Baixiang Bridge

Baixiang Bridge

Baixiang Bridge is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Guide: Located at the eastern end of Baixiang Bridge Straight Street in Shaoxing, between Guangning Bridge and Dongshuang Bridge, it was first built during the Jiatai era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1201–1204) and renovated in the fourth year of Baoyou during the reign of Emperor Lizong of the Southern Song Dynasty. Situated at the intersection of three streets, three rivers, and four roads, the bridge runs east-west and features a stone wall and column pier structure. It has slopes on three sides and four directions, among which two additional arches were built beneath two of the slopes to resolve traffic issues, earning it the title of an ancient overpass. The bridge deck consists of parallel stone slabs, measuring 4.85 meters in length and 5 meters in height. The bridge is equipped with railings, and the tops of the balusters are carved with inverted lotus designs. The parapet is made of stone slabs, standing 4 meters high, with nine stone columns on each of the eastern and western sides. The fifth pier column on the western side beneath the main arch bears an inscription reading “Erected on a propitious day in the middle of winter, the year of Bao–Bingchen.” A small arch is constructed beneath the southern flight of steps at the western end, spanning a small river. The stone walls at the base of the bridge still bear clear marks from ropes used by boats, indicating the bustling boat traffic of the past. The surrounding area of Baixiang Bridge preserves relatively intact ancient residential buildings, and the government has established protective planning for the district.

Address: Eastern end of Baixiang Bridge Straight Street, Yuecheng District, Shaoxing City

Type: Bridge

Recommended visiting time: 15–20 minutes

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

No admission fee.

Transportation

Bus: Take bus routes 8, 21, 22, 25, 31, 50, 88, or 130 to Shifu Hospital Stop, then walk to the end of Baixiang Bridge Straight Street

Further reading:

· Fifth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units