Broken Bridge is one of Hangzhou’s major attractions and offers outstanding views of West Lake. This beautiful bridge is part of many legends, which helps to draw the large number of visitors that can be found at the bridge on any given day.
According to some, a better name for Broken Bridge would be Broken Hearted Bridge. One local tale tells of a white serpent living in West Lake who learned to take on the form of a beautiful woman named Lady White. One rainy day, Lady White met a man on Broken Bridge and they fell in love and got married. They lived happily together for many years, until a Buddhist monk made Lady White reveal her true form, that of a snake, and she disappeared back into West Lake.
Nowadays, newlyweds and lovers visit the bridge to have their photograph taken. Avoid the crowds by arriving early in the morning, or by arriving at night when the bridge is lit by the soft glow of lamplight.
Before you venture onto the bridge, take some photos from the shoreline. When the weather is clear, the pristine lake acts as mirror, reflecting both the bridge and the trees that line the shore. In the bridge’s reflection in the water, the bridge looks as though it were broken. At the end of the winter, the snow on the sunny end of the bridge melts more quickly than the snow on the shady side.
Walk across the bridge from the mainland and be sure to take in the view of the immaculate waters of West Lake. The bridge ends at the largest island on the lake, which has parks, nature trails and small museums. Dine on local Hangzhou-style cuisine at one of the island’s restaurants.
Located at the eastern end of the Bai Causeway, Broken Bridge is always open, however the hours of operation for the amenities on the island vary. The nearest metro station is Longxiang Oiao, which is only a short walk from the bridge.
