the picture have their own characteristics. One was standing by the bridge, looking out through the railing, one was sitting on the ground, holding his cheek thoughtfully, and the other man was walking by the river with an umbrella.
Suzhou Puji Bridge is a three-hole Huanggang Rock Bridge, which was built in the forty-ninth year of Qing Emperor Kangxi (17 10). Located in Shangtang Street outside Nagato, Suzhou, across Shantang River. It is named after the Puji Hall on one side of the bridge.
Mudu Bridge is located in Chimenwan, southeast of Suzhou, on the north side of Jinmidu Bridge. It was built in the second year of Dade in Yuan Dynasty (1298), started in 10, and was completed in Dade four years later in March. During the reign of Tongzhi in Ming Dynasty and Tongzhi in Qing Dynasty, there were two overhauls.
Tiger hill stands tall, pavilions and pavilions beside the sword pool under the tower are full of ancient meaning. Tiger Hill is located in the northwest suburb of Suzhou. According to legend, in the Spring and Autumn Period, Fu Cha, the king of Wu, buried his father He Lv and named him after the White Tiger.
Tiger Hill was built at the end of the Five Dynasties in the sixth year of Zhou Xiande (959). It is the oldest big brick tower in the south of the Yangtze River. In the picture, three men are visiting under the tower, and it can be seen that the tower has been obviously tilted at this time.
Several fishermen are rocking small wooden boats on the Grand Canal. The ship is full of cormorants. Some of them are squatting at the bow, while others are swimming in the water. These cormorants are well-trained waterfowl, which can help their owners fish in the water.
In the dry season, the river under the small stone bridge becomes a shoal, and the crystal clear fish can be clearly seen. Many people roll up their trouser legs and catch fish in the water with fishing gear. This kind of country fun is hard for modern people to enjoy.
In a clearing near the dock, there stood several prisoners wearing wooden cangue, wearing black felt hats of the same style on their heads, and they were escorted here for committing crimes. They were ridiculed by photographers as "chain gangs". On the other side of the river, you can see the tall walls of Suzhou.