Shijia Bridge

Shijia Bridge

Shijia Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou.

Shijia Bridge, commonly known as Stone Bridge, is located in Shiqiao Village, Beiqiao Town, Xiangcheng District, Suzhou. The bridge runs from north to south, spanning the Shijia River. Built in the first year of the Xuantong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1909), it is a single-arch granite stone bridge. Shijia Bridge has a total length of 28.7 meters, an arch height of 4.9 meters, a span diameter of 7.7 meters, and a deck width of 3.5 meters, with 24 stone steps. On the east side of the northern end of the bridge stands a flagpole stone, and both the eastern and western bridge inscriptions are well preserved. The western inscription reads: “Goose-step clouds level with rainbow waists reflecting in water; donkey rides under cold moon, horse hooves proud on frost.” The eastern inscription reads: “Red planks at sunset—no need to count poets passing by; green reeds in autumn waters—welcoming old friends arriving together.” The east and west railings at the top of the bridge are a pair of long stone benches, rare in design, providing a place for people to rest. At the northern end of the bridge, there is a land god shrine, inside which the original door pillow stone remains.

In July 1997, Shijia Bridge was designated as a cultural relic protection unit of Wu County. It is now classified as a cultural relic protection unit of Suzhou due to administrative division adjustments.