Fangsheng Bridge | "The First Bridge in Shanghai"

"The First Bridge in Shanghai". Fangsheng Bridge is a famous attraction in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, spanning the Caogang River and connecting the southern and northern parts of Zhujiajiao Scenic Area. It is the longest, largest, and highest five-hole stone arch bridge in Shanghai. Standing on the top of the high arch, you can enjoy the large houses with white walls and black tiles and the wooden boats coming and going under the bridge. The whole view of the ancient town is in sight, making it an excellent place to take pictures. When the sun sets, it is unique to enjoy the sunset on the bridge or to take pictures of the Fangsheng Bridge under the sunset. As the name suggests, Fangsheng Bridge is a place that encourages people to do good deeds. The bridge was built in the fifth year of Longqing in the Ming Dynasty (1571) by Monk Xingchao of Cimen Temple, who donated his savings from fifteen years of begging to build this stone arch bridge. Every lunar new year and the fifteenth, monks and pilgrims are organized to hold a "water animal" release conference under the bridge, a custom that has been passed down to this day. However, there are often vendors selling small fish or turtles at the bridgehead for tourists to "experience" the release, which seems very commercial. The Fangsheng Bridge we see today was rebuilt in the seventeenth year of Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty (1812). The whole stone bridge is majestic, with a dragon gate stone on the bridge, eight dragons carved on it, and the image is lifelike. There are four stone lions on the top of the bridge, looking up and opening their mouths to welcome guests, which are very cute. In the middle is a bamboo pillar, and the center of the bridge is inlaid with a carved stone slab. There is a stele pavilion built to the east of the bridge, where you can rest when you are tired, and a stone revetment is built by the water for boats to dock. Walking by the Fangsheng Bridge, admiring the ancient buildings and the rippling river, feeling the historical and cultural atmosphere of the ancient town, makes people feel peaceful and relaxed. This Fangsheng Bridge is not only a bridge, but also a symbol of a long history and culture.