Zhouzhuang Taiping Bridge

Zhouzhuang Taiping Bridge

Zhouzhuang Taiping Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou City.

• Vines drape from the ancient bridge, while bamboo-fenced houses stand at either end—perfect for photos.

Attraction Introduction

Built during the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing era and reconstructed in the 36th year of the Qianlong reign (1771 AD), Taiping Bridge is a single-arch stone bridge. Its structure features lotus pedestal carvings, and vines grow in the crevices of the stonework, making it highly photogenic. Japanese female painter Hashimoto Shinzen depicted Taiping Bridge in her artwork *A Day in Zhouzhuang*, which also includes a self-portrait.

Standing on Nan Shi Street opposite Taiping Bridge, you can capture the bridge at the T-junction of the North-South Market River and Hougang River, along with the waterside houses adorned with bamboo fences and potted plants—resulting in a uniquely charming photo. Tour boats passing by or through the bridge arch are also great photography subjects. Taiping Bridge is not far from Shuang Bridge, and with the right angle, you can even take a panoramic shot including both bridges.

Guide

In April 1991, Japanese female painter Hashimoto Shinzen traveled to Zhouzhuang specifically to sketch. She chose Taiping Bridge as her subject and included herself in the painting: the artwork shows a Japanese woman sitting by the waterway, sketching through the round bridge arch. Two years later, Hashimoto Shinzen returned to Zhouzhuang and gifted this oil painting, titled *A Day in Zhouzhuang*, to the people of Zhouzhuang. Since then, Taiping Bridge has become a symbol of friendship between China and Japan.

Address: Eastern end of Hougang River, Zhouzhuang Town, Kunshan City, Suzhou—connecting Chenghuangdai and Xianjiang Street (within the Zhouzhuang Ancient Town scenic area)

Type: Historic Site, Bridge, Historical Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: About 10 minutes

Phone: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: 4008282900; 0512-57211699

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Zhouzhuang Ancient Town admission.

Zhouzhuang Town: Located in the northeastern part of Kunshan, bordering Taicang and Changshu, Zhouzhuang was formed by merging the former Zhouzhuang, Xinzhen, and Luyang towns. It is designated as the northern urban center in the planning of Kunshan’s municipal government. The town covers an area of 81.56 square kilometers, with a local resident population of 43,000 and a migrant population of 60,000. It administers Xinzhen and Luyang subdistrict offices, 12 community committees, and 15 administrative villages, comprising 112 residential groups and 382 villager groups. It has been honored as a “Nationally Recognized Beautiful Environment Town,” “Jiangsu Provincial Civilized Town,” and “Suzhou Municipal Investment Attraction Pioneer...” More details about Zhouzhuang Town++