Fangsheng Bridge

Welcome to Fangsheng Bridge, the crown jewel of the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao and the largest five-arch stone bridge in the Shanghai region. As we stand before this architectural marvel, we are looking at a structure that…

As we approach Fangsheng Bridge from Great North Street, take note of the transition in the town's atmosphere. This area has long been the heart of Zhujiajiao’s commercial life, where historic buildings once housed rice shops,…

Standing now at the highest point of the central arch, you are positioned directly above the center of the Caogang River. From here, you can see the genius of Ming Dynasty engineering. …

As you descend toward the southern side of the bridge, stop to examine the decorative elements that adorn the stone railings. Most notably, you will find four stone lions sitting at the ends of the bridge, acting as symbolic…

Looking toward the southern bank near the bridge's foot, you can see the 'First Jiangnan Tea House,' a historic two-story red brick building. This structure, dating back to the late Qing Dynasty, is an essential part of the…

Now on the south bank, looking back at the bridge, you get the best sense of its profile against the skyline. This area was historically where many of the actual 'releasing life' rituals were finalized. …

As we conclude our exploration of Fangsheng Bridge, let us consider its legacy in the 21st century. Despite the massive growth of Shanghai, just an hour away, this bridge and the town of Zhujiajiao have been remarkably…

Standing here one last time, we can appreciate Fangsheng Bridge as the ultimate symbol of Zhujiajiao. It has stood for nearly half a millennium, a testament to the vision of a single monk and the labor of a prosperous community. …