Lihe Bridge

Lihe Bridge, also known as Nantang Bridge or South Guanyin Bridge, was built during the Southern Song Dynasty. It spans the Situ River on the west side of the Ancient Lotus Pond and is one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Jinxi" from the Ming Dynasty, home to the historic "Ancient Well and Wind Pavilion." Today, the weathered and time-worn Lihe Bridge stands with its riverside residences built along the water—stilted pavilion-style buildings with whitewashed walls and latticed windows that still exude an ancient charm. To the west, a row of towering, ancient camphor trees lines the riverbank, their robust foliage and fragrant aroma earning admiration from many visitors. On the east side of the bridge, under the riverside corridor shelter, rattan chairs are neatly arranged where weary travelers can take a rest, quietly listening to the soft sounds of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music drifting from boats on the river—an experience that truly brings a sense of transcending worldly concerns. Beside the bridge lies an ancient well from the Song Dynasty and a wind pavilion. The spring water is cool and clear, never drying up even in prolonged droughts. Wen Zhengming, a renowned Ming Dynasty calligrapher and painter, once wrote a poem in its praise: "Though the town may change, why not let the old well remain? Moss flowers trim the stone railings in spring. For a thousand years the pulley’s song speaks of grace—this is no mere posthouse where passersby glance."