Travel Report: Xi Dong Bridge, Taishun County.

Xi Dong Bridge Taishun County.

November 2017. Many of Taishun County’s ancient, wooden bridges are located in deep, rural countryside. In most cases you’ll need a car to get anywhere near them. However, there are a few that are easily accessible by foot from Sixi Town. Take Xi Dong Bridge, for example. Just walk down the main shopping street by the lake and you literally can’t miss it. 

Xi Dong Bridge, Taishun County.

Built in 1570, refurbished in 1745 and remodeled to its current form in 1827, Xi Dong Bridge towers dramatically over the town stream. Once you’ve got your exterior shots, take a stroll through its curved walkway and get a few of those old floorboards creaking.

Xi Dong Bridge, Taishun County.

Inside Xi Dong Bridge.

The interior boasts some evocative, albeit faded paintings, such as these fearsome creatures with the body of a horse/unicorn and the head of a dragon.

The view from Xi Dong Bridge.

Lean over one of Xi Dong’s window arches for gorgeous stream views.

The view from Xi Dong Bridge.

Xi Dong Bridge is one of two bridges in Sixi Town. its sister structure, Beijian Bridge, is considered by many to be the most beautiful bridge in all of Taishun County.

The Waterside Palace, Taishun County.

While you’re at Xi Dong Bridge, you might as well pop your head inside the Waterside Palace. This 15th century residence overlooks both the bridge and the stream. Today it’s a small, Chinese language only museum that details Sixi Town’s long history. Entry is free.

Check out my other articles from around Taishun County.

For more on the region, have a look at my travel reports from around Zhejiang Province.

Like these? Then why not leaf through my many other reports from all across China.

I’ve also written a short story series called Challenged in China.

I’ve been living, working and traveling all over the world since 2001. So why not check out my huge library of travel reports from over 30 countries.