Phoenix Bridge

Phoenix Bridge

Phoenix Bridge [Jinqiao Neighborhood Committee, Tangquan Subdistrict, Pukou District, west of Huiji Road · Ming Dynasty · District-level Cultural Relics Protection Unit] is located on the west side of Huiji Road, with one-third of its structure beneath the road. According to the Jiangpu County Annals cited in Jiangpu Port Chronicles, “Phoenix Bridge is situated forty li north of the county seat, north of Tangquan Town.” The bridge has a total length of 15.4 meters, a width of 2.6 meters, and a single arch span of 5 meters. The construction technique of the bridge is highly sophisticated—its body is built with horizontally stacked blue bricks and bonded with lime mortar, while the sides of the arch are joined using specially crafted red sandstone edges. The joints atop the arch are reinforced with wedge-shaped stone blocks facing upward. At first glance, it may seem precarious, but it is actually very sturdy. This craftsmanship became rare after the mid-Ming Dynasty, and although hundreds of years have passed, the bridge has largely retained its original appearance. Currently, the bridge’s railings are missing, and the deck is not original. Bricks on the bridge bear the inscription “Phoenix Bridge,” which are likely from the original construction, as well as bricks marked “Taiping Bridge,” which were probably moved from another bridge later on. Historical records do not document the exact construction date of the bridge, but it cannot be later than the mid-Ming Dynasty. The bridge is not located on a major transportation route and was likely built as an ornamental feature in scenic areas, residences, or villas. It was designated as a county-level cultural relics protection unit in 1983 and a district-level cultural relics protection unit in 2002.