Baisha Bridge in Jiande, Zhejiang

The Baisha Bridge is located over the Xin'an River in Jiande City, Zhejiang Province. It is a magnificent bluestone bridge built in 1960. The bridge is 362 meters long, 24 meters high, and 11 meters wide. The main bridge has six arches, each with a main span of 50 meters, forming a slight arc. The railings are carved with 256 large and small stone lions, each with a unique and lifelike expression. Construction of the Baisha Bridge began on September 1, 1959. Because the Xin'an River Dam had already been closed, the water level was low, creating favorable construction conditions. The project progressed rapidly, with the foundation work for the six piers completed in just 42 days. During construction, workers overcame difficulties such as the lack of large-scale machinery and equipment, and through technical innovation and teamwork, they efficiently completed the construction tasks. On May 2, 1960, the Ministry of Communications held a "National On-site Meeting for the Rapid Construction of Large-Span Stone Arch Bridges" in Jiande, showcasing the construction experience and achievements of the Baisha Bridge. The design of the Baisha Bridge combines the structural features of the Zhaozhou Bridge and the Lugou Bridge, resulting in a light, lively, and magnificent structure. The bridge body is made of bluestone slabs, making it both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. The railings on both sides of the bridge deck are carved with 252 small stone lions, enhancing the decorative and ornamental value of the bridge. The Baisha Bridge is not only an important link and landmark connecting the two banks of the Xin'an River, but also a provincial cultural relic protection unit due to its historical and cultural value. Despite the vicissitudes of time, the Baisha Bridge still retains its charm and has become a beautiful scenic spot in the area.