Tongli Bridges

Bridges are a vital component of the water-town. Totaling 49 in number, the stone bridges in various styles link the different sections of Tongli on seven islands created by 15 rivers and five lakes. Each bridge has a name, which usually reflects the poetic nature of the peaceful local life. Taiping (Peace) Bridge, Jili (Good Luck) Bridge and Changqing (Lasting Celebration) Bridge are the most representative among the Longli bridges. The small and exquisite Taiping Bridge was built during the reign of Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty; Changqing Bridge, also named Guangli Bridge, was originally constructed in 1470 and rebuilt by Xie Zhen in 1704; Jili is an arched bridge, on which are inscribed age-old couplets describing the beautiful picturesque views on either side. The three bridges serve the local people as auspicious symbols and they always walk over them during weddings or birthday parties. The oldest bridge in Tongli is the Siben Bridge, which was built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), while the smallest bridge is Dubu (Single Step), which is only one and a half meters in length and less than one meter in width.

Publishes at : 07-07-09 11:11

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