A mere 5 km journey in a little yellow bus transports you to one of the oldest bridges in China, Twin Dragon Bridge aka Shuanglong Bridge. In 2003 this picturesque piece of architecture, built over the course of 2 dyanastys contributed to 1 of 4 stamp designs featuring Ancient Chinese Arched Bridges. The reason being that 'This 17-arch bridge, with a three-story pavilion at its center, brings to mind a rainbow curving over the blue waters'. Very true, with its warn glow and parallel reflection in the still water it is a magical and historic sight. The farm hands carry their goods in 2 buckets, each one suspended at the end of a stick which rests on their shoulder. As they walk along the cobbled street -stepping in time to the bouce of their load- under the magnificent gates it is hard not to be in awe.

Swallows Cave, a well known attraction, is similarly just as impressive. A huge river runs from the swallow saturated entrance (mind the poop) right into the heart of the cave. Entering for free meant we were guidless, perfect, but it did mean that we were refrained from experiencing many of the absurd light shows that bounce across the caves for visitors, sobsob. This time of year was great for solitary plodding as on public holiday it is swamped. This meant that my laughter echoed all over one of the largest caves in China when a neon light shopping hub became apparent right in its centre, a mere 2 km from day light. Chips in a cave... sweet, but you could also smoke and buy souvenirs! A dragon headed boat took us back to the entrance, one last chance to feel the grandeur of the cave and marvel at the stalagmites and stalagtites.