Zhejiang Haining Hongqiao Bridge

Hongqiao Bridge is the only ancient bridge that spans both banks of the Haining section of the Grand Canal. It was first built in the late Tang Dynasty, and the current bridge was rebuilt in the first year of the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty. Hongqiao Bridge is a single-arch stone bridge. The bridge is 30.7 meters long, 4.2 meters wide, with a clear span of 12.5 meters, and an arch height of 5.7 meters. There are stone steps on the north and south sides, and long stone railings on both sides of the bridge deck, with eight square balusters in between, and drum stones at the ends of the railings. The balusters are carved with twining flowers and plants, and the tops of the columns were originally decorated with stone lions, which have now been destroyed. The middle railing of the bridge is inscribed with the seal script "Rebuilt in the first year of the Xianfeng period" and "Hongqiao Bridge", and there are vivid reliefs of ancient characters and stories on both sides. It is a key cultural relic protection unit in Haining City.