Fangsheng Bridge is the iconic attraction of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, spanning across the Cao Port River and connecting the northern and southern parts of the Zhujiajiao scenic area. It is the longest, largest, and tallest five-arch stone bridge in the Shanghai region. Standing atop the high arch, one can take in the panoramic view of the town, with its vast expanse of white-walled and black-tiled houses, and the wooden boats sailing beneath the bridge, making it an ideal spot for photography. As the sun sets, appreciating the sunset from the bridge or capturing the bridge under the sunset glow is a moment of poetic charm.
As its name suggests, Fangsheng Bridge encourages people to do good deeds and accumulate virtue. The bridge was originally built in the fifth year of the Longqing era of the Ming Dynasty (1571), funded by the monk Xingchao of Cimen Temple, who donated his savings from fifteen years of alms collection to construct this stone arch bridge. Every lunar month on the first and fifteenth day, monks and worshippers would gather to release aquatic animals under the bridge, a tradition that continues to this day. However, nowadays, vendors often sell small fish or turtles at the bridgehead for tourists to ‘experience’ releasing, which commercializes the act. The Fangsheng Bridge that stands today was reconstructed in the seventeenth year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1812). The entire stone bridge exudes a majestic presence, adorned with dragon gates and carved with eight lifelike dragons. At the top of the bridge, there are four stone lions looking up and opening their mouths, welcoming visitors with their endearing expressions. The bridge features bamboo-jointed railings, and the central part of the bridge is inlaid with carved stone slabs. To the east of the bridge, there is a pavilion with a stele, where visitors can rest after a long walk. A stone embankment is built by the water’s edge for the mooring of boats. The bridge is open to visitors all year round, with full-day access.Fangsheng Bridge: A Landmark of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Fangsheng Bridge is the iconic attraction of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, spanning across the Cao Port R[...]
