Yong'an Bridge in Mudu

Yong'an Bridge in Mudu

Yong'an Bridge in Mudu is a cultural heritage site protected by the Suzhou Municipal Government.

Also known as "Wangjia Bridge," Yong'an Bridge was built in the 10th year of the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty (1497) by Fu Chao. It is a single-arch stone bridge constructed from granite.

The bridge is 13.7 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, with an approach width of 2.4 meters, and stands 4.8 meters above the water. The arch is semicircular, 4.2 meters high, 0.38 meters thick, and spans 7.8 meters. The bridge runs from north to south, crossing the Xingfutang River.

Four bluestone bridge piers and eight long tie stones spanning the bridge form a rectangular-like railing hoop, thereby reinforcing the strength of the arch. Both ends of the bridge are inscribed with raised relief designs of "a lotus flower," featuring neat patterns and exquisite carving.

The stone steps include 16 on the western slope and 19 on the eastern slope. The bridge railings are 0.73 meters high and 0.18 meters thick. The top slab of the bridge deck features religious motifs, but due to years of wear from pedestrian traffic, the designs have become largely unrecognizable.

The words “Release River, Fishing Prohibited” inscribed inside the arch are still clearly visible today.