Qiqiaoweng

Qiqiaoweng

Qiqiaoweng is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

In the Ming Dynasty, Qiqiaoweng was called Shangfang Bridge, but was renamed Qiqiaoweng in the Qing Dynasty. It earned its folk name due to its seven semi-circular stone arches resembling jars—hence the nickname “Seven Jar Bridges.” Built in the early Ming Dynasty, the bridge is located southeast of Nanjing and holds a strategically vital position. Spanning the Qinhuai River, it served as one of the key gateways into the city and has long been a contested military site. Especially during the more than ten years when the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom established its capital in Tianjing (present-day Nanjing), fierce battles were fought here to repel Qing troops. During the Xinhai Revolution’s campaign to reclaim Nanjing, the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Allied Forces also achieved a major victory over the Qing army at this location.

Qiqiaoweng is a renowned stone arch bridge in the Nanjing area and the largest existing brick-and-stone arched bridge. It is 99.4 meters long, 13 meters wide, and 25 meters high. The bridge body resembles a drawn bow, entirely built from stacked bluestone and granite blocks. Each stone block measures 0.65 meters in length and width, and 0.18 meters in thickness, giving the bridge a solid structure.

The central arch is the largest, with the others arranged in symmetrical pairs that gradually decrease in size. Above the arches, 15 intricately carved stone beast heads with fierce expressions are embedded along both sides of the bridge—each vividly lifelike. The six piers are shuttle-shaped, with pointed ends designed to reduce the impact of water flow on the bridge. On both sides of each pier, six more beast heads are carved, shaped like human-faced dragon heads, protruding forward. These are called “water-dividing beasts,” believed to be guardians protecting the bridge. In fact, their upward-facing heads, rising above the water surface, also serve as warnings to passing boats to avoid collision with the piers. They function as exquisite stone-carved navigation markers, featuring an ancient yet elegant, vigorous, and lively design.

Qiqiaoweng features a unique design and exquisite craftsmanship, standing as a masterpiece among ancient stone arch bridges and showcasing the remarkable achievements of Ming Dynasty bridge architecture.

Although the existing Qiqiaoweng has undergone repairs, it largely retains its original appearance. Major structural components such as the piers, arches, and the carved beast heads along the upper and lower sides of the bridge are all original Ming Dynasty relics. Having withstood 500 to 600 years of wind and rain, as well as the trials of warfare throughout various dynasties, it still stands proudly over the Qinhuai River in modern times, especially during peacetime economic development, retaining its unique charm and impressive presence.

Nanjing Qiqiaoweng Ecological Wetland Park is located in the southeastern part of Nanjing. It stretches from Shengli Village Road in the east to the downward section of Musuyuan Street in the west, and from Shiyang Road in the north to Weiqi Road in the south, covering a total area of about 1,000 acres. It is enclosed by the Qinhuai River and Yunliang River.

The park preserves the original landform, improves water networks, protects wetlands, and promotes ecological afforestation as its main approaches. This allows the 600-year-old Ming Dynasty bridge, refined sculptures, murmuring cascading pools, winding wooden boardwalks, and uniquely designed bird-watching shelters to blend seamlessly. The integration of technologies such as solar energy and sewage purification reflects modern concepts of energy conservation and environmental protection. The crisscrossing water networks, vast wetland vegetation, and occasionally startled waterfowl bring vitality and wild charm to the park.

Park Entrance Area: The entrance of the park features a symmetrical layout, with a scenic rock inscribed with “Qiqiaoweng” serving as the park’s entrance landmark.

Meijialang Comprehensive Service Area: As the reception and management center for the entire park, it covers an area of about 5,000 square meters, including an ecological parking lot and management facilities, providing visitors with a safe, comfortable, and convenient service environment.

Forest Resource Area: This area uses large expanses of interactive forest belts to restore the environmental damage caused by former residential areas, recreating the original forest landscape. Scenic footpaths weave through the lush woods, with educational display points for rare tree species set up alongside informative signage. Based on existing structures, uniquely designed forest cabins have been renovated to offer a place for rest and enjoying nature.

Wetland Leisure Experience Area: This zone uniquely narrates the stories of Nanjing, the Qinhuai River, and Qiqiaoweng. Fishing boats moored by the water evoke memories of the past. The area also reconstructs wetland forms, featuring wooden viewing platforms, waterside leisure teahouses, and observation towers, allowing visitors to engage with the wetland up close. It serves as an excellent spot to admire wetland scenery and becomes a paradise for various microorganisms, reptiles, and birds.

Ecological Science and Technology Exhibition Area: This area consists of four parts: the Ecological Science Education Center, Living Water Garden, Ecological Experience Garden, and Pristine Earthen Slope. Among them, the architectural plan of the Ecological Science Education Center resembles a larva lying on the surface of a tree...

Qiqiaoweng

Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit – Third Batch, March 1982. Qiqiaoweng, Ming Dynasty, located outside Guanghua Gate, Nanjing.

Honghua Subdistrict: Located in the southeastern part of Qinhuai District, Nanjing, Honghua Subdistrict was established in February 2001 when the town was restructured into a subdistrict. Surrounded by Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport, the subdistrict covers an area of 13 square kilometers, with an actual jurisdiction of 5.9 square kilometers. It is just 2 kilometers from the city center and adjacent to the world-famous Qinhuai Scenic Belt. It governs six villages and nine communities, with a total population of 52,000. Honghua has a long history, home to the provincial cultural relic Qiqiaoweng, built in the Ming Dynasty, and the Yinzi Mountain Ancient Cultural Site, which has unearthed Neolithic artifacts. The area has a well-connected road network and convenient transportation.

Honghua... More detailed information about Honghua Subdistrict ++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units