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：10+ Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip from Shanghai, where you’ll explore the city’s most iconic highlights with a private guide. Discover the beauty of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping, before heading to Tiger Hill, home to the leaning Yunyan Pagoda and centuries-old legends. Visit the tranquil Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes, and end your journey with a stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming old street lined with traditional houses, boutique shops, and teahouses. With seamless private transportation and expert guidance, this journey offers an immersive cultural experience in the “Venice of the East.”
Duration：10+Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：A Shanghai to Suzhou day trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, all within easy reach of Shanghai. Begin your journey with a visit to the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscaping and tranquil atmosphere. Next, explore the iconic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate that provides a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and impressive architecture. Continue to the peaceful Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes and historical significance. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a charming waterway street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and teahouses. This day trip promises a wonderful exploration of Suzhou’s most famous landmarks.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip, where you’ll explore the city's most famous landmarks with convenient hotel or train station pickup. Begin your journey at the tranquil Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its classical landscaping and serene beauty. Next, visit Tiger Hill, home to the iconic Yunyan Pagoda and steeped in historical significance. Continue to Hanshan Temple, known for its peaceful atmosphere and ancient bell chimes. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a picturesque waterway lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and local shops. This Suzhou day trip offers an immersive experience of the city’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Experience the best of Suzhou with our Suzhou 1 day tour, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic sights. Begin your adventure at the stunning Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscape design. Continue to Hanshan Temple, a peaceful retreat famous for its ancient bell chimes. Visit the historic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate offering a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and architecture. End your day with a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and vibrant local life. This Suzhou 1 day tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and beauty, with convenient pickup from your Suzhou hotel or train station.
Duration：10+ hours
Attractions(Cities)：The Master of Nest Garden, Pingjiang Road, Zhouzhuang Water Town
Tour Style：Embark on a Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai and discover the charm of Suzhou’s classical gardens and ancient water towns. Begin your journey at The Master of Nets Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping known for its elegant pavilions and tranquil ambiance. Stroll along Pingjiang Road, a historic canal-side street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and boutique shops. Then, travel to Zhouzhuang Water Town, one of China’s most picturesque water towns, where stone bridges, ancient alleys, and serene canals create a timeless atmosphere. This Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai offers a seamless and immersive experience, with private car transport ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.
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
