Gusu Pu’an Bridge

Gusu Pu’an Bridge

Gusu Pu’an Bridge is a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Pu’an Bridge is located on Shangtang Street outside Changmen in Suzhou, spanning the branch of Shangtang River known as Yadanqiao Bang. It is a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Built in the 14th year of the Hongzhi reign during the Ming Dynasty (1501) and renovated in the 19th year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty, an old Jinchi Pass (also called Qinglong Pass) once stood by the bridge, together with Tieling Pass and Baihu Pass, collectively known as the “Three Passes,” which were constructed during the Ming Dynasty to defend against Japanese pirates.

This bridge features a unique structure—it is a flat stone slab bridge, 30 meters long, with a clear span of 3.5 meters and a bridge deck width of 21.2 meters, making it the widest among ancient bridges in Suzhou. A Guan Yu Temple is built on the bridge, housing a statue of the God Guan Yu. The temple occupies 83% of the bridge’s area; yet there is still a section of the bridge deck remaining in front of the temple for pedestrians and vehicles, making it a classic example of a temple integrated with a bridge. There is a saying: “Pu’an Bridge, ingeniously built, with the temple perched on the bridge, the bridge carrying the temple, and the temple gate facing the river.” On October 22, 1982, Pu’an Bridge was listed by the municipal government as part of the second batch of Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Units.