Bao Dai Bridge, also known as Changqiao, is celebrated as one of the top ten famous bridges in China, alongside Zhaozhou Bridge and Lugou Bridge. During the Yuanhe period of the Tang Dynasty, Suzhou’s governor, Wang Zhong Shu, sold his personal precious belt to fund the construction of this bridge. Local gentry, deeply moved by his action, generously contributed to the cause, enabling the bridge to be built. In honor of Wang’s selfless act of donating his belt for the bridge’s construction, it was named Bao Dai Bridge. The current Bao Dai Bridge was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty’s Zhengtong period. Originally, there were pairs of stone lions at both the north and south ends of the bridge. The pair at the north end still stands, while the pair at the south end has sunk into the river. The bridge is open all year round, accessible 24 hours a day.
Bao Dai Bridge – A Prominent Chinese Historical Bridge
Bao Dai Bridge, also known as Changqiao, is celebrated as one of the top ten famous bridges in China, alongside […]
