Abstract:As important carriers of the Grand Canal cultural heritage, the ancient bridges of Shaoxing possess the landscape aesthetic values that urgently require scientific evaluation and protection. To systematically explore the visual formation mechanism of ancient bridge aesthetics in Shaoxing, the representative bridges including Yingen Bridge, Yulong Bridge, Baihua Bridge and Xinqiao Bridge are selected as study subjects. By quantitatively analyzing the color characteristics, skyline change index and spatial virtual-real ratio of four bridges, the key visual elements affecting the beauty and landscape style of the bridges are explained. The results indicate that Yingen Bridge and Baihua Bridge outperform Yulong Bridge and Xinqiao Bridge in terms of color coordination, skyline rhythm and the relationship between the real and the virtual in space. The conclusion shows that the aesthetic quality of bridge landscapes stems from the synergistic effect of color, skyline changes and the relationship between virtual and real spaces, rather than the highlighting of a single visual element. Ancient bridges with high aesthetic appeal generally exhibit strong color stability, moderate saturation (S ranging from 50 to 110), and a wide dynamic range. The skyline contours display rhythmic patterns, with overall skyline change indices ranging between 100 and 150. And in the landscape space, the void elements dominate and the ratio of virtual to real is maintained at 1:1 to 5:2.
