Cloud Ladder Bridge

Cloud Ladder Bridge

Cloud Ladder Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Keqiao District.

Cloud Ladder Bridge is located in Zhanglou Village, Huashe Subdistrict. Originally built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, it was renovated in the second year of the Republic of China (1913). Running from north to south, the bridge spans the Zhang? River and is a single-arch stone bridge. The bridge deck consists of five longitudinal stone beams laid side by side, with the characters “云梯” (Cloud Ladder) inscribed in intaglio on the side faces of the eastern and western beams. Additionally, the east and west sides of the bridge deck are fitted with balustrade panels and railings, with the tops of the balusters carved in the shape of inverted lotuses. On both sides of the balusters are placed drum stones, and the side face of the western balustrade panel is inscribed in intaglio with the words “Renovated through public donation in the second year of the Republic of China.” The arch ring is constructed by laying stone slabs longitudinally in parallel. The bridge abutments at both the northern and southern ends are built with stone slabs arranged in staggered courses. The approaches slope downward from the south to the west and from the north to the west in a “zigzag” pattern, each featuring three steps and two landing platforms in between. Furthermore, a memorial stele designating it as a “Cultural Relic Protection Unit of Shaoxing County” stands on the northern side of the bridge. The bridge is shaped like an “ingot,” which is why locals also call it “Ingot Bridge.” The bridge deck is 223 cm wide, the arch span is 270 cm, and the height from the base to the apex is 220 cm. With its unique shape and sturdy structure, it has long served as a major passage connecting Zhang? and the surrounding areas, providing researchers with reliable material evidence.