Nancaotang Bridge

Nancaotang Bridge

Nancaotang Bridge is located about 100 meters west of Siquan Village, Qiting Town, Yixing City, spanning the Caotangqiao River. In March 2003, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage site by the Yixing Municipal People’s Government.

Constructed in the 24th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1898), Nancaotang Bridge is a single-arch stone bridge oriented east-west. Each side has 26 stone steps, and the bridge deck, arch, and railings are all made of granite, while the bridge foundation consists of a mix of granite and bluestone. The upper part of the railing is carved with decorative patterns such as lotus petals, bats (symbolizing good fortune), and ruyi (symbolizing wishes). The bridge is 22.20 meters long, 3.70 meters wide at the center, and 4.20 meters wide at the approaches. The central arch spans 7.40 meters in clear width with a rise of 4.15 meters. On both sides of the arch are vertical inscriptions in regular script. The southern inscription reads: “The Zhan River flows eastward, its waters spanned like the Silver River with magpies forming a bridge; Mount Qǐ stands tall to the north, its peak piercing the clouds like a rainbow.” The northern inscription reads: “Distant Lake Gusu connects across the water, where half a moon reflects on the surface; Caotang Bridge stands opposite at the stream’s head, with twin rainbows stretching across.”

Economic Development Zone (Qiting Subdistrict): In 2006, Qiting Town was abolished, and its former jurisdiction was reorganized as Qiting Subdistrict Office. The office administers one neighborhood committee and seven village committees.

In 2007, seven village committees—Huawei, Dongmei, Xingli, Wen Zhuang, Zhen Cun, Dongjiao, and Bian Zhuang—from Yicheng Subdistrict were placed under the administration of Qiting Subdistrict.

Former Qiting Town (Qǐtíng Zhèn)

Located in the northeastern part of Yixing City. It borders Fangqiao Town to the east, Yicheng Town and Xinzhuang Town to the south, Gaocheng Town to the west, and Heqiao Town to the north. Covering an area of 29 square kilometers, it has a permanent population of 19,000. The town people’s... Economic Development Zone (Qiting Subdistrict) detailed information++