Taicang Stone Arch Bridges

Taicang Stone Arch Bridges

The Taicang Stone Arch Bridges are designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

The Taicang Stone Arch Bridges are located on Zhiehetang in the urban area of Taicang City, Jiangsu Province.

There are three stone arch bridges in total: Zhoujing Bridge, Zhou Bridge, and Gao Bridge. Zhoujing Bridge is situated at the East Gate. Constructed in 1330 during the Yuan Dynasty's Zhi Shun first year, it has three arches, a bridge deck nearly 5 meters wide and 17 meters long, with the central arch reaching nearly 5 meters in height. Its stone railings are exquisitely carved with floral and animal designs. Gao Bridge is located at the West Gate. It is a single-arch bridge constructed in 1334, the second year of the Yuantong era of the Yuan Dynasty. The bridge is 15 meters long and over 3 meters wide, featuring four bridge ears, with bowl flowers carved on the top surfaces and chamfered pillars beneath the ears. Zhou Bridge is located south of Fu’nanyi Street. Built in 1329, the second year of the Tianshi era of the Yuan Dynasty, it was originally named Anfu Bridge but was later renamed Zhou Bridge because its central axis faced the gate of the prefectural office. The bridge is 16 meters long and over 3 meters wide. Originally having three arches, only one remains today. The bridge deck stones feature nipple-like protrusions on their vertical and horizontal surfaces, with column bases on both sides.

In 2006, the Taicang Stone Arch Bridges were included in the sixth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level by the State Council as ancient architecture from the Yuan Dynasty.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level