Xieqiao

Xieqiao

Xieqiao is a cultural heritage site protected by Yixing City.

Xieqiao is located in Xieqiao Village, Yicheng Town, Yixing City. In November 1996, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage site by the Yixing Municipal People's Government.

Legend has it that during the Western Jin Dynasty, Zhou Chu, a notorious troublemaker from Yangxian, reformed and turned over a new leaf. He ventured into the southern mountains, slew a tiger, and returned in triumph. The local people welcomed him at this bridge to thank him for ridding them of the menace, hence the name “Xieqiao” (Thanksgiving Bridge). The existing stone bridge was rebuilt in 1921.

Xieqiao is a single-arch stone bridge oriented from north to south. The southern side has 15 stone steps, while the northern side has 13. It is constructed with a mix of bluestone and granite. The bridge is 15.15 meters long, 3.50 meters wide at the middle, 4.50 meters wide at the southern end, and 4.40 meters wide at the northern end. The clear span of the arch is 4.50 meters, with a rise of 2.25 meters.