Xiapei Bridge

Xiapei Bridge

Xiapei Bridge is located in Xiapei Natural Village, Yushan Village, Fangqiao Town, Yixing City. In March 2003, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage site by the Yixing Municipal People's Government.

Xiapei Bridge was built in the 12th year of the Republic of China (1923) as a single-arch stone bridge. It runs from north to south (10° east of south), with 17 stone steps on each side, a bluestone foundation, and a bridge deck and arch stones made of granite. The bridge is 16.90 meters long, with a deck length of 2 meters and a central width of 2.95 meters. The ramp is 8 meters long, 3.90 meters wide at the abutment, and has a slope of 11°. The distance between the two central pier stones is 3.55 meters (inner span) and 4.30 meters (outer span); the central keystone has a diameter of 0.75 meters. The main arch is 0.24 meters thick, the decorative arch is 0.14 meters thick, and the bridge inscription stone is 0.35 meters thick. The rise is 3 meters, and the clear span is 4.40 meters. Both sides of the bridge arch feature inscribed couplets: the eastern side reads, “A few peaks of Qiyu stand apart across half a mile; misty rain on the stream quietly veils the lone bridge.” The western side says, “All streams are calmed, the bridge completes its task as the year ends; twin rainbows cast their hues—a masterpiece wrought by nature.” Bridge inscription: Reconstructed in the summer month of the Guihai year of the Republic of China at Xiapei Bridge.

Fangqiao Subdistrict: Fangqiao Subdistrict was liberated on March 28, 1949 (lunar calendar). By order of the Yixing County Military Control Committee, it was established as the People's Government of Fangqiao Township. In October of the same year, the baojia system was abolished and the village-group system was implemented, with Party branches set up at the township level. From June 1949 to 1955, the area underwent various changes including the division into smaller townships, land reform, mutual aid groups, and the primary cooperative movement. In February 1956, the first township merger took place, and it was renamed the People's Committee of Fangqiao Township. In September 1958, the people's commune system was implemented, abolishing the township and village systems and establishing commune and brigade systems. The area then became part of Hubin Commune, and the former Fangqiao Brigade... More details about Fangqiao Subdistrict++