The Crotch-Bridge

The Crotch-Bridge

The Crotch-Bridge

The Crotch-Bridge is located dozens of steps southeast of the main gate of Matou Primary School in Matou Town, Huaiyin County. It stands in what was once the bustling city center of ancient Huaiyin County. To the north, a small stream connects to Yan Zhi Pond, over which a small bridge was built. Originally, there was an arched gateway at the site, with a stele in front inscribed with “The Spot Where Han Xin Endured the Humiliation Under the Crotch.” Today, only stone slabs remain. During the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, enthusiasts moved this historic site to Huai’an City. Even today, the remnants of a “Crotch-Bridge” memorial archway can still be found in Huai’an. One of the “Three Heroes of the Early Han,” Han Xin, endured the so-called “Humiliation Under the Crotch” in his youth—a story well known to the Chinese people. The incident unfolded as follows: In the Huaiyin butcher market, a young man bullied Han Xin, saying, “Although you’re tall and like to carry swords, you're actually a coward at heart.” Seeing that Han Xin didn’t respond, the youth, feeling proud, looked around at the onlookers and added, “If you dare to die, stab me with your sword; if not, crawl between my legs!” Han Xin carefully sized him up and eventually decided to bend down and crawl between the man’s legs.

The crowd on the street all laughed at Han Xin, thinking him utterly cowardly. Many years later, Han Xin realized his ambitions, earned the trust of Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang), and was granted the title of King of Qi. When he returned to his hometown in fine attire, he did not retaliate against the butcher boy who had publicly humiliated him. Instead, he appointed the troublemaker to a minor post as a local constable. Seeing such magnanimity, the former bully was deeply impressed.

In honor of Han Xin’s ability to endure humiliation and rise with dignity, a memorial archway was erected at the site of his humiliation. In ancient times, the Crotch-Bridge historical site spanned the Wenqu Canal. Later, however, the course of the canal changed multiple times,

and no trace of the bridge remains there today.

The current Crotch-Bridge is located at the intersection of Xingwen Street and Crotch-Bridge Street in Huai’an. The original memorial archway had long rotted away. It was restored during the Qing Tongzhi era but was damaged again during the Cultural Revolution, until it was finally rebuilt in 1978.