Jinqing Bridge

Jinqing Bridge

Jinqing Bridge is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Jinqing Bridge

Year built: Qing Dynasty

Jinqing Bridge is located in Chengnan Village, Xinhe Town. Also known as "Siquan Bridge." Constructed in the early years of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty. It is a five-arch stone bridge that spans the Jinqing River. The bridge is 64 meters long, 4.6 meters wide, and 12 meters high, with the central arch having a clear span of 10.01 meters. The arches are built using the method of vertical jointing with segmented and parallel courses. The bridge deck atop each arch forms a flat platform, and these platforms are connected by ten sloping stone steps. Overall, the bridge has a winding appearance. Stone balusters and railings are installed along both sides of the bridge. There are a total of 108 balusters, with their tops carved into round sculptures of lions, lotus flowers, and lotus seed pods. At both ends of the bridge are pavilions with pyramidal roofs.

The bridge deck is paved with unique craftsmanship: each arch crown forms a platform, and the platforms are connected by ten sloping stone steps. There are 108 stone pillars on both sides of the bridge, with their tops carved into stone lions, lotus flowers, and lotus seed pods. The railings are adorned with bas-relief floral patterns, all exquisitely crafted.

Thirty years ago, this place was quite bustling. Middle-aged people today can still vividly recall the lively scenes of Siquanqiao Street from their childhood: crowds shoulder to shoulder, an abundance of goods, and amid the roaring sounds of boats, people, and clattering objects, the warm aromas of rice cakes, dishes, and snacks wafted from small stalls and shops...

With changes in the city's development pattern, the hub of prosperity shifted elsewhere.

Today, Siquan Bridge remains a symbol of Xinhe culture. To inherit and elevate the deep-rooted culture, at the bridgehead pavilion near the bridge, one can often see a group of cultural enthusiasts gathering regularly to discuss literature and books. This activity has a special name: the Xinhe Town Bridgehead Pavilion Reading Club.

The Bridgehead Pavilion Reading Club was established on May 23, 2013, by Xinhe Town and is organized by the town’s Federation of Literary and Art Circles. It serves as a regular gathering platform for local literati and literature enthusiasts. Writers and literary figures from Xinhe, such as Wu Maoyun, Lin Chongzeng, Li Xiaoxian, and Wang Yuyou, gave the first lectures here, discussing the history, culture, and characteristics of Xinhe. Topics included “People from Wenling in Chinese Literary History – Dai Fugu,” “Interpreting Xinhe,” “Xinhe Dialect,” and “Lantern Riddles.” Wu Maoyun’s lecture on Dai Fugu introduced the life and works of Dai Fugu, revealing many little-known stories. To date, the club has held eight sessions. In the future, it will organize more activities that blend culture with modern trends.

On October 7, 2019, Jinqing Bridge was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Source: Zhejiang Cultural Relics Website

Chengnan Village: Located in the central part of Xinhe Town, Chengnan Village covers a total area of 0.5 square kilometers, with a total cultivated land area of 193 mu. It administers seven villager groups, with a registered population of 395 households and 1,106 people, including 128 non-native residents. The village has a two-committee team of 10 members, 51 Party members, 34 villager representatives, 3 members of the Village Supervision Committee, and 3 members of the Elderly Committee. There are 27 enterprises and 25 privately rented houses in the village. The annual collective income of the village economy is 700,000 yuan. In 2015, the per capita income of farmers reached 14,322 yuan. There are 5 low-income households and 2 borderline low-income households in the village. In recent years, it has successively won awards including... [Detailed information about Chengnan Village++]

Further reading:

· Fourth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units