Qingming Bridge and Riverside Architecture

Qingming Bridge and Riverside Architecture

Qingming Bridge and Riverside Architecture is a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Qingming Bridge and Riverside Architecture

Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit, Fifth Batch October 2002 Qingming Bridge and Riverside Architecture Qing Dynasty – Republic of China Nanchang District, Wuxi City

Qingming Bridge, originally called Qingning Bridge, is situated at the junction of the Ancient Canal and Bodu Port outside the southern gate of Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, where it grandly spans the canal. To the south of Qingming Bridge flows the Bodu River, which runs through Meicun to Changshu. The entire bridge is well-proportioned, sturdy, and majestic, making it the most famous scenic spot on Wuxi’s Ancient Canal and a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

Qingming Bridge is an ancient bridge with a long history. It was first built in the late 16th century during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. It was funded by the two sons of Qin Dang, the owner of Wuxi’s “Jichang Garden.” As their given names were Taqing and Taining, one character from each name was taken to name the bridge “Qingning Bridge.” This stone bridge was rebuilt in the eighth year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1666 AD) by Wu Xingzuo, the then magistrate of Wuxi County. By the Daoguang era, to avoid the naming taboo of Emperor Daoguang (whose personal name included the character Ning), the bridge was renamed Qingming Bridge. It is also referred to as “Qingming Bridge.”

Admission

Free

Location

No. 173, Jiejingqiao Lane, Nanchang Street, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units