Anlan Bridge, situated in the northern part of Linghu Town in Huzhou, is a three-hole ring-shaped stone bridge. Spanning 58.5 meters in length, 4.55 meters in width, and standing at 5.7 meters in height, it features 33 steps for both ascending and descending.
The bridge’s construction was initiated in the 43rd year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1704) by the monk Songyan from Zhiyuan Temple in Linghu Town. Songyan began the project through fundraising efforts. Following his death three years later, his disciple carried on the work, also through fundraising and construction, ultimately completing the stone bridge. The bridge’s design, resembling the initial arch of a rainbow, connected Huxidun to Linghu Town, offering a more convenient and safer passage than previous ferrying methods. This led to its name ‘Anlan’, which translates to ‘calm waves’.
In the 42nd year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign (1777), local residents contributed funds to rebuild the bridge into its current stone structure. Today, it stands tall, serving as a vital water and land route in the northwest of the town. The bridge remains open all year round, accessible 24 hours a day.
