Wujin Bridge

Wujin Bridge

Wujin Bridge

Spanning the Hongzi and Qizi polders, the bridge features an arched, single-span design and is built from bluestone and granite. It has a total length of 13.4 meters, a sagitta height of 2.4 meters, a central width of 2.15 meters, and an approach width of 3.25 meters. Originally constructed in the first year of the Ming Dynasty’s Tianshun era (1457), it was rebuilt through public fundraising in the fifty-fifth year of the Qing Kangxi era (1716) and reconstructed in the thirty-third year of the Qianlong era (1768), with further public repairs made in the sixteenth year of the Jiaqing era (1811). Located in Jiuli Village, nine li northwest of the town, it served as the mandatory passage into Tongli from Suzhou and is also a major entrance to the ancient town of Tongli. When a small contingent of Taiping troops entered Tongli, they caused no harm, and the local residents repaired the bridge overnight to welcome the main army. They even carved a “Horseback Good News” stone relief in the center of the bridge deck to wish the Taiping forces an auspicious start and swift victory. The bridge eventually collapsed due to years of neglect. In 1999, the Tongli Town Government funded its relocation to its current site within the ancient town area.