Broken Bridge
Hangzhou
21 July 2009
The Broken Bridge (断桥) lies at the eastern-most end of the Bai Causeway. Its name derives from the fact that when the bridge and causeway have been covered with snow in the winter, the centre of the bridge is the first part to thaw, giving the impression of the bridge having broken. Melting Snow on the Broken Bridge is one of the famous "Ten Scenes of the West Lake".
The bridge features in the Legend of the White Snake, a famous Chinese fairy tale. In the story, the two lovers meet on the bridge, although one turns out to be the snake-lady of the title.