East of the Bai Causeway stands a stone arch bridge, known as Broken Bridge. Though called broken, it is not truly broken, having been rebuilt many times over the years. Legend tells that amid misty rain, two maidens—one in white, one in azure—stood upon the bridge holding umbrellas, as though awaiting someone; others say that on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, a great serpent has been seen there, and travelers ought to take care. Snow falls rarely in Hangzhou, and lovers meeting at Broken Bridge often pray for snowfall, as a sign of growing old together in white-haired devotion. Yet West Lake has its shores, while the sea of love knows none—and I would say to all who walk to Broken Bridge and meet the snow: know then that turning back is itself the shore of redemption.
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