外环丰收河桥

Beneath the steel arches of the Waibaidu Bridge, a whisper of history echoes. This isn’t just a bridge. It’s a storyteller, a silent observer of Shanghai’s transformation. The Waibaidu Bridge, also known as the Garden Bridge, stands as a testament to the city’s resilience. It is the first all-steel bridge in China and the last surviving camelback truss bridge. Imagine standing here in 1856. The first bridge on this site, a wooden structure known as Wills’ Bridge, charged a toll. This angered the local population who saw it as a symbol of foreign imposition. The resentment grew until the Shanghai Municipal Council built a free wooden bridge nearby. The toll bridge was eventually bought out and demolished, a small victory for the people of Shanghai. This free wooden bridge, known then as the Soochow Creek Bridge, later became known as the Garden Bridge due to its proximity to the newly opened Public Garden. It was also sometimes referred to as the “Beggars’ Bridge” or the “Bridge of Sighs,” a poignant reflection of the poverty and hardship witnessed on its walkways. But the city kept growing. The wooden Waibaidu Bridge couldn’t handle the increasing traffic. In 1906, it was demolished to make way for the steel giant we see today. The new Waibaidu Bridge, designed by a British firm and built with steel imported from England, opened in 1908. It was a marvel of engineering, the largest steel bridge in Shanghai. The Waibaidu Bridge has witnessed history unfold beneath its arches. In 1915, the Governor of Shanghai was assassinated right here on the bridge. During the tumultuous years of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Waibaidu Bridge became a stark dividing line. It separated the International Settlement from Japanese-occupied territory. Crossing the bridge meant facing the scrutiny of Japanese sentries, a chilling reminder of the times. Even foreigners had to bow to avoid being slapped or worse. The bridge has also starred in several films. You might have seen it in Steven Spielberg’s “Empire of the Sun,” which depicts the tense atmosphere of wartime Shanghai. Or perhaps you recognize it from the romantic drama “Suzhou River,” where the bridge serves as a key location. Even the television series “The Amazing Race” has featured the Waibaidu Bridge as a route marker. Over the decades, the Waibaidu Bridge has undergone several renovations. The most dramatic took place in 2008. The entire bridge was cut into two sections and transported by barge to a shipyard in Pudong. There, skilled riveters, practitioners of a dying art, replaced nearly 40% of the rivets, ensuring the bridge’s strength for another fifty years. They also restored its original curved arches, replacing the triangular frames that had been used in earlier repairs. Now, the bridge also boasts a modern LED lighting system. So, as you stand here, take a moment to appreciate the Waibaidu Bridge. It’s not just a way to cross Suzhou Creek. It is a symbol of Shanghai, a link to its past, a testament to its enduring spirit.