Guanqiao Bridge

Guanqiao Bridge

Guanqiao Bridge is a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Guanqiao Bridge, located on Xiangcheng Old Street in Yangcheng Lake Town, Xiangcheng District, Suzhou, was first built in the second year of the Xianchun era of the Song Dynasty (1266), boasting a history of over 800 years. It was constructed at the same time as the Lingying Taoist Temple at the bridge’s foot during the Song Dynasty. Originally named “Tongxian Bridge,” it was renamed Guanqiao Bridge during the Tianyou era of the Yuan Dynasty.

In the 16th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1890), local resident Zhang Yuting renovated Guanqiao Bridge, preserving its Yuan Dynasty architectural style. It remains a single-arch stone bridge oriented from north to south, constructed with a mix of bluestone, granite, and Wukang stone. The bridge is 28.7 meters long, 3.85 meters wide, and 3.95 meters high, with an arch span of 5.9 meters and an arch rib height of 3.95 meters.

On July 28, 1997, Guanqiao Bridge was designated as a Wu County Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the municipal government. It is now listed as a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit due to changes in administrative divisions.