Xitang Huanshuixiao (Huanshuixiao Bridge)

Xitang Huanshuixiao (Huanshuixiao Bridge)

Constructed in 1581 (the ninth year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty), Huanshuixiao Bridge crosses the former polders of Xiaotong and Beicui, and is the earliest high bridge in Xitang Town. It is said that on clear days, one could look north to the green mountains by Taihu Lake while standing atop the bridge.

The bridge collapsed suddenly in 1944 with a loud bang that could be heard for miles, resulting in the deaths of seven people. A wooden bridge was later constructed, which was replaced by a single-arch cement bridge after the liberation. In 1997, the current stone-arched stepped bridge was rebuilt. It is the essential bridge to pass over when traveling from the Long Corridor to Shipi Lane.

There is a couplet here: "Boats glide through the emerald ring; pedestrians tread the rainbow band," describing the two ways of crossing the bridge. Boating is “gliding through the emerald ring,” while walking is “treading the rainbow band.” This couplet is adapted from the one found on Hebei’s Zhaozhou Bridge: “Waters flow out through the emerald ring; people walk atop the dragon’s back.”

Address: Within Xitang Ancient Town, Jiashan County, Jiaxing City

Type: Bridge

Recommended visiting time: About 5 minutes

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

No separate admission fee. Included in the Xitang scenic area ticket.

Xitang Town: Xitang, anciently known as Xietang, became a town during the Ming Dynasty, bordering Yong’an and Qianshan townships. Initially named Xietang, it was later called Xitang. Legend says that during the Spring and Autumn period, Wu Zixu stationed troops here and dug the Wuzitang canal to improve water management, diverting water from Xushan Mountain directly into the region—hence it is also called Xutang. Xitang Town is located in the northern part of Jiashan County, at the junction of Jiangsu, Shanghai, and Zhejiang provinces, enjoying a superior geographical position, hence known as the “Corner of Wu and Yue.” It lies 90 km east of Shanghai, 110 km west of Hangzhou, 85 km north of Suzhou, and 9 km south of Jiashan County’s urban center. The town’s central location is at 120°53′ east longitude and 30°56′ north latitude. With both waterway and land transport… Detailed information about Xitang Town++