Eight-Character Bridge

Old Street Reviews:

Commercialization level: Cangqiao Street is larger than the hometown of the calligrapher Jishan Street is larger than Bazi Bridge

Beautiful scenery: Jishan Street is larger than Bazi Bridge and Cang Bridge

Cangqiao Street, if it weren’t for the “Shaoxing folk snacks”, I would probably just pass by it in a hurry. The pedestrian street is somewhat separated from the stream.

Jishan Street, the first recommendation! There are many allusions to Wang Xizhi in it, such as Dopo Nong and Mochi. The scenery is better than Cangqiao. The pedestrian street is very close to the stream.

Bazi Bridge, second recommendation! There is no commercial atmosphere. Old ladies sit together and chat in the sunset. It is very good to exercise on the small bridge.

But it doesn't matter if it has a commercial atmosphere, after all, you have to make a living. From the experience point of view, Jishan and Bazi are better.

The Shaoxing Eight-Character Bridge was first built before the Jiatai period of the Southern Song Dynasty (1201-1204). It is a typical example of bridge construction technology in Shaoxing during the Southern Song Dynasty. It is named because the two bridges intersect in a skewed shape like the character "八". The bridge adopts a four-way slope design with three streets and three rivers intersecting. The main and auxiliary bridges are combined. The east side slopes north-south and the west side slopes southwest in the shape of an eight, taking into account both water and land transportation and terrain adaptation.

The eight-shaped bridge, carved from the cracks in the stone slabs, lay lazily on the water's surface. Moss encrusted its Southern Song Dynasty bones, and its two stone steps slanted apart like crab claws. Beneath the bridge arch, the clatter of oars from black-sailed boats shattered the reflection. Bamboo poles, hung with blue shirts, jutted out from the old gate at the bridgehead. The polished railings still bore lotus patterns carved by Ming Dynasty artists. An old man selling pulled sugar dozed by the bridge pier. Eight hundred years of water had scoured the stones until they were glossy and smooth. Wild wolfberry vines grew wildly in the cracks, tangling around the railings. At dusk, elderly women set up coal stoves next to the ingot-shaped bridgestone to stir-fry snails. The smoke mixed with the fishy smell of the river drifted across the bridge, creating a breathtaking scene from "Traveling in a Water Village."

2023.7.18 After visiting Lu Xun's former residence, the two of us went to Bazi Bridge to have a look. I like this kind of ancient architecture. This is the wisdom of our ancestors. Because there are not many tourists, the experience is very good.

Built over 800 years ago during the Southern Song Dynasty, the Eight-Character Bridge is named after its two slanted bridges, shaped like the character "八" (eight). Built at the confluence of three rivers, it comprises a main bridge and an auxiliary bridge, with four sets of steps. The design features four descending steps, accommodating the intersection of three streets and three rivers. To the east of the bridge, the south and north slope downward, forming a figure-eight shape. To the west, the west and south slope downward, forming a figure-eight shape. The two south-facing steps at each end of the bridge also form a figure-eight shape. Standing on the bridge, one can't help but recall the prosperity of the past.

It is still worth a visit. There is also a Guangning Bridge nearby, which you can visit along the way.

The atmosphere of life is quite strong and the scenery is nice. It is very suitable for a walk here in the summer evening.

Very good design, very long history, very authentic life, and we can see the real life of ordinary people living by the river.

There is a sense of historical sadness, and the feeling of small bridges, flowing water and people's homes is pretty good.

The small bridges, flowing water and houses are in perfect harmony, without any commercial atmosphere.

Walking in the sun-dappled alleys, I can't help but sigh that the ordinary is the real thing...

On the last day of the trip, we came to Baji Bridge for a stroll. It was a clear day with a gentle breeze. I saw old people basking in the sun, chatting, and digging beans. This is how life should be.

It is a very interesting ancient bridge, the earliest overpass in China, and it is still in daily use. The old street next to it is located on the riverside, which is very impressive.

The earliest overpass sometimes makes us marvel at the wisdom of the ancients!

When I was making a travel guide, I found this eight-shaped bridge, which has a unique design. Standing on the bridge, you can see a pink church.

The Eight-Character Bridge is not really a tourist attraction. It is closely connected to the daily life of Shaoxing citizens, so unlike other glamorous attractions, it is sparsely populated on rainy days. However, I recommend this place the most. If you have time, walk along the water and walk along the streets around it. It has a very charming water town style. Walking on the stone pavement is also a bit strenuous, so it is recommended to wear good walking shoes.

The streets of Bazi Bridge are short, and you can stroll through them in half an hour, stopping here and there to take photos. Because it's undeveloped, there are few tourists. As we walked along the cobblestone path along the shore, we saw elderly people sitting on the roadside, their feet crossed, chatting and enjoying the cool breeze. Families set up small tables outside their doors, casually eating and drinking. This is the authentic flavor of Shaoxing life.

A place full of the atmosphere of old Shaoxing life. Sitting quietly by the river in the evening waiting for the sunset is also a kind of enjoyment.

Strolling along the streets of small bridges and flowing water in the evening, I experienced the innocence of waterside life, a simple and moving experience. As the sun sets, elderly people sit and chat in front of their houses, the bluestone streets are filled with the laughter of children running around. The news broadcast on TV drifts past the window, and the occasional scent of baby powder wafts through. Although the ancient streets are surrounded by tall buildings, this place seems to be frozen in time in the 1990s. Even if I didn't grow up here, it makes me miss my childhood.

The community where the locals live is very quiet and there are few tourists. Two of the three bridges are national key protected cultural relics. Don't miss the Eight-Character Bridge when you go to Shaoxing. On the way, you saw several photography enthusiasts carrying "firecrackers". A good place to take pictures 😀😀

With centuries of history, it's known as "China's oldest overpass." In the morning, stroll along the time-worn bluestone slabs, listening to the river gently flowing beneath the bridge, and savor the tranquility and peace far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city...

It's not a popular tourist attraction, not many people, but it's the most recommended place to go. Life is here slowly and slowly. It's recommended to walk upstream. It's very quiet and clean.

I love this place so much, this living ancient city is where we lived when we were little, five stars are not enough. I suggest you sit quietly by the water and think about your childhood.

"The long and winding waters of Jianhu Lake, the strong ancient Yue sentiment". Shaoxing is world-famous for its rich cultural landscapes, beautiful water town scenery, and attractive local customs and people. It has been a tourist attraction that tourists have longed for since ancient times. Bazi Bridge is located at the east end of Bazi Bridge Street in Shaoxing City, between Guangning Bridge and Dongshuang Bridge. According to the "Jiatai Huiji Chronicles", it was first built during the Jiatai period of the Southern Song Dynasty (1201-1204) and rebuilt in the fourth year of Baoyou in the Southern Song Dynasty (1256). "The two bridges are opposite and oblique, shaped like an eight-character, hence the name". The bridge is constructed of stone and has a wonderful structure. The Bazi Bridge connects three roads by land and connects the north and the south by water. It receives the water of Jianhu Lake in the south and reaches the ancient canal of Hangzhou in the north. It was one of the main waterways of the ancient Yuecheng.

The Eight-Character Bridge is a bridge with an eight-shaped structure, which is convenient for people to travel.

The scenery on the bridge is nice.

Baji Bridge is located in a residential area and is well protected with no signs of development. Compared to Cangqiao Street, it is very quiet and suitable for pure daydreaming.

A landscape with a sense of history; worth a visit, not many tourists.

Shaoxing is famous for its ancient bridge, which is well-known in the Shaoxing Museum. The bridge is very beautifully designed, so if you have time, you should definitely go there and experience the feeling of a small bridge, flowing water, and people living there.

An old street and an old bridge in Shaoxing are very distinctive.

Liushuirenjia, an ancient bridge with great historical value

Come to Shaoxing on October 14, 2016, and visit the Eight-Character Bridge

The Eight-Character Bridge is known as "China's oldest overpass." Its shape, like the character "八," cleverly connects three small rivers that converge there. Eight hundred years later, the old bridge remains, and life is peaceful.

The pavilion built at the bridgehead is small but can accommodate up to ten people. Nearby residents play cards and have fun here, which shows the slow life in Shaoxing.

Standing on the bridge—a vision of small bridges, flowing water, houses, and ancient bungalows—I stroll slowly along both banks. It's tranquil, peaceful, lively, and vivid. Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of the daily lives of the riverside residents, fetching water to wash vegetables, dishes, and buckets. It's as if I've returned to a simpler, more pristine era. The harmonious environment makes me feel that this is how waterside culture should be.

Walk to Bazi Bridge, located at the east end of Bazi Bridge Street in Shaoxing city. It was first built during the Jiatai period of the Southern Song Dynasty (1201-1204) and rebuilt in the fourth year of Baoyou (1256). "The two bridges are opposite and slanted, shaped like an eight character, hence the name."

Baji Bridge is located at the eastern end of Bajiqiao Street in Shaoxing City, between Guangning Bridge and Dongshuang Bridge. A National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site, the bridge's southwest slope drops 17 meters. Railings are installed, and the tops of the pillars are carved with lotus flowers. Built as a stone wall, the bridge stands 4 meters high, with nine stone pillars on each side. The fifth pier on the west side, below the main arch, is inscribed with "Shibao—Built on the auspicious day of the middle winter of Bingchen." A small archway, built below the stepping stone on the south side of the west end, spans a small river.

The Eight-Character Bridge, named for its two slanted bridges, forms the shape of the Chinese character "八" (eight), a remarkably beautiful structure. Built at the intersection of three roads and three rivers, it scientifically and practically solved the area's transportation problems. This ingenious architectural concept, coupled with its ancient construction history, has cemented the Eight-Character Bridge's place in Chinese bridge history, earning it recent designation as a nationally protected cultural relic.

Built during the Jiatai period of the Southern Song Dynasty, the Bazi Bridge, a millennium-old structure located at the eastern end of Baziqiao Street in Shaoxing's urban area, is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site, showcasing the ingenious design of its builders. Because it's located at the confluence of three rivers, experts have hailed it as an "ancient overpass." The Bazi Bridge boasts three key characteristics: a long history (nearly a thousand years old), a beautiful shape (shaped like the character "八"), and a practical, scientific design (made of stone).

Bazi Bridge has a long history and looks magnificent, greatly facilitating the lives of the surrounding residents. The river is quite clean, and I even saw volunteers scooping up trash. The surrounding residential buildings are also quite historic, and daily urination and defecation must be collected and transported to a public collection area, which is quite inconvenient. Living near the river is also very mosquito-infested, but the Bazi Bridge area is truly rich in history, culture, and scenery. I love it.

It is indeed an ancient city, but also a bit sad.

It seems that the government did not spend much money to build it, so the buildings are old.

At the same time, the residents also said this in a familiar way without any malicious intent.

There are dilapidated houses along the river.

The residents are all elderly people

I don't know if it's convenient for them to live here.

When I went to Shaoxing, I was reading "The Antique Bureau Midstream 4" and went to Bazi Bridge to take a look. It is the earliest overpass. I admire the wisdom of the ancients. The scenery in the distance on the bridge is beautiful!

This bridge is said to have a very long history, dating back thousands of years. The structure of the bridge itself reflects the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen in making good use of the terrain and "adapting rather than transforming it." It is an old cultural relic that is now under key protection in Shaoxing City.

The bridge itself is unremarkable, similar in appearance to many other stone arch bridges in water towns, though a number of green plants, such as creepers, have been preserved to enhance its age-defying feel. At night, sanitation workers diligently mow the lawn on the bridge. Furthermore, this bridge is unique in that it has two passages on each bank: one leading forward and backward to the shore, while the other runs perpendicularly, connecting the shore and the "Eight-Character Bridge" street, which runs perpendicular to the river. The entire bridge resembles the shape of a Chinese character "down."

While the Eight-Character Bridge doesn't offer much of awe, the journey along the Shaoxing Canal from Laodong Road is a remarkable waterside experience. As dusk falls, there's none of the bustling bustle and crowds of Xitang or Zhouzhuang, and even fewer tourists. All that remains is the rustling of old walls and weathered taimen (houses) illuminated by kerosene lamps dotting the roadside. The canal flows quietly beneath our feet, the night wind still, the ripples smooth, the moon drifting silently across the long canal. There are no modern frivolities here: no specialty shops, no snack streets, no toy stores, no bars, no artists. Only the occasional simple man, shirtless, fetching water from his feet with a wooden bucket, and the quiet, old woman sitting by the door, enjoying the cool breeze with a palm-leaf fan. This is a truly secluded Jiangnan waterside village, a picture postcard of authentic Jiangnan life.

The bridge was built during the Song Dynasty and has a history of more than 800 years.

Just like exploring local delicacies, the scenery of Shaoxing is also worth exploring. The best attractions are still undeveloped, and the most popular ones are not worth visiting. Bazi Bridge hasn't become a scenic spot yet, and perhaps it won't be in the future, but it is definitely worth a visit. Fortunately, with the development of the Internet, many people have already known about this place, and many people come here to visit.



After lunch at the World Trade Center, I set out on my search. Heading south along the path, and then crossing Guangning Bridge and continuing south, I came upon a lush expanse of green. That's right, it's the Eight-Character Bridge. As the oldest overpass system, the Eight-Character Bridge is enormous among ancient bridges, and its body is covered in lush greenery. Eight roads lead in all directions, continuing its role as an overpass: the water systems here intersect, and communities exist here too, with the bridge serving as a link for residents' daily lives. Even though it's an ancient monument, it still retains a sense of life. Drying preserved mustard greens can be seen everywhere on the bridge, which I suspect is the proper way to preserve it. People here love this bridge; even 80-year-old grandmothers cuddle before it like little girls. The thousand-year-old stone slabs remain as solid as ever, with no large areas of foundation cracks. Calling it a living Shaoxing elder is the perfect way to describe it.



One more thing: It’s hard to find a toilet nearby, so be prepared in advance

As a water town, Shaoxing is said to have over 10,000 bridges, many of which are old and famous. Zhou Zuoren wrote in his poem "Black-sleeped Boats," "You usually ride rickshaws, trams, or cars in your hometown, but in my hometown, none of these exist. Except for sedan chairs within the city or in the mountains, boats are the only means of transportation." This demonstrates the depth of Shaoxing's water system.

Among Shaoxing's numerous ancient bridges, the most famous is undoubtedly the Eight-Character Bridge, boasting nearly a thousand years of history. Located at the eastern end of Eight-Character Bridge Street, it connects three waterways and four roads, shaped like the character "八" (eight), hence the name. It is now a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. Of course, Shaoxing boasts many more ancient bridges within the same neighborhood, so if you have the time, you can explore them at your leisure.

Standing on the ancient bridge and seeing these scenes with such a strong sense of life, I can't help but sigh, "Life is just firewood, rice, sauce, vinegar and tea!"

In addition to this, the surrounding ancient bridges are worth seeing.

Baji Bridge is a very old overpass. Local residents still live around it. It has not been commercialized and remains relatively primitive.

On the last day, I arrived at my favorite place, Bazi Bridge, and felt that this was the real Shaoxing in my heart.

The Eight-Character Bridge got its name because the two bridges face each other and are slanted, shaped like the character "八".

Residents live by the river, cooking and washing clothes all require the river, and walking here seems to take you back to the past.

I walked back to the other side of the bridge and suddenly felt the urge to live by the river.

Baji Bridge is located at the east end of Bajiqiao Street in Shaoxing City, between Guangning Bridge and Dongshuang Bridge. As my country's earliest "overpass", Baji Bridge was first built during the Jiatai period of the Southern Song Dynasty (1201-1204) and rebuilt in the fourth year of Baoyou in the Southern Song Dynasty (1256), according to the "Jiatai Huiji Chronicle". "The two bridges face each other and are slanted, shaped like the character 'eight', hence the name." Ancient houses are relatively well-preserved in the area around Baji Bridge.

Over 800 years old. An ancient overpass. Amazing! I highly recommend it.

Bazi Bridge and Guangning Bridge are very close to each other. When you come here, you feel like you have arrived in Shaoxing. This place has much more flavor than any other hometown. It is more friendly to the people than Cangqiao Street. There are no people selling things here, only residents. Moreover, it is quieter than Xitang in Wuzhen. It is nice to take a walk around and experience the life of Shaoxing people.

The ancient bridge is particularly beautiful. The scenic spots in Shaoxing are very natural and lively, unlike those in other places, which tell you from a distance: I am a tourist attraction!

The various bridges in Shaoxing are quite distinctive. A block along the river is a typical Jiangnan water town.

There are no tickets or public services here. There are only a few swan boats, but tourists are not forced to take them, and there are no touts. However, the residents of the riverside of the Eight-Character Bridge here are not affected by commerce and live a life in the Jiangnan water town. It feels good.

Built during the Southern Song Dynasty, the Eight-Character Bridge, named for its shape resembling the number eight, isn't a particularly famous classic, but it still serves its basic function. Water ripples beneath the bridge, and local residents go about their daily lives on either side. The houses on either side also have a distinctly local feel. It's rarely visited by tourists and is located in the city, not far from Lu Xun's Former Residence. Buses are available, and it's easy to find with a map. I walked there from Lu Xun's Former Residence with a map, which was also easy to find, though a bit of a walk, about 30 minutes.

It is known as "the oldest overpass in China". There are not many tourists. There are many such bridges along the river. It is very artistic to walk around.

The Eight-Character Bridge is well-preserved, simple and natural. On both sides are the waterside alleys unique to the south of the Yangtze River, with black roofs and blue-white walls. Standing on the bridge, one can't help but imagine a lot.

Yay! This is Shaoxing's iconic attraction! Take your time to stroll around and experience the local life! :)

The Eight-Character Bridge, which has gone through many vicissitudes of life and is still in use, is worth a visit.

It is a nationally protected cultural relic with a long history. Walking across the bridge, you can feel the vicissitudes and longevity of this historic city.

If you like, take a look around and feel the life of the local residents.

Just as I reached the bridge, it began to rain. A few tourists snapped photos and hurried off. I walked in all directions, watching the rain soak the stone ridges and fall on the river. Built in the Southern Song Dynasty, the Eight-Character Bridge still serves the public today, making it China's oldest overpass! The Jishan River flows slowly, the stone bridge rests quietly, observing the changing world. Years from now, neither you nor I will be here, but I hope this bridge endures.

It is a bridge with many turns. It has a stone slab surface and it is quite interesting to walk on it.

It is very simple and has the unique flavor of the Jiangnan water town. Standing on the bridge, you have a feeling of being high above. In the evening, the smoke rises, and you feel that time is peaceful.

The places that impressed me most when I went to Shaoxing were Bazi Bridge and Cangqiao Street. Highly recommended!

It happened to be the rainy season in the south of the Yangtze River. The dripping Eight-Character Bridge, shaped like the character "八", gathered the small rivers and brought warmth to the generation of people living by the water.

This is my favorite and quietest place during this trip to Shaoxing.

Haha ...

I was deeply attracted by the photos of the Eight-Character Bridge before. This well-connected water overpass makes people sigh at the wisdom of the designer.

Ancient water overpass~~~~~~~

The Baji Bridge Scenic Area is similar to the hometown of the Sage of Calligraphy, and both are suitable for a leisurely stroll.

The Eight-Character Bridge, named after its two slanted bridges, forms the shape of the Chinese character "八". Built in the Southern Song Dynasty, the bridge is constructed entirely of stone. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from Shaoxing Railway Station to the bridge. Early in the morning, elderly people exercise on the bridge. Near the bridge, there's a small pavilion, presumably for rest. Its name, "Watching," perfectly fits the setting; it stands guard over the Eight-Character Bridge, doesn't it? O(∩_∩)O~

From the ancient Eight-Character Bridge, you can see the houses on both sides of the river, as well as the black-sailed boats docked by the lake. "Bayi Bridge" is engraved on a stone pillar, likely its former name. Shaoxing, as it is, is like a painting, and we, standing on the bridge, gaze upon the scenery that is also part of the painting. Isn't this the "small bridge, flowing water, and people" described by Ma Zhiyuan in his poem "Autumn Thoughts on the Clear Sky"?

Walking along the long lake in Shaoxing City, you can see the daily chores of Shaoxing people in the early morning, such as washing and other things are done by the lake. So coming down from the Bazi Bridge, walking and looking along the way, I feel that such a life is really comfortable.

Bazi Bridge is located in the center of Shaoxing. It costs 10 yuan to take a taxi from Lu Xun's former residence. There are relatively few tourists. The ancient buildings are charming and you can walk around at will. Feel the cultural hometown of Shaoxing.

The Eight-Character Bridge is not very big. Walking on the bridge, you can enjoy the daily life of the people living around the small bridges and flowing water. There is no strong commercial atmosphere like that of Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang here. There are ordinary people's homes everywhere, which gives it a different flavor.

Coming out of Shen Garden, I went looking for the Eight-Character Bridge. "Two bridges face each other and are slanted, shaped like the character eight, hence the name." Shaoxing can't be called an ancient town, but it has preserved many ancient streets, each connected by the city, allowing you to travel between reality and history. The ancient houses near the Eight-Character Bridge are relatively well-preserved and still inhabited. There weren't many people there when I went, so I could walk around and stop as I pleased. There are still local residents living there, and there's no entrance fee. It's a great place.

The "Eight-Character Bridge" boasts a quaint architecture and ingenious form, spanning three rivers and connecting four roads in a shape resembling the character "八." The weathered marks on each stone pillar silently recount its vicissitudes of history. Surrounding the bridge are low-rise residential buildings with whitewashed walls and black tiles, undeveloped by commercial development, preserving the authentic charm of old Shaoxing. The lush greenery on the bridge and the weeds growing freely on the stone pillars are a breathtaking reflection of the vibrant and pristine nature of life. Standing on the weathered bridge, stepping on the mottled and uneven stone pavement, strolling through the tranquil and lazy alleys, listening to the gurgling river, and savoring the leisurely and carefree life of ordinary Shaoxing residents – this is the essence of life, the essence of Shaoxing, the Shaoxing Old Street imbued with ancient charm. I wonder how long this can remain in this materialistic society.

The ancient streets are free from commercial activity, and locals enjoy a leisurely lifestyle. The surrounding streets continue the architectural style of white-tiled tiles and white walls, and the stone paved paths convey a sense of age. The Eight-Character Bridge, built in the Song Dynasty, is the first recorded overpass in history, connecting three waterways and arguably the forefather of overpasses. Primarily constructed of stone, the arch bridge boasts patches of green grass growing in the cracks between the stones, lending it a vibrant feel.

It is recommended to go in the evening, especially to give you a feeling of traveling through time. It is very beautiful and very touching! The church and the temple complement each other...

The Eight-Character Bridge, still uncommercialized, is a must-see. It's pure, peaceful, and radiant.

I went there during the Qingming Festival in 2014. It took less than half an hour to walk from Shenyuan to Bazi Bridge in the evening.

This is actually a residential area, brimming with life. Free to visit, it's especially suitable for photography enthusiasts. A gentle drizzle bathes the streets, revealing whitewashed walls, black tiles, bluestone, and verdant plants. People have retreated to their homes, and smoke from cooking rises. The only sound seems to be the dripping raindrops, bringing a sense of tranquility and peace. Gradually, the orange-yellow streetlights light up, adding a touch of color to the otherwise black and white landscape.

This is the real Jiangnan water town, so poetic and picturesque that one can only watch quietly, for fear of accidentally stepping into it and blowing away the ripples in the water.

I couldn't quite figure out why the bridge was shaped like an eight, but it spans the river, and with the small houses on either side, it really exudes the atmosphere of an ancient town. It's very close to the commercial street, which is perhaps a characteristic of Shaoxing. I really like it and want to find a more ancient and quiet place to rest.

I feel that the most beautiful place in Shaoxing is the ancient street of Bazi Bridge.