Bazi Bridge, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

Bazi Bridge was built in the Song Dynasty. It spans the Donghe River, and the bridge plaque is inscribed with the words "Donghe First Bridge", so it is called "Donghe First Bridge". The name of the bridge, Bazi, comes from the fact that there was originally a Genshan Water Gate next to the bridge, and a dam was built on the water gate. The water of the Donghe River converged with the Grand Canal through this rolling dam. Due to the huge difference in water level between the Donghe River and the Grand Canal, ships used to have to cross the dam to enter the Donghe River from the canal or to leave the canal from the Donghe River. Winches were installed at both ends of the dam, and the large iron hooks on the winches hooked the bow of the ship. The winches were operated by a dedicated person, and the boatmen pushed hard on both sides and the stern of the ship to let the ship pass the dam and enter the river smoothly. The stone sculpture "Soul of the Canal" next to the ancient Genshan Gate stele "tells" the story of ships entering and leaving the two rivers and "crossing the dam". It is said that this bridge was built by Lu Ban, and a pavilion was built on the bridge, named Phoenix Pavilion. The pavilion has eight pillars and double eaves, and is shaped like a silk car. Legend has it that a phoenix came to nest, bringing beauty and shade to the place. A poem says: "The immortal axe of the Ban Gate is tested for its spirituality, and the bridge is built in accordance with the years. It is said that Zhang Guolao came to rest at the Phoenix Pavilion riding a donkey." The Shunying Bridge mentioned in the poem is the old name of Bazi Bridge. The Qing Dynasty poet Yao Siqin teased in "Donghe Boat Song · Sailing on Yanghu Lake": "Egrets fly on Egret Beach, and ducks return to the duck house by the bridge. I live by the Phoenix Pavilion, and I have never seen a phoenix fly." Lu Ban, Zhang Guolao, phoenixes, and immortal axes all come from legends. Although they are not enough to be relied upon, they are always talked about with great interest. A key cultural relic protection unit in Hangzhou.