Nine-Zigzag Bridge, Pedestrian bridge in Yuyuan, Shanghai, China.
The Nine-Zigzag Bridge is a pedestrian crossing in Yuyuan, Shanghai, made of stone segments that form sharp turns across water in a distinctive pattern. The structure forces walkers to change direction repeatedly, creating a deliberate and intricate pathway through the garden.
The bridge was constructed during the development of Yuyuan Garden and follows principles of traditional Chinese garden design. Its creation draws from architectural concepts that originated centuries ago and became standard in classical Chinese landscapes.
The zigzag design reflects an ancient Chinese belief that harmful spirits can only travel in straight lines, so the curved path acts as a spiritual barrier. Walking across the bridge, you experience this cultural principle firsthand as part of the garden's traditional design.
The bridge lacks protective railings, so take your time and watch your footing as you navigate the sharp turns. The uneven surface and tight angles demand careful attention, particularly if the stones are wet or slippery.
Each turn reveals different angles of the surrounding garden, causing photographers to pause multiple times along the path to capture varying viewpoints. These constantly shifting perspectives make it a natural stopping point for anyone wanting to document the landscape.
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