Wanghu Hong'en Bridge

Wanghu Hong'en Bridge

Wanghu Hong'en Bridge is a protected cultural heritage site of Jiangsu Province.

Commonly known as Huanqiao (Ring Bridge), Hong'en Bridge is located in Wanghu Village, Qidu Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It runs from east to west. According to an inscription on the bridge’s arch, it was built in the sixth year of the Chenghua era during the Ming Dynasty (1470 AD), funded by 25 local families with the surnames Huangfu and others, who collectively donated 72 taels of silver. Though over 500 years old, the bridge has largely retained its original form, with the exception of the bridge deck steps, which have been repaired in later years and partially replaced with granite. The rest of the structure is made of bluestone (bluestone was commonly used for bridge construction in the Jiangnan region during the Ming Dynasty, making it a distinctive feature of bridges from that period). The bridge is 13.3 meters long, 2.5 meters wide at the approach, and 2.24 meters wide at the top—quite small and delicate. It has a height of 3.05 meters and a span of 5.6 meters, with an arch-span ratio greater than one-half, classifying it as a steep arch that facilitates boat passage. The arch is constructed using typical Ming Dynasty techniques, with segmental voussoirs laid side by side and joined using mortise-and-tenon joints with staggered seams vertically. Horizontally, the voussoirs are connected with "iron beams" and through-stones to enhance structural integrity.

On both the north and south sides of Hong'en Bridge are two “bridge ears” (tie stones), the ends of which are carved with a peculiar “water-absorbing beast.” The beast is depicted with a wide nose, bulging eyes, a broad mouth, horns growing beside its forehead, and claws at its cheeks—its visage quite fierce and intimidating. According to the *Supplement to the Sheng'an Collection* (Sheng'an Waizhai) by Yang Shen of the Ming Dynasty, Volume 95: “It is popularly said that the dragon had nine sons, none of whom became dragons, each with their own preferences. The Gōngfù (a type of dragon son) loves water, hence it is placed on bridge pillars.” The presence of this creature on Hong'en Bridge, with its head bowed downward and gaze fixed on the river center, symbolizes the desire to keep the waters calm and prevent mischievous river spirits from causing trouble—reflecting the people’s wish to ward off evil and disasters, and to live in peace and prosperity. A closer look reveals refined craftsmanship: the upper part features incised eye outlines, with double ears carved on the sides; the broad mouth is outlined with arcs, beneath which small triangles represent teeth; the forehead is etched with curved whiskers, and the cheeks show two claws. These details add a touch of artistic beauty to the uniquely structured Hong'en Bridge.

Remarkably, the foundation of Hong'en Bridge does not use the common wooden pile foundation or multiple layers of water-disc stones. Instead, the base stone and bridge pier footings were built directly on the foundation ground. On this foundation, a layer of long bluestone slabs is laid out in a crisscross pattern, and the bridge abutments are constructed upon these stones. This method is quite rare and relates to the unique local soil conditions. The soil along the Taihu Lake area of Wujiang, including Qidu, is known as “fine silt soil,” which is granular, very fine, and compact. Hong'en Bridge takes advantage of this soil type as a natural foundation, saving on labor and materials while ensuring sturdiness—a reflection of the ingenuity of the bridge builders of the time.

In December 2011, Hong'en Bridge was designated by the provincial government as part of the seventh group of Protected Cultural Heritage Sites of Jiangsu Province.

Wanghu Village: Wanghu Village…… More information about Wanghu Village ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Protected Cultural Heritage Sites of Jiangsu Province