The First Bridge in the Clouds

The First Bridge in the Clouds

The First Bridge in the Clouds is a cultural relic protection unit of Songjiang District.

The First Bridge in the Clouds (YunjianDi-1Qiao), commonly known as Kuatang Bridge, is located at the western end of Songjiang Town, Songjiang District, spanning the Gupu River. Originally built during the Song Dynasty and named Anjiu Bridge, it was destroyed during the Chenghua era (1465–1489) of the Ming Dynasty. A stone bridge was later reconstructed on the original site, becoming the largest bridge in Songjiang (also known as Yunjian) at that time, with the five characters “云间第一桥” (The First Bridge in the Clouds) engraved under the stone railing on the eastern side of the bridge’s top. This three-arched stone bridge features blue stone arch rings, and granite for the bridge deck, steps, and railings. It is 49.3 meters long, 3 meters wide, and about 8 meters high, exuding an ancient and majestic presence. In 1985, it was designated as a county-level cultural relic protection unit.