Waibaidu Bridge in Shanghai

Waibaidu Bridge in Shanghai

The Waibaidu Bridge, called the Garden Bridge in English, is the first all-steel bridge, and the only surviving example of a camelback truss bridge, in China. With its rich history and unique design the Waibaidu Bridge is one of the symbols of Shanghai.

English Name: Waibaidu Bridge in Shanghai

Chinese Name: 上海外白渡桥

Attraction Type: Waibaidu Bridge, First All-steel Bridge

Best Time to Visit: Whole year

Recommended Visiting Time: about 30 minutes

Admission Fee: Free

Address in English: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Address in Chinese: 上海市黄浦区中山东一路

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Why is Waibaidu Bridge in Shanghai so Special?

The Waibaidu Bridge, called the Garden Bridge in English, is the first all-steel bridge, and the only surviving example of a camelback truss bridge, in China. With its rich history and unique design the Waibaidu Bridge is one of the symbols of Shanghai. Its modern and industrial image may be regarded as the city’s landmark bridge.

Where is Waibaidu Bridge in Shanghai in Shanghai?

The Waibaidu Bridge is located in the downstream of the estuary of the Suzhou Creek, near its confluence with the Huangpu River, adjacent to the Bund in central Shanghai.

How to Get There?

To the South End

  • Take Bus No. 33, 37, 55, 65, 305, 307, 317, 330, or 868, to Zhongshan Dongyilu (Beijing Donglu/Nanjing Donglu) Station.
  • Take City Sightseeing Bus Line 1, Line 3, or Line 5

To the North End

  • Take Bus No. 19, 61, 100, or 317 and get off at Wusonglu Tiantonglu Station. Then walk south to the bridge.
  • Take Bus No. 868 or 934. Get off at Changzhilu Minhanglu Station and walk south.
  • Take Bus No. 22 to Minhanglu Changzhilu Station, and then walk south.

History of Waibaidu Bridge in Shanghai

About 150 years ago, there was no bridge on the Suzhou Creek. Only ferries could cross the river. Due to the settlement of the foreign concessions on two sides, the ferry cannot cope with the increasing passenger flow. So in 1856, a British businessman named Wills directed the construction of a huge wooden bridge, the wells bridge. People call it Waibaidu because it is located in Wai Ferry (Wai Baidu). The Chinese had to spend money to cross the bridge, triggering a storm of protest. In order to appease the masses, a wooden bridge, called garden bridge, was built to the west of it and opened to the public free of charge. Later, the old bridge was demolished. In 1908, a steel bridge was built to replace the wooden bridge so that the tram could cross the river.

Useful Travel Tips

1.Admission Fee: Free

2.Opening Hours: All Day

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Edited by Olive Zhang/张银芳