Guifang Bridge

Guifang Bridge

Guifang Bridge, also known as Dongmao Bridge, spans the Shangtang River in Linping. Its construction date is unknown. During the Southern Song Dynasty, Xu Xuan and his brothers Yin and Gai from Linping all passed the imperial examination and became jinshi. The three, along with dozens of imperial college students, jointly submitted a petition to impeach Jia Sidao, which led to their imprisonment. After Jia’s downfall, their unjust treatment was redressed, and the Xu brothers returned home in glory. To honor the Xu brothers’ courage in standing up against the powerful, the bridge was renamed Guifang Bridge during its reconstruction, symbolizing the brothers’ flourishing achievements like fragrant orchids and osmanthus. It underwent renovations during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In December 1990, the then-county government carried out emergency repairs, and it is now a protected site under Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units