Xietang Temple of Earth and Yong’an Bridge

Xietang Temple of Earth and Yong’an Bridge

The Xietang Temple of Earth and Yong’an Bridge are protected cultural heritage sites under Jiangsu Province.

The Xietang Temple of Earth is located in Wangmu Village, the former Xietang Town, with its entrance facing north, hence it is also known as the "North-Facing Temple of Earth." About 300 meters to the west of the temple lies the vast Dushu Lake, while to its northeast stands a three-span flat stone bridge—Yong’an Bridge.

The Xietang Temple of Earth is located in Wangmu Village, Xietang Town, Suzhou, and has long served as a trade market in the eastern suburbs of Suzhou and an important water transport post between Suzhou and Songjiang. — Archaeological experts have determined, based on fragments of "Han bottles" found among pottery shards in the foundation layers, that the temple was built during the Southern Song Dynasty. With over 800 years of history, it provides new material evidence for the study of architectural evolution, artistic styles, religious practices, and folk culture in the Jiangnan region. Yong’an Bridge, rebuilt in 1443, is believed to share the same period of origin as the temple, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty. The bridge features a simple yet distinctive structure and holds significant value for the research of ancient bridge architecture in the Jiangnan area.

On October 22, 2002, the Xietang Temple of Earth and Yong’an Bridge were designated as part of the fifth batch of protected cultural heritage sites under Jiangsu Province.

Further reading:

· Fifth Batch of Protected Cultural Heritage Sites in Jiangsu Province