Broken Bridge

About

Broken Bridge stands at the eastern end of Bai Causeway and is one of the most storied landmarks in the West Lake landscape. Despite its name, the present stone bridge is intact; the phrase is commonly connected with the celebrated scene “Lingering Snow on the Broken Bridge,” when uneven melting can make the pale bridge deck appear interrupted from a distance. The crossing opens toward lotus-filled water, willows, Solitary Hill and Baoshi Mountain, while Baochu Pagoda rises behind it as a vertical counterpoint to the low curve of the span. The bridge’s fame also rests on literature and popular belief. In versions of the Legend of the White Snake, this is where Bai Suzhen encounters Xu Xian, turning an ordinary lakeside crossing into a symbol of romantic destiny. Poets, painters, opera and screen adaptations have continually renewed that association, making the site recognizable throughout the Chinese-speaking world. Its physical form is modest compared with monumental bridges, but its position at the meeting of city, causeway and lake allows weather, seasonal vegetation and cultural memory to combine in one of Hangzhou’s most enduring images.

Highlights

• Famous 'Lingering Snow' winter scene
• Legend of the White Snake
• Gateway to Bai Causeway
• Iconic West Lake photography spot

Amenities

Why go

• Visit Broken Bridge to experience famous 'lingering snow' winter scene.
• Spend time on legend of the white snake rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
• The experience is rounded out by gateway to bai causeway.

Know before you go

• Allow about 30m on site, excluding transfers and queues.
• Confirm current opening hours, ticket rules, temporary closures, and entry restrictions before departure.
• Carry the local-language name and address for navigation, taxi, or entrance checks.

Tips

• Winter is the preferred season; check cold-weather access and operating conditions.
• Group the stop with nearby places to reduce backtracking and keep a realistic transfer buffer.
• Carry water, weather protection, and the local-language place name when conditions require them.