Tie Ling Pass

Tie Ling Pass

Tie Ling Pass is a protected cultural heritage site of Jiangsu Province.

Suzhou’s Tie Ling Pass

Tie Ling Pass, also known as Fengqiao Watchtower, was constructed in the 36th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1557 AD) by provincial governor and imperial censor Shang Weichi to defend against Japanese pirates. According to historical records, from 1554 onwards, pirates burned and looted the areas of Changmen and Fengqiao. One year later, they attacked Fengqiao through Hushu Pass. The local military and citizens fought valiantly and ultimately annihilated the invaders. To protect Suzhou city and strengthen defenses between Fengqiao and Changmen, the Fengqiao Watchtower—Tie Ling Pass—was erected.

In the same period, watchtowers were also built at Fengmen and Mudu, but those no longer exist today. As such, Tie Ling Pass is the only well-preserved anti-pirate fortress relic in Suzhou. On the early morning of April 27, 1949, the 85th and 86th divisions of the 29th Army of the People’s Liberation Army fired the first shots to liberate Suzhou City at Fengqiao. After defeating the defending enemies along the line from Fengqiao to Tie Ling Pass, they entered the city, declaring the liberation of the ancient city of Suzhou. Therefore, Fengqiao Tie Ling Pass is also an important patriotic education site in Suzhou. It is now a provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit.

The pavilion atop Tie Ling Pass today was reconstructed in 1987, but the base platform below remains from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Other watchtowers built at the same time as Fengqiao Watchtower included those at Fengmen and Mudu. The Fengmen tower has long been in ruins, and the remains of the Mudu tower were demolished in the 1950s. As a result, Tie Ling Pass is the only relatively intact anti-pirate fortress structure still preserved in Suzhou.

Tie Ling Pass is connected to Fengqiao Bridge. The bridge captures the delicate beauty of Suzhou’s water town scenery, while the tower exudes the grandeur of an ancient gateway fortress. Together, their blend of strength and grace forms a unique scenic wonder of the Jiangnan region. The Qing poet Wu Zhao wrote in his poem “Inscription on Hanshan Temple Wall”: “Dim clouds hang low over the misty waters; the scenery of Wu River is utterly charming. Outside Tie Ling Pass, smoke paints a picturesque scene; people stand on Fengqiao Bridge, counting passing boats.”

Jiangcun Bridge stands in front of Hanshan Temple, facing Fengqiao Bridge from north to south, lying side by side over Feng River. Across the river lies the once-renowned Xitang area, which once featured historic sites such as Fahua Nunnery, Listening-to-the-Bell Bridge, and Fishing Hermit’s Garden. It was a favorite spot for literati to enjoy poetry and wine.

The existing granite single-arch stone bridge was rebuilt in the 45th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1706 AD) and renovated again in the 6th year of the Tongzhi reign (1867 AD). The bridge is 38.7 meters long, 3 meters wide, and has a span of 7.4 meters. Standing on the bridge, one can clearly see the halls, towers, springs, rocks, and trees of Hanshan Temple. Walking along the opposite bank, through the arch of the bridge, the temple’s screen wall and the ancient bridge and monastery create a perfect picture.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units