Pingshu Bridge

Pingshu Bridge

Pingshu Bridge is a cultural heritage site protected at the municipal level in Suzhou.

Pingshu Bridge

Located in Pingshu Village, Zhangqiao, Xinzhuang Town, it is also known as Leizun Hall Bridge. Originally built in the first year of the Jiajing reign during the Ming Dynasty (1522), the current bridge was reconstructed in the 43rd year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1704) and spans the Zhangchao River. The Wanli-era "Private Chronicles of Changshu County" by Yao Zongyi states: “Pingshu Bridge is located in Pingshu, southern township, spanning the Zhangchao River.” The bridge runs east-west and is a single-arch stone bridge with vertically aligned segmented construction. Its foundation and arch are built from limestone, while the deck is constructed of granite, reflecting Ming Dynasty architectural style. The bridge has a height of 4 meters, a top width of 2.3 meters, an approach width of about 2.8 meters, and a total length of 13.1 meters. Steps are provided on both ends. The characters “Pingshu Bridge” are carved on the stone slabs along both sides of the deck. Seven stone inscriptions are embedded at the ends of the arch, documenting the details of past reconstructions. The original vertical inscribed boards on the bridge’s columns have been eroded and are no longer legible. This bridge is a rare example of a stone arch bridge in Changshu that retains Ming Dynasty architectural characteristics. It features a sturdy structure, elegant form, and high-quality materials. It was designated as a municipal cultural heritage site of Changshu in June 2009.