Wolong Bridge in Xitang

Wolong Bridge in Xitang

Wolong Bridge is located at the mouth of Shihexi River in Beizha, north of the China Wine Culture Museum. It is a single-arch stone bridge with a total length of 31.46 meters, a width of 5 meters, and a height of 5.5 meters, making it the highest bridge in the town. The east slope has 32 steps, the west slope 30, and there are an additional 9 steps at the southwest corner where the west abutment turns south.

Wolong Bridge

The arch ring of Wolong Bridge is constructed using a closely-spaced parallel method, demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship. It was completed in 1719 (the 58th year of the Kangxi reign in the Qing Dynasty).

After crossing the bridge, head south along Beizha Street to reach Yongning Bridge.

Historical Background:

According to historical records, Wolong Bridge was initially built during the Ming Dynasty, but at that time it was only a small wooden bridge. On rainy days, pedestrians would often slip and fall. Legend has it that during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, a kind-hearted bamboo craftsman surnamed Zhu lived near the bridge. One day, he witnessed a pregnant woman fall into the water and drown while crossing the bridge. Determined to build a new bridge, he shaved his head and became a monk to solicit donations. He took the monastic name Guangyuan, wore an iron chain across his shoulders, and traveled diligently for over ten years. He eventually raised more than 3,000 taels of silver and began constructing the stone bridge in the 55th year of Kangxi’s reign (1716). Unfortunately, Guangyuan fell ill from years of hard work before the bridge was completed and passed away. Ten days after his death, stone merchants delivered a batch of stones said to have been ordered by Guangyuan just five days prior. Town artisans were astonished, as they knew the monk had died ten days earlier. This story quickly spread throughout Xitang, prompting nearby residents to generously donate, and the bridge was soon completed.

During the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty, when the Taiping Army captured Jiashan County, fierce battles took place between the Taiping forces and the Qing army near Yaojiabang to the north of Xitang. Legend says that the Taiping leader, King Zhong Li Xiucheng, once commanded the battle from Wolong Bridge.

Address: Mouth of Shihexi River, Beizha, Xitang Town, Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province

Type: Bridge

Recommended visiting time: About 5 minutes

Phone: 0573-84567890

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Xitang scenic area ticket.

Xitang Town: Originally known as Xietang in ancient times, the town was established during the Ming Dynasty, straddling Yong’an and Qianshan townships. Initially named Xietang, it later became known as Xitang. Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu Zixu stationed troops here and dug the Wuzitang Canal to improve irrigation, bringing water from Xushan Mountain directly into the area—hence the alternate name Xutang. Xitang Town is located in the northern part of Jiashan County, at the junction of Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, giving it a strategically superior location referred to as the “Corner of Wu and Yue.” It lies 90 kilometers east of Shanghai, 110 kilometers west of Hangzhou, 85 kilometers north of Suzhou, and 9 kilometers south of Jiashan County. The town center is situated at 120°53′ east longitude and 30°56′ north latitude. The town boasts both waterway and land transportation... More detailed information about Xitang Town ++