24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Precious Belt Bridge, Suzhou (Baodai Bridge)
Brief Introduction of Baodai Bridge
The Precious Belt Bridge also named Baodai Bridge, which is a stone arch bridge near Suzhou. The Precious Belt Bridge is located at the intersection of the Grand Canal and Tantai Lake, about 2.5 kilometer south east of Suzhou. The Precious Belt Bridge spans 317 meters and has a width of 4.1 meters. The bridge's three central arches, among 53 in total, are constructed of fine Jingshan granite and are large enough to allow river vessels to pass underneath.
History of Belt Bridge
The grandest among all of Suzhou's bridges, however, is Baodai (Precious Belt) Bridge, which is located in the south of Suzhou, near the Grand Canal. It is a bridge with 53 underneath arches, measuring 316.8 meters long. The bridge has been listed as one of the most famous multi-arched bridges in the worldwide.
The first construction of the bridge dates back to 816, during the mid Tang dynasty, though the present structure was rebuilt in 1446, after the original had been destroyed. The bridge's name comes from the local prefect Wang Zhongshu, during its original construction in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), sold his own precious belt to help finance the building of the bridge. Seen from afar, the bridge itself looks like an exquisite jade belt floating in the water. The bridge underwent several destructions and reconstructions in the dynasties of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The present one was rebuilt in 1446 during the reign of Zhengtong of the Ming Dynasty. In the history of bridge building, few stone structures like this, with large-scale manifold arches, great length and ingenuity structure, have been found. Among all the preserved ancient bridges in present China, this is the longest multi-arched one.
John Barrow, while attached to the British Macartney Embassy in 1793, visited the Precious Belt Bridge during the diplomatic mission to China. He accurately described the bridge's length and the central arches being of greater height than the rest. In 2001, The Precious Bridge was included on the list of national monuments (resolution 5-285).
Design of Precious Belt Bridge
The construction of Baodai Bridge is particularly. Precious Belt Bridge was built with strong and elegant Jinshan granite. The length between first and last arches measures 249.5 meters. The approaching embankment at the northern end measures 23.2 meters and the southern one, 43.6 meters. It is 4.1 meters wide and the average arch span is 4.6 meters.
The bridge heaves from the 13rd arch until its utmost in the 15th, which measures as high as 7.5 meters, resembling a huge turtle backing the clouds. Originally there was a pair of stone lions on each end, but now there is only one left at the northern end.
How to get to Precious Belt Bridge
Take bus No. 103 from the railway station to the final stop, then walk 10 minutes to reach Precious Belt Bridge.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on a memorable Suzhou day trip from Shanghai, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this historic city. Begin your journey in style with business class comfort, arriving refreshed and ready to explore. Experience the serene beauty of the Lingering Garden, marvel at the ancient Panmen Gate, and find tranquility at Hanshan Temple. Stroll along the charming Shantang Street, where traditional architecture and local flavors await. This carefully curated itinerary ensures an enriching experience, combining cultural insights with exceptional service for an unforgettable day in Suzhou.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on a captivating one-day Suzhou food tour that combines the city's rich cultural heritage with its delectable culinary scene. Begin your journey at the Humble Administrator's Garden, a stunning example of classical Chinese landscape design where you can appreciate the harmony of nature and architecture. Next, explore Tiger Hill, renowned for its ancient pagoda and lush gardens, offering insights into Suzhou's storied past. Visit Hanshan Temple, a serene retreat known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings. Finally, stroll along Pingjiang Road, where traditional Suzhou architecture and vibrant street life come alive. Throughout the day, indulge in a taste of Suzhou's famous dishes, expertly selected to give you a true flavor of the city's culinary traditions. Enjoy personalized service from our expert guide, who will ensure you experience the best of Suzhou’s historic sights and food culture, making this tour a memorable journey into the heart of Suzhou.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Experience the essence of Suzhou on a captivating day tour, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage and historical charm. Begin your journey at the Lingering Garden, renowned for its elegant design and tranquil ambiance. Next, visit Hanshan Temple, a celebrated Buddhist site known for its serene atmosphere and historical significance. Continue to Panmen Gate, an ancient city wall reflecting Suzhou’s architectural prowess and historical depth. Conclude your tour with a stroll along Pingjiang Road, a picturesque area famous for its traditional architecture, charming shops, and vibrant local culture. This immersive tour provides a comprehensive view of Suzhou's architectural marvels, historical landmarks, and traditional lifestyle, offering a deep appreciation of the city's cultural richness.
Duration：6 - 8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Experience the essence of Suzhou with our curated Suzhou tours, beginning with a warm welcome at your hotel lobby. Discover the grandeur of The Humble Administrator's Garden, one of China’s premier classical gardens. Continue your exploration at Tiger Hill, famed for its leaning pagoda and serene landscapes, before savoring authentic Suzhou cuisine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the revered Hanshan Temple, known for its historical and poetic significance, and conclude your day with a stroll through Shantang Street, a charming historic area rich in local culture and traditional snacks. Enjoy a comprehensive and immersive journey through Suzhou’s rich heritage and scenic beauty.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Tongli Water Town
Tour Style：Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and rich heritage of Suzhou with this cultural and scenic exploration. This tour seamlessly combines the elegance of classical Chinese gardens with the charm of ancient water towns, providing a thorough and immersive experience of Suzhou's historical and architectural splendor. Marvel at the intricate designs of traditional gardens, each a masterpiece of landscape artistry, and wander through picturesque water towns where history comes alive amid ancient bridges and well-preserved buildings. This journey offers not only a glimpse into Suzhou's architectural achievements but also a deep connection to its cultural traditions and serene natural landscapes.
Wechat: Chinaprivatetour
24 Hours Hotline:
+86 137-3541-1378
(Your Privacy is Protected)
1 to 1 tailor-made service from our professional travel advisors for the most sophisticated
Constantly excellent reviews for attraction, hotel and service Competitive price
Local experts provide quality tours Best selected knowledgeable local guides Authentic local restaurants
7*24 hours available to create you a worry-free tour. No Hidden Fees and absolutely no pressure to buy. Secured
Copyright © 2017 Suzhouprivatetour.com All rights reserved. 浙ICP备18056007号-4
