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Explore the region
About Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge
The bridge is intact; its name belongs to a group of stories and winter views rather than a missing span. The present bridge dates to a twentieth-century rebuilding. Beside it, the scenic stele pavilion and Yunshui Guangzhong waterside structure frame views across the lake. It is also a setting in the White Snake legend, which gives the crossing its romantic associations.
During the Southern Song the bridge was also called Baoyou Bridge (宝祐桥) and Duanjia Bridge (段家桥); the scene has long been counted among the Ten Scenes of West Lake (西湖十景). The current bridge was rebuilt in 1921. According to local tradition, the bridge takes its name from a winter effect in which snow on its arched surface melts in the sun while snow still lies at the two ends, so that from a distance the span appears to break off partway across, giving rise to the name 'Broken Bridge.'
What to look for
- The arched crossing between Beishan Road and Bai Causeway.
- The Lingering Snow stele pavilion and nearby waterside architecture.
Location & getting there
Getting to Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge
Approach from Beishan Road on the northeast lake shore. Crossing the bridge leads directly onto Bai Causeway toward Gushan; allow extra space and time in busy pedestrian periods.
Combine your visit
A suggested sequence linking the specific features of this visit.
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Broken Bridge
See the intact crossing and views into the surrounding lake.
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Scenic stele pavilion
Identify the named winter scene beside the bridge.
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Bai Causeway白堤
Continue along the causeway toward the lake’s northern island.
This order is editorial. Confirm access and any transfers between stops; it does not establish a walking route, same-day connection or common admission ticket.
Find Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge
断桥残雪 · 西湖区
The pin marks the area, not the entrance.
More places nearby
Approximate straight-line distances between map pins, not travel distances.
Bai Causeway 白堤
Less than 1 km awayBai Causeway provides a direct waterside route from Broken Bridge to Gushan and the Autumn Moon terrace. Jindai Bridge interrupts the planted strip, opening views across different sections of the lake. The causeway’s older name…
View guide →Baochu Pagoda 保俶塔
Less than 1 km awayBaochu Pagoda makes a slender landmark above the north side of West Lake. The present brick-and-stone tower follows a 1933 rebuilding and has no internal staircase, so the visit centres on its exterior and the paths of Baoshi…
View guide →Baopu Taoist Temple 抱朴道院
Less than 1 km awayBaopu Taoist Temple occupies the slope of Geling above West Lake’s north shore. Yellow walls, tiled roofs and stepped approaches give the complex a recognisable hillside character. The main Gexian Hall honours Ge Hong, while…
View guide →Sources & visit information
The sources below support the place-specific description and arrival information. Suggested combinations are editorial planning ideas; confirm current opening, entry arrangements and transport services for your date.
Visitor information adapted and edited from Wikipedia contributors, “断桥” · CC BY-SA 4.0. Source revision 91285891.
Visitor information adapted and edited from Wikivoyage contributors, listing “Lingering Snow on Broken Bridge” · CC BY-SA 4.0.
Background paragraphs translated and condensed from Wikipedia contributors, "断桥", Chinese Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0. Source revision 91285891.