Zhongde Bridge

Zhongde Bridge

Zhongde Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

Zhongde Bridge was built in the first year of the Tian Shun era of the Ming Dynasty (1457). It is a three-arch, thin-pier, low-rise, solid-spandrel stone arch bridge, stretching east-west across Qingxi Harbor. The bridge is 31.4 meters long, 3.7 meters wide, and 5.9 meters high. The central arch has a clear span of 10.6 meters and a rise of 5.3 meters; the side arches each have a clear span of 6.7 meters and a rise of 3.3 meters.

The arch structure is built with vertically bonded, segmented, and parallel courses. The bridge’s spandrel walls are reinforced with long tie stones, and the original bridge railings are no longer present.

Zhongde Bridge is a large-scale stone arch bridge from the early Ming Dynasty and serves as an important example for the study of ancient bridge architecture.

Address: Qianqiu, Zhudun Village, Linghu Town

Zhudun Village: Zhudun Village in Linghu Town (also known as Xi’ang) is one of the birthplaces of the Shen family. Originally a branch of the Shen lineage from Yuying Stream in Wukang, the family migrated to Zhudun Village during the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Shen clan’s history.

The Changchun Academy in Zhudun was once a place where Zhu Xi lectured. During the Ming Dynasty, Shen Taihuan rose to the rank of Minister of War. The area has historically produced numerous top imperial examination scholars, including zhuangyuan (number one scholars), jinshi (advanced scholars), and juren (provincial degree holders), with 75 individuals holding official positions at various levels. It is also known as the home of five prime ministers from the Ni, Meng, He, Ge, and Xia clans, as well as historical figures such as Yan Zhenqing and Su Dongpo from the Tang and Song dynasties, Hu Zi the author of Fisherman’s Hidden Talks, Jia Shou, Fu Bi, and Fu Zhirou... More details about Zhudun Village++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Zhejiang Province