Xiucheng Bridge

Xiucheng Bridge

Xiucheng Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiaxing City.

Xiucheng Bridge is located to the south of Lüxihui in Xiuchengqiao Community, Jiefang Subdistrict, Nanhu District, Jiaxing City. According to *Bamboo Grove and Weir Chronicles*, the bridge was first built in the first year of the Jingtai era of the Ming Dynasty (1450), and it got its name because it stands near the city wall and spans the Xiu River. The bridge runs from north to south and is a single-arch stone bridge with railings. It has a total length of 36.5 meters, a width of 3.71 meters, an arch span of approximately 11.36 meters, and a height of about 5.5 meters. There are 27 steps on the southern approach and 35 steps on the northern approach. The arch ring is constructed using longitudinal jointing of stone slabs in sections. The facing wall is built with staggered joints in a flat pattern. Seven bridge railing pillars remain, including three square pillars at the top of the bridge that are plain and undecorated, and four circular pillars beside the northern and southern slopes that feature lotus bud capitals. The east and west sides of the bridge are inscribed with “Reconstructed Xiucheng Bridge.” The railing slabs at the top are carved with floral patterns. The western side of the bridge features a couplet inscribed with “The imperial way flourishes, bringing prosperity through water management and crossing aid; the emperor’s foundation is solid, delighting the people with a convenient bridge.” The upper part of the couplet on the eastern side has been eroded and is no longer legible, but the lower part reads “Gazing across the moat, this is known as the splendid view of Xiucheng.” Xiucheng Bridge is one of the few remaining stone arch bridges in downtown Jiaxing. With its long history and elegant design, it is situated in what was once the city’s earliest commercial center, giving it significant historical and artistic value. In 1981, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural relic protection unit of Jiaxing.

Source: Jiaxing Cultural Relics Protection Office

Xiucheng Bridge Community: Xiucheng Bridge is located to the south of Lüxihui. It was first built in the first year of the Jingtai era of the Ming Dynasty (1450) and is named for being near the city wall and spanning the Xiu River. … More details about Xiucheng Bridge Community ++