Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tourist Zone

This guide to the Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tourist Zone traces the Fangsheng Bridge back to a Ming dynasty monk named Xingchao, who went door to door in 1571 raising money from merchants to span this canal — not to move goods, but so people could release caged animals for mercy. You'll hear how the tradition caught on, and how the bridge itself was rebuilt bigger two centuries later, growing into the largest stone bridge near Shanghai. Best heard standing at its center, looking down at the water below.