Abstract:The ancient bridge has always been a special type of architectural heritage because of its different construction method and use function from the general ancient buildings. With the process of urbanization and changes in geographical and social conditions, some ancient bridges have received relatively little attention and face the danger of being demolished. Based on the historical development of the existing ancient bridges in Shanghai area, this paper sums up and arranges the quantity, distribution and preservation of the ancient bridges, and then studies their historical culture, type structure, decorative art and other characteristics, it lays a foundation for the protection of ancient bridges and traditional watersheds in Shanghai.