Baodai Bridge
宝带桥
A 53-arch, multi-span stone bridge beside the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, begun in the Tang dynasty. It stretches about 317 meters and is the longest surviving ancient multi-arch stone bridge in China.
Baodai Bridge stands in Changqiao Subdistrict of Wuzhong District, spanning the mouth of Tantai Lake and running parallel to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Construction began during the Yuanhe era of the Tang dynasty, and the surviving bridge was rebuilt in the Ming dynasty. It stretches about 317 meters, with 53 arches, making it the longest surviving multi-arch stone bridge in China. It became part of the World Heritage listing of the Grand Canal in 2014.
The low, slender bridge looks like a jade belt lying across the water, especially beautiful at sunset. Admission is free, and the nearby Tantai Lake Park is good for a stroll. Getting there by taxi or bike works well.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Wu Culture Museum
- Fengmen Hengjie Market Street
- Master of the Nets Garden
- Canglang Pavilion
- Pan Gate
- Suzhou Confucian Temple
- Soochow University (Tianci Campus)
- Suzhou Ancient Canal Night Cruise