Shangyu Chang’an Bridge

Shangyu Chang’an Bridge

Chang’an Bridge is located on Kangjia Lake at the confluence of the Shangda River and the Heng River. It is a stone bridge with a history of over 800 years. Initially, ferry boats were used to cross the water, then it became a wooden plank bridge, historically referred to as “Pujiao Bridge,” “Zhazha Bridge,” and “Taiping Bridge.” In the 25th year of the Republic of China, during a severe drought in Changtang, Kangjia Lake dried up completely. Public-spirited individuals took the lead in raising funds from the local community and built the current stone bridge. Because it is situated in Chang’an Village, it was named “Chang’an Bridge.” The bridge runs from north to south and consists of an eight-span horizontal beam bridge and a one-span stepped beam bridge. It has a total length of 42 meters and a width of 2 meters, with the southern horizontal beam section stretching 34 meters. Each side of this section is supported by nine pillars, all adorned with carved patterns. The main span is 4.5 meters long, with three pillars on each side. The northern stepped beam section is very short, only 3 meters in length. When the bridge was completed, Ma Yifu happened to be back in his hometown for ancestor worship, so the locals invited him to inscribe the bridge’s name. To this day, the two characters for “Chang’an Bridge” on either side of the bridge are still clearly visible. The bridge is made of high-quality materials, crafted exquisitely, and features a uniquely undulating design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional—aiding in flood discharge while also facilitating navigation. It is considered an architectural marvel. In 2003, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage site in Shangyu.

Changtang Town: Located in the southwest of Shangyu City, Changtang Town neighbors Fusheng Town of Shaoxing County to the west, connects to Cao’e Subdistrict to the east, borders Tangpu Town to the south, and lies close to Dongguan Subdistrict to the north. It covers an administrative area of 39.7 square kilometers with a total population of 14,300 (including 378 non-agricultural residents), and administers 8 administrative villages and 1 residential committee. The town has 11,170 mu of arable land, 35,000 mu of forested land, and 850 mu of water areas. Transportation is convenient: the Wuchang Highway connects to National Highway 329, and Xinguang Highway links to National Highway 104. It is 8... More detailed information about Changtang Town++