Precious Belt Bridge stretches before us. This bridge is not in Beijing. It is actually located in Suzhou. The Precious Belt Bridge is an oft-overlooked architectural beauty.
Its name tells a tale of generosity. Wang Zhongshu was a magistrate of Suzhou. He donated his expensive belt to fund the bridge’s construction.
Imagine yourself transported back to the Tang Dynasty. It was between 806 and 820 AD. Wang Zhongshu oversaw the canal’s development. He needed to transport tributes to the capital faster. Wang’s selfless act gave the bridge its cherished name.
The Precious Belt Bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a symbol of local heritage. It has been on China’s list of national monuments since 2001.
The bridge is parallel to the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is undoubtedly one of the world’s most marvelous manmade waterways. This canal stretches more than 730 miles. That is 1,176 kilometers. It runs from Beijing to Hangzhou.
The Precious Belt Bridge spans the eastern exit of Zhantai Lake. It runs in a north-south direction. The bridge stretches an impressive 316.08 meters. The distance between the piers is 249.08 meters. The northern approach bridge is 23.20 meters. The southern approach is 43.08 meters. The bridge surface is 4.10 meters wide.
The bridge has 53 continuous holes with thin piers. It is the longest multi-hole stone bridge among existing ancient bridges in China. It is primarily built with granites. Bluestones and Wukang stones are inserted.
Gaze north of the bridge. You will see a granite tablet pavilion. It has single eaves and a hip roof. The structure is stone. It models wooden pavilions. It is a square pavilion. Its side length is 4.32 meters. The full height is 6.13 meters. The pavilion has stone railings on the south and north sides. Boat trackers and passers-by can rest there.
Observe the towers on the northern end. They are west of the rigid pier in the middle of the bridge. These towers date back to the Song Dynasty. They stand four meters high. The towers are octagonal with five stories. Each is carved from a single piece of bluestone. The carvings depict waves and dragons. Niches hold small figures of Buddha on each story.
The Precious Belt Bridge has undergone many repairs. The People’s Government of Suzhou maintained the bridge in 1956. There were four renovations from 1981 to 1992. In 2002, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage funded thorough repairs.
The bridge stands alongside modern developments. Visitors can see the adjacent park on one side. On the other is the bustling Grand Canal. There are busy arterial roads leading into the industrial park.
The piers have a unique design. Peg stakes are mounted under the bridge. Ground stones are placed on top. The bridge body sits on these ground stones. The arch ring’s lower end is embedded in a preset groove in the pier. This creates a “Flexible Pier.” Pier No. 27 is different. It was converted into two consistent piers. These are comparatively firm and of a “Rigid Pier.”
The Precious Belt Bridge is a testament to ancient engineering. Its delicate design and beautiful surroundings are stunning. It appears like a precious belt hovering over the river town.