Baodai Bridge

Baodai Bridge

Baodai Bridge is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Baodai Bridge was built during the Yuanhe era of the Tang Dynasty (816–820). It was constructed under the supervision of Wang Zhongshu, the then prefect of Suzhou. To raise funds for the bridge’s construction, Wang Zhongshu took the lead by donating his own precious belt, from which the bridge got its name. The bridge is built from sturdy and unadorned Jinshan stone, stretching 316.8 meters in length with 53 arches, making it the longest multi-arch stone bridge among China's ancient bridges that still exist today. The Baodai Bridge we see today was rebuilt during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty. It suffered severe damage during the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty and the Anti-Japanese War due to destruction by British imperialists and Japanese invaders. After liberation, the government restored the ancient bridge according to its Ming Dynasty structure and design. Baodai Bridge not only improved transportation between the Grand Canal and Tantai Lake, but also stands out with its exquisite craftsmanship. Surrounded by green hills and clear waters, it resembles a floating silk ribbon across the water town landscape, adding to its charming beauty.

Take bus 103 from the train station to the final stop, then walk for 10 minutes. Note: Due to the construction and renovation of the train station area and the North Ring Expressway, the terminal stop of bus 103 was temporarily adjusted to Pingsi Road Temporary Terminal Station from October 28, 2005 to June 2007.

Address: Near the intersection of Dongfang Avenue and Wudong Road, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City

Type: Historic Bridge

Recommended visiting time: About 0.5 hours

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

No entrance fee.

Further reading:

· First and Second Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units