Fushi Bridge

Fushi Bridge

Fushi Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou City.

Located in Group 28, Qingyun Village, Taoyuan Town, Wujiang District, spanning Shenhuang Yang.

The original construction date is unknown. It was rebuilt in the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924). (The bridge plaque is inscribed with the characters “Jiazi” and “Repaired by Local Residents.”) This is a five-span beam-type stone bridge oriented from north to south. It has a total length of 31.4 meters, a width of 2.1 meters, and a span of 20.04 meters. The central span is 6.05 meters, and the height of the central span is 3.6 meters. There are four sets of pier columns, with the central ones made of granite, and the side ones made of Wukang stone. The revetment walls are primarily built with bluestone, along with some granite. The coping stones on both sides of the bridge deck are granite, those in the middle are Wukang stone, and the rest are granite, reflecting the bridge’s history of repairs through the dynasties. (In the regions south of the Yangtze River, Wukang stone—also known as purple stone—was commonly used for bridge construction during the Song and Yuan dynasties, bluestone during the Ming dynasty, and granite during the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China period.)

There are two interpretations of the name “Fushi Bridge.” One refers to “a happy event.” As stated in Xunzi · Zhongni: “When a blessing arrives, respond with harmony and reason; when a disaster arrives, respond with composure and reason.” The other refers to “rituals for seeking blessings such as fasting and prayers,” as recorded in the History of Ming · Biographies of Imperial Consorts I · Empress Xiaocigao of Emperor Taizu: “When the Empress was attending the Emperor at a banquet, she did not partake in wine or meat. When the Emperor asked why, she replied: ‘I am performing a blessing ritual for Master Song.’” Regardless of which interpretation is taken, both express the local people’s longing for a happy life.

Source: Wujiang Archives Bureau

Qingyun Village: Qingyun Village is located 8 kilometers northwest of Taoyuan Town. … Qingyun Village detailed information++