Chinese bridges-paired and one of the historical bridges Alexander Park of the former Tsarskoye Selo (now the Pushkin city of St. Petersburg).
The Chinese bridges are two small bridges located close to each other and thrown over the Cross Canal on two transverse alleys of the park.
Also, the bridges are known as "Small Chinese Bridges", since there is another one in the park - The Great Chinese Bridge, which was built several years earlier than the Small Chinese Bridges.
Chinese bridges are similar in composition, but differ in details.
Initially, there were wooden bridges on this site, built according to the project of Charles Cameron in 1781. The construction was carried out during the reign of Empress Catherine II, who was fond of Chinese culture.
In 1786, by that time, the old wooden bridges were replaced with metal ones, but on the model of the former wooden Cameron bridges. The bridges were manufactured at the Sestroretsk Arms Factories under the supervision of architect K. Shpekle.
Small Chinese bridges are elegant. Their coastal abutments are lined with granite, shaped iron railings rest against cast iron curbstones, above which decorative vases rise. The Chinese character of the bridges is given by porticos made of paired columns with figured roofs made of sheet iron.
The columns of one bridge are decorated with a relief "plait", while the trunks of the columns of the other bridge are covered with patterned leaves. The roofs over the porticos of the bridges are crowned with bouquets and Chinese umbrellas.
The color painting of bridges also differs from each other.
Despite the diversity of architectural details and in the painting, the bridges look harmonious and together represent a single ensemble of some of the most beautiful bridges of the Alexander Park.
Practical information
Small Chinese bridges are located in Alexander Park, Pushkin, St. Petersburg.
The Alexander Park, together with the Alexander Palace, belong to the State Museum-Reserve "Tsarskoye Selo".
Entrance to the park is free (free of charge).
We recommend checking the working hours of the park, as well as the conditions of visiting, on the website of the State Museum-Reserve "Tsarskoye Selo": tzar.ru.
You can visit Tsarskoye Selo with one of the excursions
You can find out about all the ways to get to Pushkin from St. Petersburg (the airport and the city center) here →
In Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo) you can stay
The 5-star Pevcheskaya Tower Hotel offers restaurants, a bar, a rooftop observation deck, free Wi-Fi and parking.
Breakfast is included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
The 5-star luxury spa hotel "Tsar Palace Luxury Hotel & SPA"is located in a historic building.
The hotelhas a spa center with a swimming pool, a hammam, a salt sauna, a snow fountain, steam baths and a gym; free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, 2 restaurants, a lobby bar, private parking and meeting and conference rooms.
The rooms are equipped with climate control, a mini-bar, a safe and a private bathroom.
A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
3-star hotel Ekaterina, located on the territory of the Catherine Palace and Park Ensemble.
At the hotel: 24-hour front desk, cafe, free Wi-Fi and parking.
The rooms are equipped with: air conditioning, TV, work desk and free toiletries.
Breakfast is included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
All accommodation facilities in St. Petersburg, including in the city center and in Pushkin, can be viewed and booked here
